JS Bladesmith

My name is Jason South, and I am a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with 12 years of experience in mixed martial arts (MMA). My professional background includes roles as a mechanic, truck driver, fabricator, and knife maker. I am also a dedicated father, husband, and a proud blue-collar American.

My passion for working on vehicles began at the age of 14, driven by a fascination with classic cars. Through a process of hands-on learning and trial and error—much more challenging before the advent of online resources like YouTube—I developed my skills as a mechanic. My family’s small trucking company provided me with the opportunity to self-teach driving and maintaining 18-wheelers, as well as repairing semi-trucks and trailers. Additionally, I acquired skills in furniture repair and touch-ups to manage costs effectively.

At 29, my interest shifted to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a pursuit that offered a profound learning experience. Despite my physical strength and previous weightlifting background, I discovered that strength alone is not sufficient in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. This realization was both humbling and captivating. My dedication to the sport led me to retire with a record of 14-2, with all victories achieved through submission or TKO. I continue to practice and compete in Jiu-Jitsu whenever my health permits.

At the age of 41, I developed a keen interest in knife-making. I immersed myself in learning through YouTube videos, sought advice from experts, and embarked on this new creative journey. Despite numerous challenges and failures, I have succeeded in crafting custom knives and have become deeply passionate about this art form. I thrive on learning, creating, and seeing the final results of my work.