So sad to hear of John's passing. He was a real gentleman and very kind and helpful.

Raymon E. Hunt

It is indeed my misfortune not to have had the privilege of meeting and knowing this outstanding human being. All I can do is offer my deepest and most heart felt condolence to the family, loved ones and friends of Mr. John White. From my life experiences, while things will never be the same, things will be alright! Should there be some small task that needs to done and it is within my power to take care of that task, you can count on me to get it done and all you need do is call on me.

Prayers going up on behalf of Ms. Jill.

Elden C. Cheatham, ABS Apprentice.

I'm so sad to hear this news

He was an example for me in cutlery, I'm a fan of his work for a long time

I had the pleasure to meet him in Atlanta this year, it will be an unforgettable encounter for me

He was a great man, really a master Man and Mastersmith

All my thoughts are with his wife and family

John, I'll miss you

Véronique

I met John several times at ABS events. He was a gentleman and a genuine talent the likes of whom

we see all too rarely. Our condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.

Bill and Aline

This new and saddens me is a shock to me,

I had the great privilege of meeting and discussed with John in Blade shoow It was a very great man filled with kindness always a little rogue smile!

These knives are very rare class that inspires great respect to the gentleman that was Mrs John White!

He had judge us next year for the "MasterSmiths" I hope to do you honor.

You are my inspiration John.

All my condolences to his family ...

Jean-louis

I too was shocked when I heard the news. He'll be greatly missed. I always looked forward to his smiling face.

The knife world will be diminished by his loss.

Gary

I'm very saddend to receive this news. I only knew John from out interaction at shows, but having lost family members in the same manner, can only say that passing in his sleep was a blessing. Our prayers are with Jill and his family.

We've truly lost a master of our craft.

I didn't get to personally meet John White. I count that as my loss. I have admired his work for years. ABS has lost a very talented member.

So glad glad you were a friend of mine. Sail on brother, sail on...

Buddy, thank you for posting photos of John White's outstanding work.

One of my tasks as ABS Webmaster is to post profile information for our Master Smiths on their individual profile pages on the ABS Website. John had a section on knife awards in his profile that I continuously updated and I want to share it with you.

Awards

2014 Blade Show - Best Fixed Blade

2014 Arkansas Custom Knifemakers Show- Best Camp Knife

2013 Blade Show - Best of Show

2013 Blade Show - Best Damascus Knife

2013 Blade Show - Best Bowie

2013-Arkansas Custom Knifemakers Show

Best Damascus Knife

2011- Blade Show

Best Damascus Knife

2011- Blade Show

Best Bowie

2010- Blade Show

Best Damascus Knife

2010- Arkansas Custom Knifemakers Show

Best Bowie

2009-Arkansas Custom Knifemakers Show

Best Art Knife

Best Bowie

Best Hunter

2008-Bladehandmade Award

Best Damascus

2008-Blade Show

Best Damascus Knife

2008-Arkansas Custom Knifemakers Show

Best of Show

Best Bowie

2007-American Bladesmith Society

Bill Moran Award-Knife of the Year

2007-Arkansas Custom Knifemakers Show

Best Hunter

Best Fighter

2005-Arkansas Custom Knifemakers Show

Best Fighter

2004-American Bladesmith Society

George Peck Award- Best Journeyman Knife

2004-Blade Show

Best New Maker

Hearing of John's passing was shocking and very painful to me.

I considered him to be one of my closest friends in the knifemaking community. But I expect that many of us did, because that's the kind of person that John was. John had a personality that immediately drew you in and made you feel that you were talking with an old friend. I so enjoyed his enthusiasm for discussing knifemaking techniques and his willingness to share his knowledge.

I will very much miss seeing him at the shows and talking to him on the phone. I feel blessed to have known him and only wish that it could have been for a few more years.

Prayers to Jill, John's family and all who hurt from the loss of our Dear Friend.

My time to ever really have a conversation with John was at this last Bladeshow. He judged the JS makers and was the judge to tell Ramon that he passed the test. Because I was translating for Ramon I got to speak to John quite a bit. Even though all he had to do was to tell Ramon that he passed he went into great detail to help Ramon on the things he could do better in the future. He was very encouraging and really gave Ramon some great advice. By the time we were done I came away feeling like I had known John for a long time. Like so many others here have said, John was a knife maker of the highest degree but he was also a great man. I am so sad that I will not get to here him teach and share from his deep well of knowledge but I am comforted in knowing that he is suffering no longer. We will continue to pray for Jill as she learns to live without her man.

Mike

Very sad news indeed. Years ago I attended one of the first ABS shows in San Antonio. I had the privilege of meeting Mr. B.R. Hughes and asking him whose work he would recommend looking at to begin my custom forged knife collection. He mentioned several names, but the first name out of his mouth was "John White." I went to John's table at the show, saw his quality work and bought one of his knives. Over the years I would stop at John's table at Blade or other shows and chat with him. He was truly a very warm and "accessible" person. My sympathies to his wife and family.