William Porto

Knife maker

Prized knives

William designs and makes unique Damascus steel knives
Being a maker is his second career
He has won 13 prizes, including the Best Damascus Knife award at the 2024 Custom Knife Awards

Former army corporal William Porto left the military and became a knife maker in 2010. He gravitated toward Damascus steel, a centuries-old method known for producing strong blades with wavy, swirling patterns. Over time, William grasped its technical demands and brought an artistic eye to the craft, creating blade designs that have earned him awards in both Brazil and overseas. He credits that 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,” he says. 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.

Interview

How did your knife making journey begin?: I could not afford to purchase a specific knife model I wanted, so I researched how to make one myself. It was a tough start as I had just left the army, sold my car and house, and moved in with my family to launch my practice. As soon as I was able to, I bought a small property in a remote area, where I live and make my knives today.
Have you received any unusual requests?: A urologist asked me to make a knife with a handle made from oosik, the penile bone, traditionally used in tools by Indigenous Alaskan cultures. Using walrus oosik, I created a unique piece that brings together history and nature. It remains one of the most curious commissions I have ever taken on.
What advice do you have for new knife makers?: Focus on functionality, comfort and durability. Once these three pillars are well-established in your practice, you can start adding artistic elements. Do not just copy models off the internet. Draw your own designs, study and develop your own visual signature.
What achievements are you most proud of?: I am proud to have received 13 national awards, in addition to the Best Damascus Knife award at the 2024 Custom Knife Awards, during BLADE Show West.

William Porto is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2011