J. Neilson

J. Neilson has been making knives for 30 years and is one of the best all-round bladesmiths in the world. He was recognized in 2008 when he achieved the rank of Mastersmith in the American Bladesmith Society, a title held by fewer than 150 people worldwide. Forging blades professionally, out of his “shop in the woods” in the endless mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, as well as a new shop in the great state of Texas, has made J. an expert in “sole authorship” blade-making, a total mastery of every element of weapon design and manufacture. His internationally recognized experience and credentials mean that no one is better suited to assess the process of edged weapon making.

Knife Making

All aspects of the knife making are done by me, using both forging and stock removal methods, including on site heat treating and both laminate and canister damascus making. I offer fixed blade knives, mostly bowies, daggers, hunter/skinner styles, everyday carry and historic replicas as well as the occasional tomahawk and sword.

As a firm believer that a knife and sheath should come as a set and complement each other, each fixed blade knife comes with a custom fitted sheath. The leather work is done by some of the best traditional and primitive style leather crafters in the USA, using a variety of leathers, both domestic and exotic. Each sheath is designed for each individual knife using custom carving, tooling, inlays, etc. Together they create an equally beautiful and functional piece. I regularly offer pieces for purchase, for information sign up here to be notified when they become available. They will be posted here on the website and are first come first served. I rarely keep any in stock and I am not currently taking custom orders. However, I can refer you to several amazing makers that do custom orders if that is something you require.

Come Meet J.

Internationally recognized ABS Master Smith and Forged in Fire Judge J. Neilson will be heading to a show near you soon.

While most people recognize him as the
judge who breaks things on the popular History Channel competition show, Neilson is passionate about sharing his knowledge and enjoys contributing to the knife making community. J. regularly attends knife shows, events and “hammer-ins”. Activities vary from judging, exhibitions, testing, meet and greet, Q&A about the show or knifemaking, and educational demos with his apprentice Shelley Jack of Gypsy Soul Knives.

Keep an eye out for classes as well.
We have plans to start offering more educational opportunities.

If you have an event you would like to
have J attend please reach out to Shelley for availability and details at
gypsy_soul_knives@gmail.com

Where to See Him Next
  • Matt Duncan

    "Never pass up a chance to learn more about the craft, especially from someone like J. Neilson. I have learned so much about the right way to do things, I have all of his dvd's and find myself going back to them again and again, they have completely changed the way I make my knives."

  • Daniel Vandomme 

    "If you like the quality and craftsmanship of a renowned craftsman and being able to see him in action then do not hesitate to do it because a knife of good quality, he knows all the wires of the blade."

  • Chris Gregory

    "I purchased three of his DVD’s, emailed J and have watched his instructional videos on Facebook. All of which have been extremely helpful in learning how to forge, grind and fit and finish my own knives. He doesn’t lie when he says he likes to streamline things in the process while producing high quality blades."

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