MARDI MESHEJIAN BLADESMITH

Mardi Meshejian is a Journeyman Smith working in Santa Fe, New Mexico where he exhibits his sculpture as well as his highly artistic knives.  He started his career as a jeweler after earning his A.A.S. at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.  He quickly made the switch to knife making in 1995, when he attended the ABS School in Arkansas.  Mardi's knives are sculptural, with a focus on color and contrast.  He mixes cultural influences as well as materials.  Copper, titanium, fossil walrus ivory, and his own titanium damascus are among his favorites.  His work has an ancient yet futuristic feel and always pushes the boundaries of knife making.  He is one of the true innovators of both material exploration and design.  Mardi won "Best of the rest" at the 2011 Blade show in Atlanta and "Best Fantasy Knife" at the 2014 PKA show in Denver.  He also won "Best Fantasy" in 2001 at Blade show, Blade show West, and the Blade Handmade award. Mardi's work has been featured in Blade magazine, Knives illustrated, Points of interest and The Art of Modern Custom Knife.  His work has been exhibited at the Historic Arkansas museum, The Canton Museum of Art and the National Ornamental  Metal museum.