Jerry Fisk
A lifetime of fire, steel, and stories shaped by Arkansas soil.
Jerry Fisk is an internationally acclaimed master bladesmith based in Nashville, Arkansas, whose work has helped define contemporary American knife making while honoring centuries-old blacksmithing traditions. A full-time bladesmith since 1989, Fisk is known for creating extraordinary handcrafted knives that blend artistry, history, and exceptional function. His work often incorporates Damascus steel, intricate engraving, and carefully selected natural and historical materials.
Recognized as the 17th Master Bladesmith by the American Bladesmith Society, Fisk has earned some of the field’s highest honors, including multiple Knife of the Year awards, the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Traditional Arts, and designation as a National Living Treasure. He has also been instrumental in advancing traditional craft preservation in Arkansas, helping inspire the creation of the Arkansas Living Treasure program and mentoring generations of bladesmiths through teaching and international cultural exchange.
Deeply connected to Arkansas’s rich knife-making heritage, Fisk continues to work from his shop in southwest Arkansas, creating pieces that are both functional tools and enduring works of art intended to be treasured for generations.
Festival Appearances
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