Carolina Knives: The Roots of a Revival Opens

McKissick Museum is thrilled to announce the opening of Carolina Knives: The Roots of a Revival on Monday, July 19th. Showcasing over 100 examples of utilitarian and decorative knives, Carolina Knives will feature the work of makers from North and South Carolina. Since the mid-20th century, custom knifemaking has enjoyed a nationwide renaissance. Outdoor enthusiasts, people who hunt and fish, military personnel, reenactors, 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.

Carolina Knives will explore this history as well as present a wealth of blade and handle material types and styles made by accomplished contemporary custom knifemakers from the Carolinas. The exhibit also will feature select American Indian cutting tools 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.