Laurel knife maker continues his craft in retirement

JONES COUNTY, MS (WDAM) - Jim Provost, a Laurel resident, has been making knives since 1979. He was featured in the December 2013 edition of Knife World, a renowned publication. 

After a stroke in 2000, some feared that Provost would no longer have the steady hands to continue the meticulous craft. But he worked steadily to regain his speech and never ceased work in his shop.

"I'm an engineer," said Provost. "I think about looking at straight lines. I can do that no problem. To make it look like art, that's hard for me. Engineers aren't trained that way."

Provost explained that each knife is made to be used but is crafted to be a collectible as well. His attention to detail results in knives that are both practical and beautiful. 

"It looks like my hobby really turned into something," he said. 

His knives are sold at Sack's in Hattiesburg as well as Louisiana and Pensacola, Florida. They're also available online.

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