National Knife Collectors Association Inc. ©

The National Knife Collectors Association (NKCA) was founded in 1972 as a membership based, not-for-profit corporation, chartered in the State of Tennessee. We are the oldest nationwide, all knife-only-organization, bringing together knife fanciers & enthusiasts, knife collectors, knife makers and knife dealers with something for everyone who appreciates cutlery. The NKCA is focused on promoting the hobby of knife collecting, educating the general public and providing programs that enhance the knife collecting experience.

The National Knife Museum houses thousands of pieces of exquisite cutlery from all over the world. The exhibits are changed periodically to allow the public an opportunity to view all forms of cutlery. When visiting the great smoky mountains, be sure and visit our National Knife Museum, located at 2320 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37876. Free admission, but donations accepted and greatly appreciated.

Hours of operation are Sunday-Saturday, 10:00AM to 8:00PM. Scheduled Tours Available.

For further information about the National Knife Museum, or to schedule a tour, or become a member of “Friends of the NKM,” e-mail our Curator, Pete Cohan at: pecoan@gmail.com

In the late 1970's the NKCA envisioned the need for a cutlery museum. Several fund raisers were undertaken to secure sufficient funds to construct a facility to house the offices of the NKCA and the National Knife Museum, Inc.

In 1981, the NKCA opened the National Knife Museum, a 501 c3 non-profit corporation, located in historic Chattanooga, TN. The Museum growth of donated cutlery and related memorabilia continued, requiring more volunteers and staff to assemble new exhibits. The higher cost associated with the operation of the Museum and paucity of funds, suggested other options should be considered. The location of the NKM was in a highly commercialized area and was an attractive piece of real estate. The Museum was placed on the real estate market and in the spring of 2001, the Museum property was sold and the assets were placed in an environmental controlled storage facility.

With the generosity and donation of some 4,000 sq ft of space from Kevin Pipes, owner of Smoky Mountain Knife Works (SMKW), the National Knife Museum was relocated to the second floor mezzanine level of SMKW and now boasts thousands of visitors each year.

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