Jerry Johnson started making knives in the mid to late 1960's. He started by forging leaf springs using a railroad track for an anvil and a friends acetylene torch for his heat source. He had researched all major libraries within a 100 mile radius of his home to obtain information on making knives, but the only information he was able to find was from Bo Randall in Orlando FL. Bo had given Jerry the above mentioned information as well as how to do a simple heat treat.
Shortly after this period Jerry was introduced, through a new acquaintance, to the stock removal method, and the use of 440C as the steel to use. Unknown to Jerry during the majority of this time, South from where he lived was a small but upcoming contingent of knife makers including: Gil Hibben, Harvey Draper, Rod Chappel and then Buster Warenski, and Steve Johnson. However, being of a shy nature and somewhat respecting of those whose time was their income, he never became acquainted with these great makers, (only in later years did he become acquainted with a couple of them).
Jerry considers himself somewhat of a self taught knife maker and finds it interesting that he walked pretty the same path of other makers. The many techniques and procedures he developed were certainly not original . He learned this as he later talked to, and studied other makers.
Jerry is told by many that his work is good, but as all artists and artisans have to admit, he feels he has not reached the point of total satisfaction, other than he feels he provides an honest value for his work and can claim to produce collector grade knives.
Today Jerry is still using the stock removal method, and has added several steels to his collection of metals including 154 CM (his favorite), ATS 34, CPM30v, Devin Thomas Damascus etc. At present his heat treatment includes a triple temper as well as a cryogenic quench. Jerry supplies a custom leather sheath of his own make and design, often adorned with exotic leather inlay, and overlays and tooling wherever he feels it will complement the knives.
Jerry will work to a customers specs (most of the time) as well as producing one of the many designs he has created over the years. He has also made many one of a kind designs. Jerry's maximum production per year is 60-75 knives.
