At Venator, we have always sought out partnerships that reflect our deepest values: craftsmanship, tradition, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Our collaboration with Johann Fanzoj, one of the world’s most revered names in bespoke firearms, is a celebration of those ideals.
For more than two centuries, the Fanzoj family has quietly crafted some of the world’s most extraordinary hunting rifles, blending heritage and modern technology into heirlooms of performance and beauty. In this special Q&A, we speak with Daniela Fanzoj, Creative Director and Vice President of the family firm, and part of the ninth generation carrying forward this legacy. She shares her insights on inspiration, tradition, and the vision behind our partnership.
The art of gunmaking in our hometown of Ferlach goes back over 500 years and is officially recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, due to the fragile knowledge and craftsmanship passed down through generations. My family has been crafting firearms since 1790, and today my brother and I continue this tradition as the ninth generation of Fanzoj gunmakers.
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There is a deep fascination in working with something that connects us so directly to human civilization, an extraordinary skill set that links us to our collective heritage. A handcrafted hunting firearm endures, it has permanence. A century from now, someone will open the case and say: Wow. Those guys back then. There is also immense creativity involved. We envision new concepts and pathways that challenge the talents of our artisans, gun and stockmakers, lockmakers, blacksmiths, engravers, goldsmiths, leatherworkers, and technical engineers. It’s a deeply collaborative art form.
What sets us apart is a continuous mindset of exploration, an innate curiosity, a desire to create harmony and timeless aesthetics, and the drive to outperform ourselves with every project. Our bolt-action rifles, single shots, and shotguns are not just tools, they are refined expressions of sophisticated engineering and material innovation.
At the same time, our Majesty of Nature projects aim to transcend traditional ornamentation. These pieces explore powerful symbolic themes, life and death, predator and prey, expressed with an opulence that only rare craftsmanship can provide. They are the result of many hands, many minds. The energy in these pieces is tangible.
This is central to our philosophy. We are the only luxury gunmaking firm actively striving to synthesize past and present, fascinating people around the world by combining classical craftsmanship and high aesthetics with cutting-edge material technology. Traditional skills allow us to envision and prototype truly bespoke solutions. At the same time, modern innovations help us deliver outstanding performance and precision. The result is a unique creative approach, one that fosters extreme individualization and perfection at every level.
We see ourselves as caretakers of endangered crafts, engraving, goldsmithing, leatherwork, using our rifles as canvases to preserve and elevate these disciplines. Luxury, to us, isn’t just revival or replication. It’s about creation. Today’s clients don’t want a copy of something made 150 years ago, they want to co-create something personal, meaningful, and unique.
That is the true luxury.
It’s a rare opportunity to unite two worlds, each rooted in heritage, excellence, and the pursuit of the extraordinary. At Johann Fanzoj, every rifle we create is a fusion of tradition, innovation, and uncompromising artistry. In Venator, we found a kindred spirit, one that crafts bespoke hunting experiences with the same intensity and care we apply to our work. For years, Venator had envisioned a custom bolt-action rifle, an icon worthy of pursuing the King’s animal, the stag. This vision was never just about performance. it was about legacy. A modern heirloom. A piece to be passed down. Our partnership brings that vision to life.
The stag, our shared symbol, is steeped in European mythology and royal tradition. Regal and commanding, it has long represented strength, endurance, and the raw beauty of nature. This collaboration is a tribute to that legacy. What excites us most is the synergy. The artistry of the rifle. The artistry of the hunt. Together, we are crafting a new category of luxury, where fine craftsmanship and unforgettable experience intersect. Where a rifle is not just a tool, but a reflection of one’s character, values, and heritage.
In this collaboration, we don’t just build a product. We curate legacy.
And that is truly exciting.
Keep reading our journal entries.
Brian Bailey hunted with Venator New Zealand to pursue world record Red Stags, aiming to break 1000 SCI. Over four methods of harvest – rifle, bow, crossbow, and muzzle loader – three new record stags were taken. Venator combines ethical hunting, unparalleled experiences, and sustainable practices for unforgettable adventures.
For over three decades, the Fraser family and Venator have defined record Red Stag hunting in New Zealand. From the historic 1991 pursuit guided by Duncan’s uncle to the 2023 Kings Slam, hunters have achieved world-class trophies using rifle, bow, crossbow, and muzzleloader. Our legacy of record-setting hunts reflects skill, heritage, and the pursuit of unforgettable adventures in some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Mark Peterson, founder of the Outdoor Guardian Fund and WTA, joined Venator in pursuit of the New Zealand Game Bird Grand Slam. Guided by our expert team, he completed the rare challenge across diverse landscapes and species, from pheasant to paradise shelduck. His experience reflects Venator’s passion for world-class hunting, conservation, and the pursuit of excellence in every adventure.