Three American custom knife makers you should know. Forged doesn’t necessarily mean forged like a blacksmith would create something. Forged by American hands is a term for creating things, usually tools, with one’s hands. These three American makers have grit and artistry in one and deserve a look! Their creations are truly forged by American hands.
Meeting the Hands Forging America
I am fortunate to be in the presence of creative artists such as these three fine American bladesmiths. I met Scott Knowlton and Allen Arment (Primitive Bear Knives) at the Georgia Bushcraft event in 2023 and in 2025. However, another great knifemaker and friend, James Gibson, introduced me to Jason Lowe at Blade Show 2021.
Knowlton Knives
Knowlton Knives sits firmly in the American custom‑maker tradition: small‑batch builds, hand‑finished details, and a focus on practical field performance. Makers in this tier typically work solo, producing knives in controlled quantities to maintain quality.
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Knowlton’s reputation circulates through word‑of‑mouth, social media drops, and the broader custom‑knife community. Their work leans toward hard‑use outdoor blades—clean grinds, durable steels, and ergonomic handles built for real fieldcraft. This is the kind of shop where every knife reflects the maker’s hands, not a production line.
My Knowlton knife is their take on a Puukko with an original sheath. The high-carbon steel sports a 3 ¼-inch blade (3-inch edge) and is 7 ¼-inches overall. The paper micarta handle scales are rounded and oval-shaped for that classic Scandinavian Puukko knife essence. The super sharp, 90-degree spine will surely get your tinder ignited with a ferro rod with no problems.
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Buffalo Leather
Buffalo leather brings real toughness to knife gear while still feeling soft in the hand. Its dense grain resists abrasion and holds shape under hard use, giving sheaths a rugged, weathered look. It molds cleanly, takes dye well, and builds a bold patina instead of breaking down. The result is a durable, comfortable material that fits outdoor work and carries a blade with confidence.
Tavern Hill Forged Blades
Jason Lowe of Tavern Hill Blades has been forging and grinding knives in Jonesborough, Tennessee, for years, building a reputation for rustic simplicity paired with modern materials. His work spans hand‑forged choppers, stock‑removal EDC blades, and woods‑ready designs built to last.
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Lowe’s southern style shows in every piece: clean lines, tough steels like 80CrV2, and handle materials that balance durability with character. His craft earned him a spot as a contestant on the History Channel’s Forged in Fire, giving him national visibility. Lowe also maintains an active presence on social media, sharing builds and behind‑the‑scenes shop work.
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Hand Forged JL Tomahawk
This hawk starts with a reclaimed farrier’s rasp and a 5160 high‑carbon bit, then gets forged into a tough field tool with real presence. The wrap‑around head carries a clean, tapered eye that locks onto the handle with confidence. The head weighs 9 ounces.
Its hickory handle is torched for texture and cut to 19 inches, and users can adjust that length to suit their grip. A handmade seven‑ounce veg‑tan sheath rides in medium brown with a bold dragon‑scale pattern. The hawk weighs twenty ounces bare and 23 ounces when sheathed. This hawk chops outside its weight class!
Primitive Bear
In 2024, Papa Bear Knives rebranded itself as Primitive Bear Knives. Allen Arment, who began making knives after failing to find his ideal “grail” blade and deciding to build it himself, founded Primitive Bear Knives. The company started in 2019 and quickly grew through social media, YouTube, and consistent product drops.
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Allen specializes in practical outdoor knives: bushcraft blades, hunters, EDC patterns, and slim field designs like the Blackwater and Edisto. His work emphasizes usability, joy in craftsmanship, and setting an example for his kids. Primitive Bear maintains an active YouTube presence, regularly posting new products.
Modified American Sheepsfoot
When I met Allen in Georgia, a certain Sheepsfoot-style caught my eye. The popular Blackwater design inspired it. It has a MagnaCut Stainless Steel blade and multi-colored micarta scales. The overall length is 7 3/4 inches, with a roughly 3 ½-inch blade. Allen used 3/32-inch-thick stock, which is my favorite thickness for a knife.
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Unlike a typical Sheepsfoot blade, this one has a slight belly for greater versatility. The spine also has a sharp 90-degree angle for extra camp utility, especially for firemaking tasks. A Kydex scout carry sheath comes with the knife for durability in any weather condition.
Summary: Forged by American Hands
Check out these three American makers for your hunting, fire prep, carving, kindling splitting, and recreational hawk throwing needs. Each is an artist with years of experience and offers something different. And if they don’t have what you want, they’ll make it, showcasing tools and artistry forged by American hands!
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