The Blade Behind the Man: The Shocking Journey of Jason Knight from Dreamer to Forged in Fire Judge

Jason Knight, born on September 25, 1966, in Charleston, South Carolina, is a name synonymous with excellence in knife-making.

As an American bladesmith and television personality, he has gained recognition not only for his award-winning creations but also for his role as a judge on the popular series Forged in Fire.

His journey into the world of bladesmithing began in his childhood, influenced by his father’s storytelling and his mother’s creativity.

Growing up, Jason was captivated by the tales of adventure and fantasy that his father shared through books by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

These stories ignited a passion for medieval themes, leading him to create toy swords and knives.

His fascination with blades deepened during his teenage years, when he began crafting knives seriously while attending St. George High School.

Jason actively sought feedback from established knife makers and collectors, which helped him hone his skills.

In the early 1990s, Jason’s interest in American native culture led him to attend various powwows, where he met fellow blade creators Daniel Winkler and Karen Shook.

Their friendship would prove influential in his career.

In 1992, Winkler’s knife designs were featured in the film The Last of the Mohicans, inspiring Jason to elevate his craft further.

With the unwavering support of his family, Jason received a grinder as a teenager, which fueled his passion for knife-making.

In 2001, his grandmother funded his attendance at a two-week course at the Bill Moran School, a pivotal moment in his career.

This experience not only enhanced his skills but also led to his first significant recognition as the Best New Maker in California that same year.

Throughout the years, Jason’s dedication to his craft earned him numerous accolades.

He was recognized as Knife of the Year by the South Carolina Association of Knife Makers in 2002 and received the Best Non-Damascus Hand-Forged Prize at the Blade Show and International Cutlery Fair in 2004.

In 2006, he was awarded Best Fighter at the Arkansas Knife Makers Association Show, solidifying his reputation in the knife-making community.

Despite his success, Jason remained committed to learning and improving his craft.

He achieved a journeyman rating in 2003 and a master smith rating in 2007 from the American Bladesmith Society (ABS).

His innovative designs and mastery of curved blades and kukris set him apart in the industry.

In 2016, Jason joined the third season of Forged in Fire as a judge, stepping in for fellow master blacksmith Jay Nelson during his recovery from hand surgery.

Jason’s expertise and unique perspective contributed to the show’s dynamic, and he continued as a judge until Nelson’s return in the fourth season.

The show, which premiered in 2015, features contestants competing in three elimination rounds to create various weapons for a $10,000 prize.

Beyond his television appearances, Jason has dedicated himself to educating others about the art of knife-making.

With an estimated 30,000 hours of experience, he offers online courses through his website, Knight Forge Studio.

In these courses, he shares his creative process, from conception to delivery, advocating for craftsmanship and the importance of sharing knowledge within the community.

Jason is also active on his YouTube channel, where he promotes the idea of being a maker and encourages others to pursue creative careers.

His philosophy centers around the belief that making a difference starts with individuals sharing their knowledge and skills with others, fostering a sense of community and creativity.

In his personal life, Jason Knight is married to Shelly, who has been a steadfast supporter of his career since the early 1990s.

Together, they have two children who have inherited their father’s talent; their son Tristan is a graphic designer and bladesmith, while their daughter Tiger Lily is an avid knife maker.

The family initially lived in Harleyville, South Carolina, before relocating to Tri-Cities, Washington, in 2018.

As of mid-2020, Jason Knight’s estimated net worth exceeds $3 million, a testament to his success as a custom knife maker and his role on Forged in Fire.

With his signature long bushy beard and preference for black attire, Jason presents a tough exterior, but his passion for his craft and dedication to teaching others reveal a deeper commitment to the art of bladesmithing.

Interestingly, Jason was taught the art of blacksmithing by master bladesmith Jay Hendrickson, who played a significant role in shaping his career.

In an interview, knife maker Quentin Middleton revealed that Jason Knight served as his mentor, demonstrating the importance of passing knowledge from one generation to the next.

Throughout his career, Jason has collaborated with various brands, including Wilson Combat, to create limited-edition knives that sell out quickly due to their quality and craftsmanship.

His journey from a dreamer to a celebrated bladesmith and television personality is a testament to his dedication, creativity, and passion for the art of knife-making.

In conclusion, Jason Knight’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to craftsmanship.

From his early fascination with blades to his role as a judge on Forged in Fire, he has made a lasting impact on the world of knife-making.

As he continues to inspire others through his work and teachings, Jason Knight embodies the spirit of creativity and the importance of sharing knowledge within the community.