Damascus Gotland Ring Knife
Blade length: 4.125″ Handle: N/A Overall: 9.875″ This knife is a special piece, a design of antiquity reborn. I forged this blade on March 5, 2015 as the snows of Winter Storm Thor were falling. I started with a billet of Damascus steel, also hand made by myself, made of 5160 and 15N20, folded 6 times to produce 128 layers of alternating chromium and nickel steels, heat treated, polished and then acid etched to reveal the pattern within the steel. This particular blade was modelled after a knife found in a Viking burial in Gotland. Not much is known about it and I based my representation on fellow smith Göran Enocksson's reproduction of the same find.
Long-time member
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Fast shipper
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
Great service
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
My name is J W Stekervetz, I’m a classic American bladesmith. I create each of my knives using hammer, anvil and the forge. While I have certain styles I’m fond of, each of my knives is unique, forged individually and never exactly duplicated. I use high carbon steels in my blades, not the often brittle stainless steels used by mass manufacturers, the results are pieces that hold their edge, offer superb performance and take on a character all their own with each use. My goal as an artist is to create modern heirlooms, timeless works that while new to this world capture the spirit of early American knives and the inspirational craftsmen that have come before me. I’m a proud member of the Pennsylvania Artists Blacksmith Association, a group dedicated to keeping the old fires burning.
On weekends throughout the year, I teach knife making classes. Weekday classes are available as well by emailing for availability.
I live in Lititz, a small town in Lancaster County Pennsylvania, with my wife Sara, my son Asher and our latest addition, our daughter Alainn. Everything I do is for my family, and while I’m proud to call myself a bladesmith, they have given me the two most important titles I’ll ever have – daddy and husband. We all thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support of my craft.
Maker Policies
Discover true craftsmanship each week
A guide to the best items from the best makers and the stories behind them.