A bladesmith, educator and traditional craftsman, Albert Ray Kirk is known to most as “Ray.” With more than 35 years of experience in bladesmithing and metalworking, Kirk is the only Cherokee Master Smith recognized by the American Bladesmith Society. In 1996, he founded the Oklahoma Knife Makers Association and has spent decades sharing his craft through demonstrations, workshops and mentorship. In addition to handcrafted knives, Kirk creates traditional river cane flutes, whistles and crawdad gigs, continuing skills taught to him by Cherokee elder Hastings Shade. His work honors the Cherokee traditions of learning from elders, sharing knowledge and helping one another while carrying traditional skills forward to future generations.
