For All the Adventures of Life
Jo Smith, Custom Bladesmith, Oklahoma Native and proud member of the Cherokee Nation, grew up in the hunting and taxidermy industry. His father, Steve Smith, as a professional Taxidermist and hunting guide, passed on a number of valuable life lessons to his son, teaching him from about 8 years old how to sharpen, use & respect a knife. Developing his intense work ethic earning his own spending money, being a “professional skinner” at that age impressed upon him the great importance of proper design in order for a knife to successfully complete the job and maintain a dependable cutting edge. “If it is not built right, it does not matter what “super steel” it is made of or what brand name it carries.” This drive and desire compelled him to pursue his degree as a Mechanical Engineer, yet the passion for knives never faded. He continued to study Bladesmithing where he has enjoyed finding mentors, fierce competitors in Bladesports and friends within the knife making community.
In recent years he has garnered some national acclaim as a finalist on The History Channel’s hit show Forged in Fire: Season 3 Episode 9 airing in October 2016. He then emerged victorious in April 2018 as Champion in the debut episode of the History Channel’s spinoff cutting competition show officially titled, Forged in Fire: Knife or Death, where he was known by host & fellow native Oklahoman, Bill Goldberg, as “Big Bad Jo from Jenks, Oklahoma” , a moment ranking right up there in the highlights of life with becoming PawPaw to his two granddaughters.
Jo and his wife Chandee are among very few Bladesports competitors who compete with fully forged blades. She, being the only female who competes with a forged blade, placed 2nd in the 2018 Nationals. He believes putting our blades through the rigorous tests of competition along with his background in Mechanical Engineering has taught him a great deal about creating a blade which is not only beautiful but will perform for you whatever the task. Handcrafted tools to be used and passed down with pride for generations to come.

In May of 2019 he and his wife moved to Branson, Missouri, opening Silver Anvil Metal Craft, just off the North end of the Branson Landing. This has allowed him to not only continue making custom cutlery, including heirloom pieces, providing restoration and sharpening services, but also offer an interactive forging experience for the general public to forge a memory or take a more in depth bladesmithing class. More information on this can be found on Silver Anvil Metal Craft’s FB page @FORGEBRANSON or by visiting them at the shop.

 



If you have a style or custom knife you want we are very happy to build it or give you a quote. So please don't be afraid to ask

 
And thank you again so very much for choosing use for your blade and sheath needs.

Jo & Chandee Smith
and all of the Silver Anvil Family