WIN: a set of hand-made knives valued at $560

A Kiwi knife-making business has expanded to become a family affair, after cutler Bryan Baker brought his two daughters on board. 

Today, Bryan's knife brand Svörd produces a range of over 100 types of knives, primarily focused on the hunting and fishing market in New Zealand, and also exporting to the US, Canada and Australia.

“My daughters are now both involved in the business," Bryan says. "Kelsey, 23, is working here in the factory and Madison, 26, has developed her own knife brand, Nuz (pronounced ‘nouge’) which is a range of eco-friendly chef’s knives.”

So, what makes a good knife? “There are a lot of knives out there that I think are quite ugly,” Bryan says. “I’ve designed thousands of knives over the years and I don’t really have a formula for it, but knife should be well-balanced and have curves so it looks good.”

The range of Svörd and Nuz knives are built to last. “We offer a lifetime warranty against breakage under normal use,” Bryan says.

“We’ll always  stick to that ethos. We’re making a product that’s not the cheapest in the market, but it’s well made and when you offer people that service for repair or refurbishment decades later, it becomes a family heirloom.”

AA Directions has a set of three knives to give away – a Nuz No. 6 Traveller knife, a 3” Svörd Peasant Knife and a 9” Svörd 950B Fish Fillet knife – valued at $560. To be in to win, enter your details using the form below. Competition closes at 11.59pm on 31 May 2023.

Explore more from AA Directions magazine while you're here: 

• Read the story about the family behind Svörd and Nuz knives
• Meet a sister duo bringing New Zealand strong wool back into the spotlight with gorgeous throws
• The Ironclad Pan Company makes cookware to last more than one lifetime