A Day at Flett Forge: Meeting Matty, the Scottish Bladesmith

Stepping into the Forge

There's something grounding about walking into a real workshop. The kind where every tool has earned it's place, every surface carries a story, and the smell of iron, oil and fire lingers in the air. That was the feeling when we stepped into Flett Forge, tucked away in the heart of Moray, to spend a day with bladesmith Matty.

I was joined by good friend, and photographer, Sian (@sian.ellenphoto) who immediately got to work capturing the sparks, the textures, the moments of quiet between hammer blows. But the day wasn't just about images, it was about the man behind the forge, and the tradition he's keeping alive.

Matty greeted us with the warmth of someone who genuinely loves what he does. Within minutes, we weren't just visitors, we were guests. He poured coffee, and began to tell stories. Not just about knives, but about history, heritage, and the role of the blade in Scottish culture. His knowledge was staggering, and the passion behind it even more so.

The craft of the Blade

At the heart of Matty's work is the sgian dubh, the traditional knife worn as part of Highland dress. Each one is forged by hand, carrying the marks of the maker. Alongside these, he crafts dirks, bespoke kitchen knives, and outdoor blades. Functional tools that feel more like heirlooms than objects.

Holding one, you immediately sense a difference. These knives are built to last. Built with intent. Built with soul. 

A workshop Alive with Tradition

Sparks flying. Steel glowing. The sound of hammer striking anvil. The forge isn't just a space, every tool lined on the walls had a history of it's own. Photographer Sian captured it beautifully. The intensity, the delicate detail, and the way Matty moves with a confidence born from years of repetition.

Why it Matters

 Matty works slowly, carefully, and with a respect for tradition. In his words and his work, the message was the same: do it properly, or not at all. 

It's a philosophy we share at Bear&Wolf. To make gear that lasts. To build goods worth handing down. 

In many ways, Matty's knives and The Cairn Overshirt come from a similar place. Both are made slowly, with intent. Both are rooted in heritage and built for function first. And both will only get better with age, picking up their own stories, scars, and memories of their owners along the way.

Neither are fast fashion or throwaway objects. They're proof that in a world chasing trends, there's still value in making things the proper way.

The Makers of Bear&Wolf

This visit to Flett Forge isn't the end of the story, it's the start of a series. One day, we hope to bring these stories together in a coffee table book: The Makers of Bear&Wolf. A collection of people like Matty, who live and breather their craft, and whose work deserves to be celebrated.

For now, this is the first chapter. If you're interested in craftsmanship, heritage, and knives forged to last a lifetime, you can explore Matty's work at flettforge.com