After a lifelong passion for knives of all kinds and starting out crafting handmade blades in my garage over 20 years ago, I launched Goulder Knives as a full-time business in 2011. Today, I’m fortunate to have my knives shipped to clients across the globe.
I started this company not only out of a love for creating, but also from a personal pursuit of quality. In a world where sustainability is often discussed yet so many products are built to be disposable, I’ve always been struck by how fleeting most kitchen tools are. Many knives sold in stores simply aren’t made to last, and I wanted to change that.
My goal is to craft genuine, durable tools that can be used every day, retain their quality over time, and even be passed down to the next generation.
James Goulder, Bladesmith
About
Goulder Knives is the work of New Zealand knife maker James Goulder, creating handmade chef and utility knives one at a time in his workshop. Every knife is crafted with care, precision, and a deep respect for the materials, resulting in tools designed to be used, trusted, and enjoyed for a lifetime.
What began as a passion for well-made tools has grown into a dedicated craft focused on quality over quantity. There is no mass production, no shortcuts, and no two knives are ever exactly the same. Each blade reflects hours of hands-on work and attention to detail, from forging and shaping the steel through to the final edge and finish.
“Absolutely amazing! James is a true artist and an absolute pleasure to work with in building my two knives.
He is extremely responsive, knowledgeable and walked me through the production of my knives. He is an artist at what he does. I can’t wait to add to my collections.”
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Every knife that leaves our workshop is made from start to finish by James Goulder, founder and Goulder Knives bladesmith.
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All of our knives are made in our workshop in rural South Auckland.
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Whilst we take on a number of custom commissions a year, Goulder Knives specialises in handmade chef knives and utility knives. These are designed for everyday use, offering excellent balance, comfort, and cutting performance for both home cooks and professionals.
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Every Goulder knife is completely handmade. There is no mass production, no factory process, and no two knives are exactly the same. Each piece reflects hours of individual craftsmanship.
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Steel: 12c27, 15N20, 1095 and others depending on the purpose and design of the knife. All Damascus steel is forged in-house to order.
Handles: Native NZ hardwood, dyed stabilized timber, fossilised mammoth tooth, brass, copper and much more.
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Yes. Custom knife commissions are available for clients who want something truly personal. Custom knives are designed in collaboration with the customer, allowing for input on blade style, materials, and finishing details.
Previous custom commissions include paring knives, pizza cutters, meat cleavers, brisket knives and much more.
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Yes. Goulder Knives are shipped worldwide, with clients across the globe choosing handmade New Zealand craftsmanship.
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Absolutely. Each knife is designed to be a genuine, durable tool which is made to be used daily, retain its quality over time, and even be passed down to the next generation.
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Handmade knives offer a level of care, precision, and individuality that mass-produced knives simply can’t match. A Goulder knife is shaped by hand, balanced intentionally, and built with long-term use in mind.