J. Neilson has been making knives for 20 years and is one of the best all-round bladesmiths in the world. He was recognized in 2008 when he achieved the rank of Mastersmith in the American Bladesmith Society, a title held by less than 115 people worldwide. Forging blades professionally, out of his “shop in the woods” in the endless mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, has made J. an expert in “sole authorship” blade-making, a total mastery of every element of weapon design and manufacture. His internationally recognized experience and credentials mean that no one is better suited to assess the process of edged weapon making.