Owner: Austin Jackson, Grandson of Clarence Risner (Founder)
Our Company Motto and History:
"A hobby with friends, not a business with customers."
Hello, my name is Austin Jackson, and I am the owner of C. Risner Cutlery. This company was founded by my grandfather, Clarence Risner, in 1974. What began as a simple passion for collecting, trading, and selling traditional pocket knives has grown into a multi-generational business rooted in heritage, community, and quality cutlery.
Clarence first developed his love for knives by attending small, local knife shows throughout the 1970s. One of the most influential events for him was the show held in Washington Court House, Ohio, the main gathering spot for serious collectors across the Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana tri-state region. It was at these shows that Clarence began selling brands like Case, German Eye Brand, Kissing Crane, Fighting Bulldog, and Indian Head, among many others. His presence at these events helped build lasting friendships and a solid reputation in the knife world.
From the mid-1980s through 2015, Clarence served as the exclusive U.S. importer for German Eye Brand knives. During this time, he also became a key dealer and advocate for Queen Cutlery and Schatt & Morgan knives. Clarence personally designed and coordinated hundreds of Special Factory Orders (SFOs), many of which are still cherished by collectors today. His dedication played a major role in keeping Queen Cutlery afloat during difficult years. His impact on that company, and the industry overall, cannot be overstated.
Clarence also served as President of the National Knife Collectors Association (NKCA) from 2000 to 2007. He was instrumental in helping to establish the National Knife Museum, dedicating significant time and effort to the project. He frequently traveled to Sevierville, Tennessee, to help bring that vision to life.
As a young boy, I often traveled with my grandfather to shows in cities like Cincinnati, Louisville, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. It was at these shows that I began to learn the ins and outs of the knife community. Clarence enrolled me in the NKCA Youth Club, and it was through this early involvement that my own passion for pocket knives began to grow. He had me opening, closing, sharpening, and cleaning knives from an early age, lessons I still carry with me today.
Today, everything I do at C. Risner Cutlery is rooted in the values Clarence taught me: honesty, hard work, and community. I strive to grow and evolve the business while always respecting the history that built it. Whether it’s through developing exclusive knife designs, partnering with trusted manufacturers, or staying closely connected to collectors and enthusiasts, I aim to keep this legacy alive and strong.
My goal is to continue supporting the knife community, my local area, and everyone who shares a love for pocket knives. I’m incredibly grateful for the memories I made with my grandfather and for the opportunity to carry his legacy forward.
-Austin Jackson
The Website
At C. Risner Cutlery, we proudly manage TraditionalPocketKnives.com with the goal of creating a welcoming and enjoyable space for knife enthusiasts of all kinds. Whether you are just beginning your journey into traditional pocket knives or have been collecting for years, we want your experience on our site to be smooth, informative, and inspiring.
With large, detailed photos, easy navigation, and a simple checkout process, we have designed the website to make exploring and purchasing knives as straightforward and enjoyable as possible. From discovering timeless classics to finding your next favorite piece, we hope every visit feels like flipping through the pages of a trusted old knife catalog brought to life.
More about Clarence's Life
After serving in the United States Navy aboard the USS Lake Champlain CV 39, Clarence dedicated his life to education. He worked in the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek School System for 30 years as a Chemistry and Biology teacher.
Clarence also served as Principal for four years but eventually returned to the classroom, where his heart truly belonged. He had a deep love for teaching and cared greatly for his students and colleagues. Outside of education, Clarence enjoyed golfing, talking about knives, fishing in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, roaming the hills of Kentucky, and savoring a good cup of coffee. He remained very active in the community throughout his life.
Clarence served on the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek School Board for 20 years. He was a Past Master Mason for Lodge Number 163 in Waynesville, a member of the Greene County Career Center Board, a Past President of the National Knife Collectors Association, the owner of C. Risner Cutlery, and a proud member of the Shriners.
He inspired many people through his kindness, work ethic, and passion for life. Clarence will be truly missed.