William Porto (b.1989) is a Brazilian bladesmith who creates unique, dramatic knives at an exceptional level. He achieved Journeyman Smith rating in 2025. He credits his success to years of trial and error and what he refers to as thinking in reverse: “I start with the finished knife in mind and work my way backwards, anticipating how the forged steel responds and guiding it to match my vision.” William believes what sets his work apart and makes each knife truly his own, is his intentional approach to avoid ready-made templates and heavy reliance on machines. “The work should be original, it should come from the maker’s own mind and hand," he explains. He focuses on durability, comfort, and functionality as the pillars of his craft. William believes that with these foundations in place, he can create his own unique artistic style to complete that vision. <click to read more...>
"I start with the finished knife in mind and work my way backwards, anticipating how the forged steel responds and guiding it to match my vision."
William Porto (b.1989) is a Brazilian bladesmith who creates unique, dramatic knives at an exceptional level. He achieved Journeyman Smith rating in 2025. He credits his success to years of trial and error and what he refers to as thinking in reverse: “I start with the finished knife in mind and work my way backwards, anticipating how the forged steel responds and guiding it to match my vision.” William believes what sets his work apart and makes each knife truly his own, is his intentional approach to avoid ready-made templates and heavy reliance on machines. “The work should be original, it should come from the maker’s own mind and hand," he explains. He focuses on durability, comfort, and functionality as the pillars of his craft. William believes that with these foundations in place, he can create his own unique artistic style to complete that vision.
William grew up in the small city of Pirantini, in southern Brazil, where he worked in the family grocery store. This tightknit and humble community relied on him to work as a part-time blacksmith and to provide food for his family by hunting. When Porto was eighteen, he joined the military, completing service in 2015 as a corporal. Finding he could not afford a specific knife, he began researching how to make the blade. What began as a practical project - making his first knife - soon evolved into a passion. Committing himself to creating high-end cutlery, he sold his car and house and moved back in with his parents to focus on making knives. As soon as he was able to, he bought a small property in a remote area of Pirantini, where he now lives and creates his amazing knives.
William gravitates toward creating knives using his own stunning mosaic damascus steel. He is primarily inspired by chef’s knives. His knives are meticulous in fit and finish and embody an organic flow of artistic creativity. This has earned him critical recognition. His first chef’s knife (in 2016) won the award for Best Damascus Knife at the Sorocaba Knife Show. Six months later, his second culinary blade won Best Kitchen Knife. He has received thirteen national awards in addition to the Best Damascus Knife award at the 2024 Custom Knife Awards at Blade Show West. Today, his world-class – and always functionally designed – knives incorporate precious metals, exotic handle materials, and leather sheaths. They are stunningly beautiful yet intended for daily use.
