Master Knifemaker and Mentor
John Nelson Cooper (1906–1987) was a pioneering American knifemaker whose innovative craftsmanship and mentorship significantly shaped the custom knife industry. Beginning his knife-making journey in 1924 in Tremont, Pennsylvania, Cooper transitioned from welding in Virginia shipyards to becoming a full-time knifemaker in Burbank, California, in the 1960s. There, he established Cooper Knives with his nephew George Cooper. Dissatisfied with traditional knife construction methods, Cooper developed a revolutionary technique that bonded the blade, guard, and handle into a solid unit using welding, brazing, and epoxy. This innovation earned him two U.S. patents (1967 and 1971) and set new standards for durability in knife-making.
Cooper’s influence extended beyond his own creations; he was a founding member of the Knifemakers’ Guild, alongside notable figures like A.G. Russell and Bob Loveless. He mentored several aspiring knifemakers who later became prominent in the field. Among them was Jody Samson, who began as a customer and, under Cooper’s guidance, crafted 138 knives between 1975 and 1976, each bearing the distinctive Cooper eagle stamp with “Samson” underneath. Another protégé, Vic Anselmo, was a close friend and collaborator, contributing to the legacy of Cooper’s craftsmanship. Clif Linderman, a real estate businessman, also trained under Cooper and eventually purchased Cooper Knives in 1976, continuing the tradition of excellence.
John Nelson Cooper
Cooper’s knives were not only functional tools but also works of art collected by celebrities such as John Wayne, Sammy Davis Jr., and Lee Marvin. His creations featured in films like Jeremiah Johnson and The Sacketts, further cementing his status in popular culture. Even after his retirement in 1981, Cooper continued to craft a few knives annually until his passing in 1987. His legacy endures through the knifemakers he mentored and the timeless quality of his designs, which remain highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide
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