Early makers: John Nelson Cooper

[2knife]

John Nelson Cooper

John Nelson Cooper
Born November 1, 1906
Burbank, California, United States
Died December 27, 1987 (aged*81)
New Glarus, Wisconsin
Occupation Knifemaker
Influenced Jody Samson
John Nelson Cooper (1906-1987) was a custom knifemaker who was a founding member of the Knifemakers' Guild. He was a mentor to Jody Samson and made knives for over 60 years.[1]
(from Wikipedia)

His knives have a distinct characteristc look. I would be grateful if anyone might add more info to this thread. One thing impressive, not knowing more about Cooper knives than just seeing them on display at Blade, the longevity of his career and how early in the last century he began. I would have not known he was a contemporary of William Scagel, Rudy Ruana, Harry Morseth, and Webster Marble. Apparently there were a few early American knifemakers and designers besides the big cutlery companies such
as Remington Arms and Winchester, in the early years making a name for themselves. more to add...
David

 

[2knife]

 

[argel55]

He brazed his brass guards on his knives and heat treated the blade afterwards.
In his day was a knifemaker to the stars.

 

[failbot]

Great knives!
I have one.

About the strength and durability I do not know, the knife never used.
I always use my Randall 10-5 and a 2 of custom knives from powder steel + victorinox

 

[jeffsaul]

The first custom knife I ever owned was from Cooper, a Bowie it was big and heavy. I had it for many years but sold it ,
would like to still be the owner but no such luck, that was in the early 70's. The way he joined the hilt to the handle made it appear
as one piece, mine had a brown micarta handle.

Jeff

 

[failbot]

Jeffsaul,
I found a site dedicated to knives Cooper, there is the most complete information, but has only work one page.
I tried to get in touch with Clif Lenderman, but I did not succeed.

http://people.consolidated.net/keen/
There is a photograph, catalog '78.
Here is your first knife?

Regards,

 

[jeffsaul]

Failbot,

Thanx for your response, it appears that the Bowie 3rd down on the left appears to be very close to
the Cooper I owned. This photo brings back very pleasant memories.

Jeff

Jeffsaul,
I found a site dedicated to knives Cooper, there is the most complete information, but has only work one page.
I tried to get in touch with Clif Lenderman, but I did not succeed.

http://people.consolidated.net/keen/
There is a photograph, catalog '78.
Here is your first knife?

Regards,

 

[SharpByCoop]

I shot this set only a month ago. What a set!

He was good and unapologetic at his guard soldering. A 'Cooper' knife hallmark.

Coop

 

[jdm61]

Ther is a guy who shows up every year at the Gator Cutlery Show in Lakeland, FL who has THE Cooper collection including the ridiculously large bowies made for display purposes kind of like the old giant folders the German firms used to make. His Cooper display cases probably cover at least 5 feet of an 8 foot table front to back with some other sstanding upright on the side