Meet Jeff Davidson

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jeff Davidson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jeff below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jeff with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I’d say I learned about work ethic from watching my father and grandfather in daily life. They both tried to instill the value of hard work and taking pride in everything you do. This mindset became real working on a ranch after high school. There were no “days off” on the ranch.
My Dad was always a good example of working hard to take care of his family and putting others first.
My grandfather was a jack of all trades and was always fixing something, building something and teaching me about what the project was.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My name is Jeff Davidson, I’m a Bladesmith. I strive to build quality handmade knives that are unique and will last to be passed down for generations. I’ve always love metal work of all kinds. While visiting family in Tennessee, we went to theme park where I saw a blacksmith forging as a child and I was hooked instantly! I had no idea how much this moment would mold my life. He show the crowd some knives he had forged in different stages and finished up. My head almost exploded with excitement. The idea of making your own knife from scratch was about the most incredible thing a young boy could imagine! After that that’s all I could think about!
When we arrived home all I wanted to do was try to forge a knife. I didn’t have any of the right tools. I rounded up whatever I could find in the back yard and garage to build a make shift forge. I found some charcoal, a claw hammer, a large pot and a metal pipe as began to attempt to heat the pipe hot enough for it to glow red. Needless to say this was less than a successful experiment but it let me to where I am today.
Grew up learning to build things with my Grandfather, he taught me how to weld. I quickly realized I want to spend my life making things. I started making knives in 2002 at the age of fifteen. At 18 years old I moved from Fort Worth, Texas to Riverton, Wyoming to do a knifemaking apprenticeship and work on a cattle ranch. I later got a job at a machine/fabrication shop. This would greatly impact my life again. I felt in love with metalwork and started to learn new skills that have helped me along the way more than I can express.
Now 22 years later it has been a life long dream come true. Bladesmithing is my passion! I’m still chasing the craft. I enjoy teaching others how to make knives and other forged items. I offer classes and private lessons year around at my shop just south of Fort Worth, Texas
My Brand is Jeff Davidson Custom Knives ( JDCK )
I’m proud to say I have knives all over the world with our customers including; soldiers, private security, law enforcement, hunters, outdoors enthusiasts and collectors.
In 2023 I received my Journeyman Smith certification from the American Bladesmith Society. I’m currently working in preparation for my Mastersmith certification.
I serve on the board of directors for the Texas Knifemaker’s Guild.
Please check out my website and social media.
jeffdavidsoncustomknives.com
Jeff Davidson Custom Knives on all social platforms.
I’ve always love the outdoors, I enjoy hunting, fishing and exploring new places. I’m an Eagle Scout and former Wilderness Survival Instructor.
These interests have always overlapped with my love of knives.
Most of my inspiration comes from being a user. I will always be on the quest to make a better knife.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Dedication, consistency and hunger for knowledge.
If you want to be successful at something you have to be committed to it. Especially working for yourself creating something with your own hands, mind and soul. I saw my skills grow leaps and bounds once I got serious and decided I was going to work at it a little every day for years.
You have to invest in yourself. Sometimes this requires sacrifice in others areas. Sometimes what’s best for the long term it not what makes you “happy” right then. Whoever said do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life. I respectfully disagree.
I say, if you do what you love you’ll work harder than you ever will for anybody else. Stay hungry to learn! Ask questions, read everything you can. Take classes from others in your field. Try new things. Take risks. And most of all be consistent. If you work on something a little at a time everyday you’ll surprise yourself with what you’re capable of if you don’t give up.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

Blade Magazine’s Guild to making knives is a fantastic book that well rounded with articles from some of the best in the industry. Rick Dunkerley’s article on Damascus pattern layouts is amazing! RJ Martin’s tips on grinding are game changing. It’s filled with advice and inspiration that you’ll be referring to for years to come.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,