Just a hop, skip and jump east on I-40 is the Smokey Mountain Knife Works, self-proclaimed largest knife store in the world. It's free to get in, of course, they want you to buy things. It is incredibly easy to find, but hard to get out of because of traffic. However, tucked away in the store on the upper levels is both the collections of the owners and the National Knife Museum.
The owner's collection was interesting, however, it reminded more of a cabinet of curiosities than a modern museum. The labels, when they existed, were simply a title over the displays. There were many to look at and a wide variety of time was covered.
Up a separate flight of stairs is the National Knife Museum, presented by the National Knife Collectors Association. This is a dream for people curious about the history of knives. There is a docent on duty at the beginning of the museum who was friendly.
Along one wall is a time line of the history of knives with examples in cases. This is a well-researched display that does not skip the changes that were brought about as swords and guns became more popular.
About 4/5ths of the rest of the displays detailed the history and products of various knife manufacturers. The rest showcased various knife makers, specialty items like miniature knives and boy scout knives and the annual knives made for the National Knife Collectors Association.
While each individual knife was not labeled in each case like a more traditional artifact museum would, there was enough information given so that the casual looker came away satisfied and the more serious knife enthusiast could know where to start to find out more.
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