Joe Kious is a distinguished American bladesmith from Texas who masterfully blends traditional craftsmanship with personal sentiment. Kious began his knifemaking journey in 1969. For over a decade, he balanced his teaching career with his passion, dedicating more than 40 hours a week to his craft before becoming a full-time maker in 1980.

 

He believes that art is a reflection of the creator's soul and considers it a great privilege to create lasting, beautiful objects. This philosophy is perfectly captured in his most famous innovation, the "Pocket Locket." These elegant folding knives contain a secret compartment hidden within the handle, turning a beautifully crafted tool into a personal keepsake. Joe Kious's work is a testament to a life dedicated to patience, skill, and the creation of functional art with a heart.

Period:

Contemporary (Born 1945)

 

Overall Key Characteristics:

• Style: Famous for creating classic, elegant folding knives, often featuring his signature innovation, the "Pocket Locket."

• Technique: A master of creating intricate hidden compartments, or "lockets," within the handle of a folding knife, which are revealed by moving a section of the inlay.

• Philosophy: Believes art is a direct product of an individual's soul and skill. He feels fortunate to make a living from his passion, creating beautiful and collectible pieces that will endure.

• Collaboration: His "Pocket Locket" knives frequently serve as a canvas for world-class engravers and scrimshaw artists, turning them into collaborative masterpieces.

 

Legacy:

• Innovation: Celebrated as the inventor of the "Pocket Locket" folding knife, a unique design that adds a layer of mystery and personalization to the art form.

• Reputation: A highly respected maker who successfully transitioned from being a dedicated part-time craftsman and full-time teacher to a celebrated full-time artist in 1980.

• Influence: His work demonstrates how a knife can be both a high-performance tool and a piece of personal, sentimental art, inspiring collectors and other makers.