Four Things You Need to Know About Forged In Fire's J. Nielson
For enthusiasts of bladesmithing and the art of forging, J. Nielson is a household name thanks to his prominent role as a blade-breaking judge on the popular TV show Forged in Fire. However, beyond the realm of reality TV, there's more to J. Nielson's story.
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A while back we had the pleasure of sitting down with J. for an interview. Here are four things you need to know about the legendary J. Nielson.
J.’s Journey into Bladesmithing
J. Nielson's journey into bladesmithing began with a childhood fascination for sword-swinging movies and fantasy novels. Influenced by the captivating allure of the blades, Nielson initially dabbled in refinishing old bayonets before venturing into crafting his own knives through stock removal. The resurgence of interest in Damascus steel, pioneered by Bill Moran, sparked Nielson's curiosity, leading him to forge his own blades. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his enduring career in bladesmithing, spanning over 25 years.
An Unconventional Path to Mastery
Before fully immersing himself in the world of bladesmithing, J. Nielson navigated through various menial jobs, from forklift driving to welding. Unlike a conventional career trajectory, Nielson's entry into bladesmithing was organic, driven by a passion for the craft rather than a formal education or apprenticeship. This unorthodox path speaks to the idea that passion and dedication can lead to mastery, even without a traditional career background.
Forged in Fire: A Fortuitous Turn of Events
Nielson's foray into the realm of reality TV was as unexpected as it was fortuitous. A spontaneous phone call while he was engrossed in forging steel in his shop led to an invitation to join Forged in Fire. Initially skeptical, Nielson eventually became one of the iconic judges on the show, which has now run for an impressive ten seasons. This unexpected opportunity not only brought him recognition but also significantly boosted the bladesmithing community by attracting new enthusiasts and makers to the craft.
RELATED: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FORGED IN FIRE’S J. NIELSON
Giving Back to the Bladesmithing Community
Throughout his career, J. Nielson has been a vocal advocate for collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the bladesmithing community. He emphasizes the importance of reaching out to other makers, attending hammer-ins, and learning from different perspectives. Nielson's commitment to community is evident in his willingness to assist fellow bladesmiths, whether it's answering questions or making appearances at events without charging a fee. This spirit of collaboration has contributed to the growth and solidarity of the bladesmithing industry.
You can learn more about j. Nielson’s career by checking out our exclusive interview. To stay updated on all things Forged in Fire, including the season 10 of Forged in Fire which is currently airing on History, be sure to follow BRUTE de FORGE on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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