Joe Kious dies as result of Auto Accident

It's so sad. Just sad to go like that. My sincere best wishes to his family in this awful time.
 
Truly sad news! Joe was a great knife maker and wonderful friend!

Here is what I wrote/edited about Joe in my first book on knives,
"Custom Folding Knives" (2003):

Joe Kious
Texas, USA

"Joe Kious, born in San Antonio, Texas in 1945, is a retired school
teacher who just 'happens' to work full time at making some very fine knives.
Like a number of other artists, he began his career quite early in life, back in 1969 very shortly
after graduation from college, and prior to beginning work as a public schoolteacher.
He taught English, later History, and even Government on a secondary level, while putting in
another 40+ hours per week, making knives on the side, what he called part-time.
Finally, in 1980, Kious decided to make knife making his full-time occupation.
Having married in 1973, he is also the father of three fantastic children,
all of whom are now adults, all on their way to professional careers in
medicine, law and veterinary medicine.
This very talented maker clearly states that most of what he has learned in the
past 33 years came through advice from other sharing knife makers, from trial
and error, and from years of practical experience. Joe also claims that new ideas
often come from customers who have had wonderful ideas of their own, as well
as from his own experience as a hunter, shooter, and his love of the outdoors.
Very important, he feels very fortunate to be able to make a living doing something
for which he has such a passion, and even more so, to be able to create something
that is lasting, beautiful and collectible".

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)
 
Here is Joe's "Personal Statement" from his section in "Custom Folding Knives" (2003).

"Art is the product of the individual mind. It is a reflection of the creativity of an individual;
it evolves from the mind, talent, soul, and skill of a sole author, a skilled artisan.
Today most of the collectors of handmade knives believe they are making an
investment in an art form that will grow in value with the passing of years.
Their passion for the oldest and most basic of art forms has spread from one to another,
and continues to spread to the point that today's knife maker can, with self discipline,
lots of time and patience, make a living by making knives.
It is thrilling for me to see the values of knives by Jim Schmidt, Harvey McBurnett,
and several others skyrocket with their passing. It is equally thrilling to see the
unbelievable talent and artistry of some of the young men and women who are
coming into this field".

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)
 
R.I.P, Joe, I know you'll be missed by many. I haven't spoken with Joe in a couple of years but the times I did get to talk with him at Solvang were memorable. My wife has attended many shows with me and remembers Joe for gentleman he always was.
 
I'm very sorry to hear about this. I'll treasure the time I spent with him even more.
 
Sad news. My dad and I always enjoyed talking with Joe. I had a table for several years and Joe was right behind me. Pleasant at all times and always a good conversationalist. Does anybody know the name of that 120 proof Scotch one of his east coast collectors would buy him?
 
For those of you close enough and would like to attend, there will be a memorial service at 2:00 PM Wednesday December 10, 2014 at the First Methodist Church in Hunt, Texas.

Paul
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top