A little about me

Hi,

My name is Manu Vander Avort, MVA for short, and I’m a craftsman in heart and soul. I’m passionate about beautiful, handmade creations. This shows in my interest for architecture, handmade tools and products, Japanese joinery, the art of bonsai, good food, … I find great joy in learning how perfection is created and thereafter striving to create it myself.

As a child, I was taught to appreciate quality and unique creations. This passion has only grown since. My mother shared her love for art and my father is an architect, so I suppose the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. My love for knives was encouraged by often looking at (and buying) knives on holidays.

In my twenties I pursued my passion by learning and gaining knowledge. I studied architecture and became a self-thought creator in other domains (cooking, fixing things). However, this didn’t leave me quite satisfied. I love to design, but my heart lies in completing the entire process myself.

My journey as a ‘real’ maker started about three years ago. After having spent a lot of time behind a computer designing and watching other people making things, I decided this is what I wanted to do. So in December of 2016 I bought some cheap equipment, a bar of steel and started making my first knife. This was the start of an amazing growth process.

Since then my knowledge and knife making skills have increased immensely. I always strive for perfection and never settle for ‘good enough'‘. I strongly believe that you can always improve and grow, so true perfection is obtained. This is what you can expect from my knives and other creations.

Never having been able to keep myself to one discipline, I started working as a carpenter a little while later. My atelier, as well, is made entirely by my father and I. I’m mostly self-thought, but in 2018 I also completed an additional course in carpentry.

Every MVA Made product is made with passion and a drive for perfection. I only use high-quality products to achieve the best end-result, but try to keep things basic and natural. A good tool - to my opinion - is perfect in its simplicity and lasts a lifetime doing what it is meant to do. What about you? If this is what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to get in contact.