
Jim Arbuckle is a respected figure in the world of knifemaking with a passion for crafting and modifying tools. Guided by the principle, “Every knife I make is constructed as if I were making it for myself,” Jim ensures each knife meets the highest standards of performance and functionality. He personally oversees heat treating and rigorously tests each knife before it leaves his workshop.
Employing both forging and stock removal methods, Jim selects the best materials for each knife’s intended use. He works extensively with his own damascus as well as carbon steels like 5160, 1084, 1095, and 52100. For stock removal knives, he favors steels such as 154CM, AEB-L, D2, ATS-34, and 440C. Although he prefers exotic hardwoods and natural handle materials, he also uses synthetics when appropriate.
Jim’s approach and technical expertise were shaped by his extensive experiences in the Navy and at NASA. These roles enabled him to build his own forges, design custom burners, construct four belt grinders, fabricate two 24-ton hydraulic presses, and develop three heat-treating kilns complete with precise temperature controls. His well-equipped workshop includes belt grinders, band saws, welding tools, drill presses, milling equipment, tempering ovens, leather-working tools, and numerous specialized hand tools.
Born in Colorado in 1950, Jim’s family moved to Washington State in 1954, where he grew up amidst the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. His early experiences hunting and fishing instilled a deep appreciation for practical, functional designs — qualities evident in his knives today. Jim’s keen attention to detail was further developed through hobbies such as trap shooting, archery, and building and flying model airplanes. His deep Christian faith, embraced at age 14, continues to guide his life and work.
Throughout his life, Jim has maintained an active lifestyle. He was an early adopter of SCUBA diving, remaining active from 1962 through the late 1990s, and he earned a 2nd Dan in Shorinjiryu Karate.
After graduating high school in 1968, Jim joined the US Navy, initially trained as an electronics technician in the subsurface Navy before transitioning to the surface fleet aboard the USS America CVA-66. He later served with aircraft squadron VXN-8, participating in a tour in Vietnam, and completed his naval career aboard the USS Mt. Whitney. Jim notably earned aircrewman wings and an Air Medal – rare achievements for surface fleet sailors. In 1985, Jim took a civil service position with the US Navy working with simulators (trainers). His main focus was on designing and installing engineering changes to the shipboard fire fighting trainers. These trainers were designing gas-fired and computer-controlled simulators, primarily for shipboard firefighting training. His extensive knowledge of forge burners and refractory materials acquired during this time is directly applied to his knife-making processes today.
Jim further advanced his bladecrafting expertise by attending the American Bladesmith Society’s (ABS) Introduction to Bladesmithing course in 1998, studying alongside several prominent people such as Heather Harvey, Kevin Harvey (both ABS Master Smiths), Doug Noren (ABS MS) Jerry Van Eizenga (ABS JS), Bob Bizzell (deceased), Charlie Rogers, Scott Wiley, Roger Craig, Dennis Sweaza, James Gibson (ABS JS) and Daniel O'Malley (BladeGallery founder).
He returned to the ABS school in 2000 and attended the Damascus course with Bill Moran.
He achieved ABS Journeyman Smith certification in 2007.
Today, Jim Arbuckle’s handcrafted knives embody his unwavering commitment to quality, functionality, and precision craftsmanship, representing enduring investments and treasured additions to any knife enthusiast’s collection.
Affiliations:
Jim's knives have been featured in:
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Knives Annual: 2025, 2023, 2022, 2012, 2008, and 2002
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Blade Magazine: May 2008
