Sakha Knife team
Nikolay Mihaylov
Blacksmith | Diamond Cutter | Metal Artist
Nikolay Mihaylov, a descendant of a long line of blacksmiths, is a multi-talented artisan who also excels in diamond cutting and polishing. He began forging metal at the age of fifteen and has since mastered the art of transforming simple sheets of metal into intricate, expressive sculptures.
Drawing inspiration from the natural world and northern indigenous traditions, Nikolay brings to life finely detailed figures of birds, Sakha horses, and Arctic reindeer. His favorite subjects—eagles and ravens—hold deep symbolic meaning as revered totemic animals in many northern cultures.
Today, his handcrafted metalworks are featured as striking decorative pieces in commercial interiors and private collections, earning him recognition as a highly sought-after contemporary metal artist.
Saryal Bilyukin
Master Blacksmith | Traditional Craftsman | Knife Maker
Saryal Bilyukin is a hereditary blacksmith dedicated to the revival and preservation of ancient metalworking traditions. With a deep respect for ancestral craftsmanship, he trains young apprentices and shares time-honored techniques passed down through generations.
Known for his unmatched attention to detail, Saryal creates one-of-a-kind, handcrafted knives that are considered true works of art. His preferred method, san-mai Damascus, combines beauty, durability, and precision—making his creations highly coveted by collectors around the world.
Saryal was honored with an invitation to appear on the internationally renowned competition series "Forged in Fire."Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, he was unable to travel to the United States to participate.
Today, Saryal continues to forge exceptional blades while nurturing the next generation of craftsmen, ensuring the spirit of traditional blacksmithing lives on.
Aleksey Lonkho
Hereditary Blacksmith | Sakha Horse Breeder | Knife Maker
Aleksey Lonkho is a hereditary blacksmith and dedicated Sakha horse breeder, deeply rooted in the traditional lifestyles of Siberia. Drawing on generations of knowledge, he crafts practical, lightweight knives designed for everyday use in the harsh northern environment.
Renowned for their reliability and convenience, Aleksey’s knives are widely used by farmers, hunters, and horse breeders throughout the region. Each blade reflects his deep understanding of rural life and his commitment to functional craftsmanship.
By bridging traditional techniques with modern needs, Aleksey continues to serve his community while honoring the legacy of his ancestors.
Ayisien Platonov
Jewelry Artist | Master Engraver | Knife Handle & Sheath Designer
Ayisien Platonov is a graduate of the College of Arts, specializing in jewelry design. With years of experience and a sharp artistic vision, he creates exceptional knife handles and sheaths that blend functionality with fine art.
Working with a diverse range of natural materials—including mammoth tusk, moose antler, birch burl, and argali horn—Ayisien transforms each piece into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. His handcrafted sheaths are expertly engraved, showcasing intricate detail and a deep appreciation for both tradition and aesthetics.
Ayisien’s work elevates the knife-making craft, turning every piece into a collectible work of art.
Sergey Petrov
Hereditary Blacksmith | Knife Maker | Outdoor Craft Specialist
Sergey Petrov is a hereditary blacksmith whose passion for the forge began in early childhood. A lifelong devotee of the smithing craft, Sergey has developed a distinctive style rooted in tradition and refined through years of hands-on experience.
Best known for his expertly crafted knives, Sergey’s work has found its way into private collections across Europe and America, admired for both their utility and artistry. His blades are especially valued by hunters, anglers, and wildlife enthusiasts, who rely on them for their durability and performance in the field.
Sergey continues to honor his heritage while meeting the demands of modern outdoor life through exceptional craftsmanship.
Alexander Danilov
Ethnographer | Master Blacksmith
Alexander is an expert in traditional ironworking techniques and a dedicated ethnographer with a passion for cultural preservation. He specializes in reviving ancient methods of refining iron from local ore, often traveling internationally to lead workshops that honor the smelting traditions of diverse cultures. His handcrafted knives are known for their authenticity and craftsmanship, and are sought after by hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.
Roman Petrov
Artist, Blacksmith | Bone Carver | Jeweller
Roman Petrov is a distinguished and original artist whose creative work spans blacksmithing, bone carving, and jewelry. A graduate of the College of Arts—where he now serves as a professor—Roman is dedicated to passing on the spirit and techniques of northern creativity to the next generation.
His work is featured in museum collections and private galleries around the world. A multi-time winner of international ice sculpture competitions, including the largest held in the People’s Republic of China, Roman is recognized for both his artistic range and cultural depth. His handmade knives reflect powerful storytelling—drawing inspiration from northern hunting tales, wildlife, and the spirit of Bayanay, the master of the hunt
Alexander Mikhaylov
Master Blacksmith | Gold Medal Winner | Metallurgy Innovator
Alexander Mikhaylov is a highly experienced and talented blacksmith, known for his exceptional craftsmanship and innovation in metalwork. A regular participant in prestigious exhibitions, he has earned a Gold Medal for the best working knife.
One of his most remarkable achievements includes the creation of a bloomery Bulat blade, refined from local iron ore, which outperformed blades made from renowned imported steels. His work combines traditional techniques with a deep understanding of metallurgy, earning him acclaim both locally and internationally.
Nikolay Petrov
Master Bone Carver | Professor | Award-Winning Artist
Nikolay Petrov is a distinguished bone carver with over 30 years of experience shaping intricate works of art from organic materials. A graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, Nikolay combines classical training with a profound respect for tradition and craftsmanship. His deep knowledge and artistic precision have earned him multiple awards at national and international contests and exhibitions.
As a professor and mentor, Nikolay is dedicated to passing on the techniques and cultural significance of bone carving to new generations of artists. His work stands at the intersection of fine art and ethnographic heritage, showcasing both technical mastery and timeless storytelling.
Andrey Vinokurov
Hereditary Blacksmith | First San-Mai Chef’s Knife Contest Winner
Forged in tradition and sharpened by innovation, Andrey Vinokurov is a master bladesmith with blacksmithing in his blood. As a hereditary blacksmith, Andrey carries forward generations of metalworking knowledge, blending ancient techniques with modern precision. He gained international recognition as the first-ever winner of the San-Mai Chef’s Knife Contest, a testament to his artistry in forging layered steel with exceptional balance and beauty.
From the anvil to the kitchen, Andrey’s work is defined by functional elegance and deep respect for craft. Whether he's refining high-performance kitchen blades or experimenting with traditional Japanese methods, his dedication to excellence makes him a standout voice in the world of artisan cutlery.
Vasiliy Popov "Baakha Uus"
Hereditary Blacksmith | Guardian of Traditional Smithing
Vasiliy Popov, known by his craft name "Baakha Uus", is a hereditary blacksmith and passionate advocate for the revival of traditional smithing techniques. Rooted in ancestral knowledge and inspired by the spirit of cultural preservation, Vasiliy hand-forges blades that carry the soul of his heritage.
His knives are prized by hunters, anglers, and collectors alike for their reliability, craftsmanship, and authenticity. Each piece reflects his deep respect for natural materials and age-old forging methods, making his work not just tools, but heirlooms.
Egor Romanov
Blacksmith | Ethnographer | Keeper of Bladesmithing Traditions
Egor Romanov is a skilled blacksmith and ethnographer, dedicated to uncovering and reviving the lost knife-making traditions of past centuries. A graduate of the College of Arts, Egor brings an academic lens to his craft, combining hands-on mastery with historical research.
Driven by a deep passion for cultural heritage, he explores the forgotten secrets of ancient bladesmithing, breathing new life into traditional forms and forging techniques. His work bridges the past and present—each knife a functional artifact, each project a step toward preserving ancestral knowledge.
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