José Ojeda is the pride of his pueblo in the state of Jalisco, with his sons José Jr. and Rafael. The Ojeda family has been making "World Famous" knives for 13 generations. Hunters, gardeners and collectors worldwide have discovered them. The earliest generations of Ojedas forged shields and lances for the Spanish Army when they left Barra de Navidad to conquer the Philippines. (Pictured to the left is José Ojeda; second left is José/center with his good friends Bob Katz/left and Leigh Park/right.)

All the Ojeda knives are made from the finest German, French, Swedish and some Mexican steel. Some of the hand carved handles and etched blades are true works of arts. Leather belts might have hidden pockets that hide a sleek steel stiletto attached to the buckle. Depending on the type of piece he can invest four to fifteen days in its manufacture.

King Juan Carlos of Spain was gifted a knife made by Jose Ojeda in 1988 when the artist was invited to Spain for the pre-inauguration at the Fair of Seville. Sr. Ojeda is also featured in the landmark book, "Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art."

Don Jose Ojeda Larios, Don Josesito as he is called by his clients and friends, is a very methodical and ordered man, characteristics that perhaps he inherited from the twelve generations of ancestors who dedicated themselves to the blacksmith trade.

His original trade was that of a gunsmith, but to dominate it he had to surpass many obstacles. During his eighth year of working as a gunsmith and making horseshoes, one day he was commissioned to make a weapon and with the payment he received he was able to purchase sufficient materials to open his own factory.

As he continued to make arms, he created several mechanisms that were reviewed and approved by professionals in the field. Now, he is dedicated to making knives with diverse handles and covers, canes, knives, daggers, powder magazines made of bullhorn, and clasps.

At the present, his two children, brother and several young people of the pueblo work with Juan learning the trade. His international recognition and sales from his shop support his family. Don Jose is one of the experts in the art of the blacksmith trade.

In his factory he works with steel, bronze, iron and sweet iron bought by the kilo. He also uses fine wood and cattle horns for the handles of some of his pieces. Making a knife involves warming up the first metal in a forge until it is red-hot. Next he strikes the metal with marros or hammers on an anvil to the desired size. He must deliver the blows with great precision and repeats the process several times, until he obtains the quality he wishes. The heating is as important as the hammering to the final outcome.

To watch a video on the Ojedas at Feria Maestros del Arte, just click here. (Video courtesy of Troy Lanier.)

Contact information:
Daniel Larios #23
Sayula, Jalisco
342 422 0227 or 342 422 0510
almao@prodigy.net.mx

Or contact Marianne Carlson at 376 765 7485 or email mariannecarlson@gmail.com

(Our thanks to Karen Henderson & Norm Tihor for the use of his photographs)