Carolina Knives: The Roots of a Revival

From July 19 to December 20, 2021, McKissick Museum at the University of South Carolina will present Carolina Knives: The Roots of a Revival, an exhibit showcasing over 100 examples of utilitarian and decorative knives by contemporary Carolina knifemakers. SC Humanities supported this exhibit and its associated programming with a Major Grant.

Since the mid-20th century, custom knifemaking has enjoyed a nationwide renaissance. Outdoor enthusiasts, people who hunt and fish, military personnel, and chefs have been inspired to take up making knives for their own and others’ use. The Carolinas proved to be fertile ground for a custom knifemaking revival. The South Carolina Association of Knifemakers got its start in August 1980 at the Third Annual Gun & Knife Show in Aiken. The North Carolina Knifemakers Guild was founded in June 1992.

Carolina Knives: The Roots of a Revival will explore this history as well as presenting a wealth of blade styles and types made by accomplished contemporary custom knifemakers from the Carolinas. The exhibit also will feature select examples of both manufactured and custom-made knives and blades forged outside the southeastern United States and in regions of Africa with strong blacksmithing traditions that informed the history of knives in the Carolinas prior to World War II.

In addition to the exhibit, a series of public programs will be offered over the summer and fall of 2021 featuring lectures, demonstrations, and other interactive activities, starting with an Opening Reception event on Thursday, August 5th, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the McKissick Museum.

Other planned events include:

Thursday, September 23, 6:00-7:30 pm, McCutcheon House Basement Kitchen, UofSC
Fish Deboning Demo with Nic Nichols
NC chef turned-turned-knifemaker Nic Nichols will team up with SC chef Robert Stegall-Smith to offer a fish deboning demonstration and workshop. Nic Nichols will discuss how fish is prepared and eaten in various cultural communities, while chef Stegall-Smith cooks up the deboned fish for participants to sample. To register for the hands-on workshop, call 803-777-7251 or reserve your spot online: https://carolinaknivesfishdemo.eventbrite.com. Up to 15 participants can register to join in a hands-on workshop on how to debone and prepare fresh fish. Can’t make the in-person workshop? Join us from the comfort of your home as we live-stream this deboning demonstration on McKissick Museum’s Facebook page.

Saturday, October 2, 11am-3pm at McKissick Museum
Carolina Knives: Meet the Makers
Bladesmiths featured in Carolina Knives: The Roots of a Revival will gather throughout the day to talk with visitors about the contemporary custom knifemaking movement. South Carolina’s Bobby Branton and North Carolina’s Andy Sharpe will be in attendance. Free & open to the public, no registration required.

Tuesday, November 9, 2021, 5:30-7pm at McKissick Museum
Cherokee Knifemakers Share Their Stories
To celebrate Native American History Month in November, McKissick Museum has invited Cherokee knifemakers Taylor Putman of North Carolina and Alabama-born KJ Jones. Self-described history nerd, Putman will share what his grandfather told him about war clubs and discuss how he came to specialize in restoring vintage hatchets. KJ will tell the story of how she came to be part of a traveling “wild west” show as a trick knife thrower. Register for your tickets online or by calling 803-777-2876.

CANCELLED – Saturday, December 11, 4-5pm, at Craft Axe Throwing, 700 Gervais Street, B2, Columbia SC
Knife Throwing with Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award Recipient Bobby Branton
Join us for a conversation about how Craft Axe Throwing got its start and how Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award recipient, knifemaker Bobby Branton of Awendaw, SC, came to knife throwing as a sport. In 2004 Mr. Branton was recognized as the “Knife Thrower of the Year” and ten years later received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the International Knife Throwers Hall of Fame. Watch Branton in action and be inspired to give axe throwing a try!

The McKissick Museum is located on the historic University of South Carolina Horseshoe at 816 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29208. It is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. For more information about Carolina Knives: The Roots of a Revival, call 803-777-2876.

The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. Established in 1973, this 501(c) 3 organization is governed by a volunteer 21-member Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. It presents and/or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually.

Image:
Maker: Tim Scholl
Object Name: Medicine Man’s Knife