"I have visited your site and found the work to be very creative and clearly imparts more sensations than that of form alone."
Adone Engraving
"I have always wanted to learn the craft of knife making and Johns' class was exactly what I was looking for. John Jensen has complete command of this subject, and his attention to detail is exquisite. You can see the blood, sweat, and tears in each of his creations. I learned so much in a brief period of time we touched on so many different processes and utilizations of materials. He has inspired me to continue create knives and I look forward to his next class."
Matt Ashton
"You are an amazing artist. Your knives are a testament to your great craftmanship and art. Your sculpture is very moving. Wishing much continued success!"
W. Taft Atkins, Designer
"Seldom have I ever become speechless looking at a website. Yours is the exception to that rule. Your work is so fantastically exquisite, I am at a loss for words worthy enough to attempt to describe it. "Inferno's Vertigo" is simply put, the most outstanding piece of craftsmanship that I have ever been fortunate enough to gaze upon. Thank you for allowing me to peer inside a world I may never be a part of."
Laura Chatt, Arcania Leather
"Just wanted to say that you are an inspiration and by far the best knifemaker I have ever seen. Your work is truly something to be admired for someone like me who is just starting out."
Ryan Clark
"I am not surprised at the attention your art is receiving from the world of art. You have a distinct style that puts your knives way beyond the simple status of an art knife. You knew it all along - now you are getting the recognition due from the world outside the 'knife community'."
Dr. David Darom, author: Art and Design in Modern Custom Folding Knives, and Art and Design in Modern Custom Fixed-Blade Knives
"Your knives are of such great quality, I can only thank you for taking the time to bring them out and display them (and even let us lay our grubby hands on them!). I'll be sure to seek out you again."
David Deen
" I really enjoy your work! The surface texture of your sculptural work and the overall composition, as well as the linear imagery really speaks to me, and my work as an artist. Thank you for your contribution to visually inspire"
Michael Dillon, Atalanta, GA
"I spent a long time visiting and appreciating your website...it struck me as a high tech contemporary version of a salon gathering held in an artist's home or studio where people came to meet the artist, to see and understand his work, and to learn something about the person who is the artist. The site is amazing, in itself a work of art."
Rachel Dourec
"I think that in terms of your mastery of the various elements there is absolutely no doubt you're very close or among the best out there. I truly tip my hat to your strength and determination. I feel that your artistic soul and sincerity is refreshing and very cool. You are the 'best' cowboy. Bless you, young man. Wishing you all good. You're being watched over because of your true and good heart!"
Steve Ellis, Knife Designer, Artist
"John, wow man, your work is very cool. I have always been a fan of knives. I explored a majority of your website. Thanks for giving a breakdown of your shop. I am just trying to get into knife making and that really shed some light on the process. Great photos too."
Joe Fallon
Long Beach, CA
"I would first of all like to say that I am a big admirer of your work, and that I find your custom knives to be a refreshing change from the more traditional knife maker. I find your "Cyclops" piece in particular to be very unique in style."
Patrick W. Ferrara
"I've just been to your website, and I must say that I am in awe of the fine pieces of art.
I am somewhat of a junior collector of knives, especially the folding type. The "Virtual Velocity", "Leviathan" and "Violin Shrine" are absolutely
wonderful."
Marc Frantz
Toronto, CA
"These knives are a serious demonstration of finding an uncommon balance
between structural component and outer embellishment. This intense detail and creativity is powerful, while still giving light to some secrets of the process and core. Unlike many artist who focus on recreating what they see, John makes the imaginary real."
Ryan T. Graff, Designer
"You certainly make the term ART knives come alive with your beautiful work - those colors and shapes, wow !!"
Rolf Hatterscheid, Metalsmith
"The work you do is amazing. I can't believe I haven't seen it before, as I am always looking for artwork like yours! Rest assured, I will be keeping my eye on you!"
Russell Adam Hoad
"My God man you've reached perfection. Thank you for the privilege of seeing your work. I'm not exaggerating, it actually took my breath away. Your work is the most sensitive, well done, and awe-inspiring I have ever seen. You truly not only have a gift, but have been able to exploit it in such a positive way. I actually can't suppress my feelings, this has never happened before, and I am a bit bewildered. I have always loved knives, but more so, I have always really loved that unbelievable faith that only a few craftsmen have: To have the guts and faith in ones self, to take the risk, to bring your vision to fruition takes something very special and a ton of devotion. It's really quite obvious that you won't settle for anything less than the highest standard. Your work has something extra in it, and that is the stuff between your ears and your ribs: your brains, heart and soul."
Neal Krugman, Collector
"The knife, in all its many descended incarnations, very likely represents the oldest tool in human history. Its associations with hunting, (thus life and death and the eat or be eaten law of nature) tie the knife to the rawest, most basic, hence animal aspects of humanity. By necessity, the hunt led to a spiritual relationship with the animal kingdom.
As the most effective personal weapon for most of human history, bladed tools came to represent power and authority. It was only natural, as power and authority became less directly dependent on the blade, that knives and swords would be kept as traditional symbols, and thus could be decorated to symbolize the bearer's superiority. Through this new direction, the process of making art, humans achieve their highest echelon of evolutionary development.
Each of John Jensen's knives displays a personality that connects it to its ancient ancestors. But its materials and workmanship exemplify the highest levels of contemporary art and craft, and thus connects the full circle of the human experience."
John Langdon, Graphic Designer & Author
"Your Out Of The Box Creativity has me wanting more. I love your art."
James T. Lee
St. Louis, MO
"I found your Power Point presentation really interesting and thought provoking. If you can catch my interest, a non-knife person at heart, but interested in unique people, then you have put together a great presentation for a broad base of people interested in the beautiful and different. You are definitely at a level above most knife makers intellectually, and your approach is also very different. I love how, as an artist you have been able to follow your heart and work on what's art and beauty to you; what challenges you in terms of what's possible in the mixing of materials and working them in new ways, regardless of what the rest of the knife world says or thinks. I loved your explanations of the uniqueness of the other artists you included as well, stuff I had no idea about, and found absolutely fascinating. Thanks for educating me!"
Margareta Lindskog, MA
"I've always been fascinated with custom knives. My drafting instructor in high school was a knifesmith and got me interested in the art at a young age. I am 26 now and have not had the chance to pursue my dream of custom designing knives. Your website gives me the inspiration to not give up on my dream and to continue to pursue it. I just wanted to say thank you!"
Daniel Lucynski
Amsterdam, NY
"Your work is amazing, I have had your website in my favorites a long time. I've gone to two major shows in Reno; the Firearms Engravers Guild of America (FEGA) and the American Bladesmiths Exposition (ABS) and the regular gun and knife shows hoping to see your work or similar work in person, but nothing came close."
Marta
"Looking at and holding any of John Jensen's knives one can physically enjoy its beauty, craftsmanship, and skillful use of multiple materials. But one must look within and understand the visions involved, the techniques, versatility, and brilliance required to make these disparate materials into a stunning work of art. Jensen's knives have shapes, balance, textures and finishes that are awesome. They're a delight to behold and, for the collector, a treasure to own."
Dona Z. Meilach, author: The Contemporary Blacksmith
"I wanted to compliment first your website which I really enjoyed, and your work. I really enjoy your creativity, imagination and vision. You're truly taking the art to a new level. I have been to many knife shows and see some of the best quality work, but it begins to be a different version of the same thing. You have a different view of knife making which I really enjoy. You come from a much different background than most knife makers. You're better educated, more diverse and have taken your knives to a different level: I am tired of seeing 101 ways to do a folder with mammoth ivory scales. Some of my interests are turning towards a real appreciation of jeweler's. Your knives represent a different direction for knife making. They remind me of the era when knives and swords were for royalty and had a status of their own. Your knives and website are art, and eclectic: way more interesting than seeing "Bubba" make a Bowie for whacking at a length of rope. I mean no disrespect for that discipline, but it's just not my interest. I myself am an amateur knife maker, and recently you inspired me to make a knife unlike anything I made before; just I guess to expand my ideas. I had a total of 12 holes to tap in the tang. Of course I broke the tap in the last hole when I was hurrying. I really appreciate what you do. What a tedious process. Take apart, put together, take apart... you really have
patience and a special demeanor that it doesn't drive you nuts. I certainly can see how the hours just add up."
Robert Miller
Chicago, IL
"I think John is one of the best artists working in America today. His creations are outstanding, his craftsmanship marvelous. I always look forward to seeing his new innovations in the future."
James Morris, Collector
"I wanted to let you know that your work is persuasively realized as it is highly refined and intelligent. Your deep commitment to your life's work is readily apparent."
Dominique Nahas, Art Curator & Critic
"I am awed by your work...incredible designs, craftmanship and creativity. I have always loved knives, and felt that there is definitely a place for them as an art form. Thank you for diligently pursuing this avenue. You have an impressive educational and professional background with both your experience in jewelry techniques and knifemaking."
Margo Farrin O'Connor, Jeweler
"To me, John's work represents the next paradigm shift in the marriage between fine jewelry and creative, yet fully functional blade design. He is able to think out of the box, in order to create worlds of moving light and fluid color, reflected in the most unexpected areas of his creations."
Alan Howell Parrot, Collector
"I have always been fascinated by blades and fire. They both combine beauty, danger, and elegance, like my ideal of what a woman should be. So in this respect, your fire dance photos are a wonderful extension of what I see in your knives. As we say in Italy; Complimenti!"
Nicole Podio, Designer & Metalsmith
"Incredible tutorial! I have never seen any one person so dedicated to perfection. I am a beginning knifemaker and thoroughly enjoyed the "process" you posted on your site for the making of "Alchemy". I have an older computer (200 Mghz) with a dial-up connection, so you can imagine how long it took me to view all 112 pages of the process. I just wanted to take a minute to pass along a well-earned word of thanks and praise."
L. Powell
"John, I enjoyed looking at your knives so much, and they certainly forge new ground, way ahead of anything else I've seen. In my gallery work here I sometimes joke, 'the problem with raising a bar so high is that then you have to jump over the damn thing!' Yes, you set a very high bar, and you somehow seem to glide your work over it absolutely consistently.
Your 'Cyclops' is beyond belief. It gives me faith in the goodness of humankind that such a perfect thing can be created out of the 'stuff' of this chaotic universe. 'Synchronicity' is a favorite theme of mine, and so it is curious that the name was attached to the knife I held yesterday. There is so much order and pattern around us that we barely perceive, from the balance of atons to the shapes of galaxies. In between these we create our own little chaotic worlds and at times (at the best of times) strive towards those perfect things, which help to bring order to the seeming randomness of creation. A work such as yours, which strives to be perfect in its own unique way, is a testament that we can reach beyond what is normally possible and approach the sublime.
Finding order in chaos was a favorite theme of M.C. Escher's, and that spirit flows through his work, as does the quest for creating something of such intricacy and mystery that we are made richer by experiencing those things. Most of all I simply want to thank you not only for sharing your work, but also for your diligence and creativity in creating it. When Escher was asked what special talent he had that made his artwork possible, he replied that he was not a good mathematician and there were artists with far greater technical skill than he possessed. What he had, he believed, was an unwavering tenacity to pursue a problem and tackle its solution without regard to the time involved or the complexity of the craftsmanship involved. Quite simply, he worked unbelievably hard at it...and this, coupled with imagination and intellect, created the reality of his visions. I can sense that you share a similar devotion to your craft, and that has allowed all of us to benefit from the gifts you have created."
Jeffrey Price, M.C. Escher scholar, and Owner: Artist's Market Gallery
"Your work is absolutely magnificent, inspiring and very holy to me. One day I hope to meet you when I visit the States."
Tracy Prosalendis, Artist/Bookbinder
"Inspired! I must tell you that I really enjoyed your talk; "The Art Knife, The Passion, The Quest, The Controversy", and I hope to see you again soon. I showed your website to my boss, and he was very impressed with the level of technical detail and skill in your work. It's really wonderful to see you fighting so hard to get knives accepted by the Art world. Maybe someday I can stand in your shadow. Thanks again."
Cliff Raeder, Jewelry Technician
"Today I received the 'Masterpiece'. The quality, artistry, and imagination that you used are beyond my wildest dreams. You are one of the few artisans that has found a unique media to express yourself. When we first talked 4 months ago I sensed that the end result would be worth the wait. Now I understand how right I was. The platinum, the gold, the stones, the blade; and it's a one of a kind. During our first conversation you interviewed me. What I now realize is that Jensen Knives is not your business, it is your passion. You are an architect in Damascus and Titanium. I am the fortunate connoisseur that found you. Thank you again."
Steven A. Schwartz, Collector
"Amazing art!! In a world where people have become increasingly impersonal it was a breath of fresh air to know that not only do you read your guestbook signatures, but that you responded to mine. When I look at these knives, I see beauty and craftsmanship. My husband and I have a blade collection and your work represents everything we look for in a piece. Each one has an individuality, and evokes such emotion it is almost impossible to pick a favorite! You have truly found your artistic calling. We are hungry to know more about what you do and impatient to own something you have created!"
Ruby & Tony Spitz
Miami Beach, FL
"I am writing in regards to your spectacular and impressive artwork. I have viewed your work online and I am quite sure that the fantastic pictures still do not do any justice to seeing your artwork in real life. One thing that appealed to me was the animalistic and raw nature of some of your pieces; the distinct lines and edges of your pieces are further accented by the materials you incorporate into each individual piece."
David Swojanovski
"I have recently stumbled onto your site, I don't remember what I was originally searching for, but the 'Griffins Tongue' blade popped up on my screen. Thinking it was a very different and beautifully made painting
or drawing...I clicked to see your site.
Not only was I suprised that it was real, there were a lot more gorgeous knives to be enjoyed. I read your story of how they became, what some might consider your obsession, and it changed my own perception of a 'knife'. Thank you for sharing your history and such beautiful works of art. The thought of a Knife will never be the same for me.
Thank you for your time, and thank you...for allowing others to view your works. I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I've spent looking at the knives pictured. And the original drawings for the knives as well. It is a great contrast to see what idea you started working with, and the finished products!
I have shared your site with a couple others and they are in as much awe as I am. "
Jaevin Vandree Vryce
"I met you at the Society of North American Goldsmiths conference in St. Petersburg this past March. I really like the work that you do and I'm very interested in the materials and methods that you use. Being that I enjoyed your work so much, I would like to give a presentation on you and your work in my 20th Century History class for an assignment, (I am a student at the Savannah College of Art & Design). I really enjoyed
your presentation at SNAG, it opened up a whole new aspect of metal working for me, and gave me some new options that I had never thought about before. Thanks for being there!"
Jessica Ware
"I realize an unsolicited e-mail from a stranger can only be so meaningful, but I wanted to tell you that I am tremendously pleased to see an artist's website utterly filled with articulate discussion of both the artist's own philosophies and useful information about the various aspects of craft. Too often I see only one or the other, or at
worst, neither. While I am in awe of your skills as an artist, I also admire your professionalism, an attribute sadly lacking in so many. Thanks for being the kind of artist people can respect."
Holly Von Winckel, Artist
"When I am at a knife show walking the aisles with tired feet, weary legs, and boredom from all the sameness, and I come upon John Jensen's table, my body and mind wake up with the excitement and pleasure of viewing one of John's masterpieces."
Ed Wormser, Collector
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