Niilá Omma (b. 1992) of Skellefteå, Sweden is a remarkable knifemaker working in the proud tradition of the Sámi — the Indigenous people of northern Scandinavia. Drawing on techniques passed down through generations, Niilá crafts knives that embody the heritage and spirit of his people. For the Sámi, a knife is more than a tool, it is essential for survival in the unforgiving Arctic landscape. Niilá’s work honors that legacy, combining extraordinary craftsmanship with deep cultural heritage. Each blade stands as a world-class example of inherited knowledge and timeless skill — celebrating self-reliance, resilience, and the artistry of personal expression. <click to read more...>
Niilá Omma (b. 1992) of Skellefteå, Sweden is a remarkable knifemaker working in the proud tradition of the Sámi — the Indigenous people of northern Scandinavia. Drawing on techniques passed down through generations, Niilá crafts knives that embody the heritage and spirit of his people. For the Sámi, a knife is more than a tool, it is essential for survival in the unforgiving Arctic landscape. Niilá’s work honors that legacy, combining extraordinary craftsmanship with deep cultural heritage. Each blade stands as a world-class example of inherited knowledge and timeless skill — celebrating self-reliance, resilience, and the artistry of personal expression.
Omma's life bridges both Swedish and Sámi cultures — each with a deep respect for knives and their role in everyday life. He grew up in Skellefteå, a city on the Gulf of Bothnia known for its gold-mining heritage, earning it the nickname Guldstaden (“gold town”). For much of his childhood, Niilá attended Swedish public school. He loved reading and riding his motocross bike. As he grew older, he began to spend his summers and school holidays with his Sámi grandparents, helping them tend to their reindeer herds. The Sámi traditionally herd reindeer through seasonal migrations, guiding their animals between coastal summer pastures and inland winter grazing lands across the Arctic tundra. During one of those quiet Arctic nights, in his early twenties, Niilá's grandfather introduced him to traditional Sámi knifemaking — a form of duodji (crafting). He was immediately hooked by following in the footsteps of his ancestors and having the ability to work with his hands.
The next Fall, he began an intensive two year course at Samernas Utbildningscentrum (Sami Adult Education Centre), learning woodworking and traditional crafts with reindeer antler. This vitally important institution provides vocational training and education in Sami culture, language, and nature-based livelihoods. It is a significant hub for preserving and developing Sámi identity and heritage, which was in danger of being lost to modern culture. It was common in Sámi culture to use the materials you have access to with limited waste. Since reindeer herding is a huge part of the culture, the ability to re-purpose the antler sheds was very useful for survival. Omma proudly embraces his heritage as a Sámi, representing his people to the modern world in the recent Netflix film Stolen. Based on Ann-Helén Laestadius's novel, the movie explores themes of indigenous heritage, xenophobia, and the clash between tradition and modern life within the Sámi community. His role in the movie has brought international appreciation and attention to the detail, artistry, and craftsmanship that a duodjar (artisan) like Niilá creates with their ancient tradition of knifemaking.
Today, Niilá is an emerging master of traditional Sámi techniques. His knives are beautiful, durable, and built for everyday use and bushcraft in extreme environments like the Arctic – this includes hunting, fishing, starting fires, and butchering game. He blends modern, high performing steels with durable traditional materials such as birch burl, reindeer antler, and rawhide. From sheath to handle, these knives are a link to Niilá’s ancestral traditions. From forming reindeer antler sheaths and handles to the intricate engravings that reflect his artistic skills, few people are able to pay such a respectful homage to their heritage. Niilá Omma is a rising star we are proud to have as part of the BladeGallery family!
