It is one thing to have a dream career and another to excel at it. J. Neilson belongs to the latter. He has achieved what fewer than 115 people worldwide have. In 2008, the American Bladesmith Society awarded him the Master Smith title for his skill as an all-around bladesmith. Here is a look at J. Neilson’s biography.

Key takeaways

• J. Neilson is a renowned bladesmith whose handcrafted knives, swords, and historical replicas remain highly sought after by collectors.
• His wife, Beckie Allen-Neilson, died in 2022, leaving him with their two children.
• Neilson earned the prestigious Master Smith title in 2008, gaining recognition in the bladesmith community.
• As a long-time judge on Forged in Fire, he is known for his strict but fair evaluation of contestants’ blades.

Profile summary

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J. Neilson’s biography

New Jersey-born James “J.” Neilson (born November 8, 1969) is a celebrated bladesmith and Master Smith (American Bladesmith Society, 2008). He crafts knives and swords with exceptional skill from his “shop in the woods” workshop in Pennsylvania.

A reserved individual, he has not disclosed details about his parents, siblings, or formal education. His early years remain largely private, with the focus on his artistry and craftsmanship.

What is J. Neilson’s first name, and how did he rise to fame?

His first name is James. He began experimenting with blade smithing at a young age, honing his skills for decades. By 2004, James had become a professional bladesmith.

Neilson later earned the prestigious Master Smith title, gaining recognition in the bladesmithing community. He was also featured on television.

What does J. Neilson do for a living?

Neilson has been smithing since his early years. He enjoyed experimenting with different techniques and honing his skills as a bladesmith. In 1995, he began working in a workshop in Towanda, Pennsylvania, where he learned the basics of forging weapons from Keith.

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Later, he returned to his own “shop in the woods” in Pennsylvania. This time, he worked with much greater expertise. By 2004, he became a professional bladesmith. In 2008, he earned the American Bladesmith Society Master Smith title. This is a distinction held by fewer than 115 people worldwide.

His growing reputation led to a judging role on Forged in Fire. Known for his high standards, J. Neilson’s Forged in Fire evaluations stand out as strict yet fair. The television series features top knife and sword makers judging amateur bladesmiths.

Winners take home $10,000 and a championship title. Neilson also appeared in the spin-off Forged in Fire: Beat the Judge. He worked alongside Doug Marcaida, David Baker, and Ben Abbott.

Why is J. Neilson not on Forged in Fire Season 8?

He missed part of Season 8 to recover from hand surgery. Years of forging had taken a toll on his hands. During his absence, Ben Abbott stepped in as a judge. Neilson later returned to the series and has continued to appear in subsequent seasons.

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Today, J. Neilson’s knives include daggers, bowie swords, tomahawks, and historical replicas. Each blade is paired with a custom sheath. Fans can purchase his work through his official website, Neilson Knives, or via trusted outlets such as Arizona Custom Knives.

When did J. Neilson’s wife pass away?

J. Neilson was married to his longtime partner, Beckie Allen-Neilson. The couple kept their relationship private. Sadly, Beckie passed away on April 30, 2022. He found her unresponsive after a nap following a local barbecue event.

Rumours of the death of J. Neilson of Forged in Fire had many wondering whether the bladesmith died. The reality TV star is still alive and active in his craft.

Beckie and Nelson had two children together. They have a daughter, now about 16, and a son, around 11. Their names have not been made public. J. Neilson continues to protect his children’s privacy while focusing on his bladesmithing career.

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Did J. Neilson remarry?

Yes, the bladesmith remarried in 2025. The reality TV star shared a post on Instagram showing a wedding ceremony with his new wife, called Shelley.

How much is J. Neilson’s net worth?

The knife expert has over 25 years of experience as a bladesmith. He earns from television appearances, custom blade sales, and his long-running business. His exact net worth in 2025 is unknown. However, it is likely significant given his reputation, steady sales, and high demand for his work.

What happened to J. Neilson?

Neilson missed much of Season 3 due to hand surgery. ABS Master Smith Jason Knight stepped in for him during this period. He returned briefly at the start of Season 4, joining the panel in Episode 8 as a full-time judge once more. From that point onward, he and Ben Abbott began alternating judging duties in various episodes.

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J. Neilson’s fast facts

1. Who is J. Neilson? He is an American-born sword and knife expert who holds the rank of Master Smith within the American Bladesmith Society (ABS).
2. How old is J. Neilson? The bladesmith is 55 years old as of 2025. He was born on 8th November 1969 in New Jersey, USA.
3. How tall is J. Neilson? The sword expert stands at 5 feet and 9 inches.
4. What does J. Neilson do for a living? He makes blades and other weapons and is a judge on the reality TV series Forged in Fire.
5. Why is J. Neilson not on Forged in Fire? He took a break during Season 8 to recover from hand surgery.
6. Is J. Neilson married? He was married to Beckie Allen-Neilson until her passing in April 2022. He remarried in 2025 to Shelley.
7. Where does J. Neilson live? He currently resides in Pennsylvania with his two children and new wife.
8. Does J. Neilson sell knives? Yes, his handmade weapons are available through his official website and select platforms like Arizona Custom Knives.
9. Who did Ben replace on Forged in Fire? He stepped in after J. Neilson’s accident made him exit the show temporarily.

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J. Neilson’s biography shows that not all titles come from schools. Some, like Master Smith, sound almost like something from a Star Wars film. He earned this title through skill and dedication. Years of craftsmanship made him a legendary bladesmith and reality TV personality.

Tuko.co.ke shared an interesting piece about Darrell Sheets’ net worth. The Storage Wars reality television show features well-informed people who go to storage locker auctions in California and bid against one another for better deals.

Darrell Sheets has, in most cases, outmatched others in the trade and become a fan favourite. He has also earned significant wealth through his career. So, what is Darrell Sheets’ net worth in 2025?

Source: TUKO.co.ke