Austin Jackson
Owner: Austin Jackson, grandson of Clarence Risner (Founder)
Hello! I’m Austin Jackson, owner of C. Risner Cutlery. My grandfather, Clarence Risner, started C. Risner Cutlery back in 1974. What began as his hobby collecting, selling, and trading traditional pocket knives grew into the business we carry on today.
Grandpa and I shared a deep passion for traditional pocket knives. From a young age, he had me holding, opening, sharpening, and cleaning knives. I spent my childhood attending knife shows with him across places like Cincinnati, Louisville, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Those experiences got me involved in the National Knife Collectors Association Youth Club and helped shape my love for the craft.
After high school, I served in the U.S. Marine Corps and earned a degree in Political Science with a minor in American Sign Language. As time went on, I found myself working full time with Grandpa and eventually took over the business after he passed away in 2016.
I’m incredibly grateful for the memories I made with my grandfather and for the opportunity to carry his legacy forward.
-Austin Jackson
Brian
Hey everyone, I’m Brian. I’ve been friends with Austin since grade school. After high school, I joined the U.S. Army and served as a combat engineer. I was deployed to Afghanistan from 2012 to 2013, and it was during that time I developed a strong interest in tactical knives.
After completing six years of service, I went to college and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Geographical Science. While I was in school, I started helping Austin part time with the knife business, and that’s when my passion for pocket knives really took off.
These days, I’m working full time with Austin. I handle a variety of tasks including managing the website, photographing new inventory, and even designing knives in CAD. I’m excited to be part of the team and look forward to what the future holds with C. Risner Cutlery.
Matt
Hello fellow knife collectors and enthusiasts, I’m Matt. I’m another military veteran joining the team part-time. I retired after 20 years in the Air Force, following 2.5 years in the Army Field Artillery before that.
Knife collecting is my top hobby, but I also enjoy daily long walks with my Husky, Sabre. I keep busy with a variety of activities and always follow Rule #9: “Always carry a knife.”
