The Best American Knifemakers Working Today (Opinion)

A better title for this article might be, “My Favorite American Knifemakers”—but that’s not quite bold enough.

To get attention, you have to be a little bold.

As both a knifemaker and an artist, I have a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship, skill, and artistry that goes into creating exceptional blades.

While rankings are always subjective, I've developed my own personal favorites over the years based on their talents, innovations, and ability to merge form and function.

Really, their ability to create something bold that sets them apart.

And while I might be a little bias—living and working here in East Tennessee—I still trust my own aesthetic taste.

That said, here are my top picks for outstanding American knifemakers you should know.

Outstanding American Knifemakers You Should Know

Jason Knight, Knight Forge Studios

Brut de forge chopper handcrafted by Jason Knight

At the top of my list is Jason Knight, a true master of his craft, and a mentor to knifemakers around the world.

Trained under Master Bladesmith Jay Hendrickson, Knight received his ABS Mastersmith rating in 2007—the same year he won the B.R. Hughes Award for the best knife by a Mastersmith candidate.

Knight's knives are more than just tools - they are sculptural works of art forged from premium materials. His mastery of metal and flowing, organic lines makes each Knight knife is a masterpiece. He continually pushes boundaries with innovative designs and techniques like his pioneering work in percussive forging damascus.

Simply put, Knight is an inspiration. His YouTube Channel has helped my filework tremendously.

Burt Foster

Burt Foster exemplifies the spirit of the classic American bladesmith.

Based out of Bristol, Tennessee, Foster’s traditional forged blades exude a rugged toughness balanced with an understated elegance.

His work harkens back to the roots of knifemaking while still feeling distinctly modern. Somehow, his knives look both brand new, and 10,000 years old simultaneously.

“Somehow, his knives look both brand new, and 10,000 years old simultaneously. ”

— Brian Owens on Burt Foster

His plunges are nothing short of perfect, and his beautiful integral builds serves both aesthetic and functional purposes.

With knives named “Forged Winter Camp” and “French Spring Chef,” each knife has an intention and plan set out from the moment the forge is warm.

Foster's mastery over steel is mesmerizing to witness as he tames metal into purpose-built tools, all aptly named for their specialization.

Curtis Haaland, Freehill Blades

Hidden-tang knife from Curtin Haaland at freehillblades.com

The imagination of Curtis Haaland continually impresses me.

As the creative force behind Freehill Blades, Curtis seems able to manifest any vision he can dream up into three-dimensional form.

Making knives since he was 17 years old, Curtis is still a young knifemaker, now with years and years of deep experience.

Because I pay a lot of attention to knife handles, I cannot go without mentioning his hidden tang work. A Haaland, hidden tang bowie may well be one of my top, grail knives to own.

At Freehill, Curtis maintains superlative craftsmanship and decorum, each knife coming with a handmade leather sheath for its new owner.

Brandon Franklin, Franklin Forge

Cleaver with a spacey handle and Stone-age blade on thefranklinforge.com

You might recognize Brandon Franlklin from the hit show “Forged in Fire.” As a fellow East Tennessean, I've had the pleasure of seeing Brandon Franklin's skills firsthand.

At Franklin Forge, Brandon’s precision-machined knives balance historic craftsmanship with modern manufacturing methods. The crisp, clean lines and perfectly engineered action demonstrate an obsessive attention to detail.

But many knifemakers are detail obsessed. It’s Brandon’s creativity that really sets him apart, and no doubt History Channel’s reason for including him on season 8 of Forged in Fire.

It would be impossible to pin down the “type” of knife Brandon Franklin designs. He makes highly functional, everyday carry models, as well as five-foot swords. He can craft a superb Bowie, and make generational chef’s knife in the same week.

Whatever is coming off the line at Franklin Forge, you can be sure each piece is flawlessly constructed to be both beautiful and durable.

Justin Burton, Warcrown Forge

Themed knife from Justin Burton from warcrownforge.com

For striking, visceral blade designs, Justin Burton is in a class by himself.

His handcrafted knives at Warcrown Forge blend clean lines with raw, aggressive elements that command your attention.

Burton seems to sonically forge each shape from molten steel, imbuing them with a sense of movement and power. His expert heat treatment locks the steel into forms that look almost liquid, yet remain impossibly resilient.

Just look at the knife above.

This juxtaposition of delicate beauty and brute strength is what draws me to Burton's work—along with his ability to encapsulate a theme.

Will Manning, HeartWood Forge

Chef’s knife with custom handle by Will Manning from heartwoodforge.com

At Heartwood Forge, Will Manning specialized in “carbon steel kitchen knives using found and recycled materials.” It’s a noble endeavor, with a deep connection to the land, and some amazing results.

Manning has some of the most striking knives you’ll ever see. They mimic nature in ways that are hard to explain. He has knives like volcanoes, whitewater rapids, and Japanese maple trees.

When I think of Will manning’s knives, they’re always “in the wild,” surrounded by the environment that inspired them.

What I appreciate most about Will Manning’s work is that he uses recycled materials. I do a similar thing in my amateur way, turning old railroad spikes into bottle openers and such. But he can truly make treasure from scrap.

It’s a sight to see.

Jason Lowe, Tavern Hill Blades

“Brute-de-forge” EDC knife from Jason Lowe at tavernhillblades.com

Rounding out my favorites is Jason Lowe, a true artist when it comes to embellishment and finishing.

His Tavern Hill Blades are canvases upon which he executes exquisite decorative elements with masterful engraving, filework, and etching. Each knife is a celebration of the metalworker's craft, from the bold lines of sculpted damascus to the crisp geometric handle patterns.

Lowe has an incredible eye for transforming negative spaces into visually striking compositions.

Holding one of his pieces feels like an interactive experience with art—like something you’d walk cirlces around in a museum.

The Knifemaker’s Shortlist

At the end of the day, these are simply my own personal favorites based on the knifemaking traits I most admire - innovation, artistry, and an uncompromising pursuit of quality.

As both a knifemaker and artist, I have an immense respect for those who can elevate this ancient craft into something transcendent; something bold.

While ranking achievements is subjective, these makers have all inspired me by creating works of functional art.

They represent the pinnacle of American knifemaking in my book, and that’s why these knifemakers are worth knowing.