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Tour of Smoky Mountain Knife Works
Published: January 26th, 2026
Smoky Mountain Knife Works is based in Sevierville, Tennessee, and today our store is recognized as the world’s largest knife store. Our story goes back to the early 1970s, when Kevin Pipes and John Parker were selling knives out of the backs of their pickup trucks, learning the business one customer at a time and building relationships wherever they could. After nearly a decade of that groundwork, Smoky Mountain Knife Works was officially founded in 1978. The business grew quickly, and we soon outgrew our first two stores. In 1991, we built our new building and relocated to our current location on Winfield Dunn Parkway beside the French Broad River. We later expanded again in 2005, building onto the side of the original structure and connecting the basements, which helped create the massive 108,000-square-foot showroom we have today.
The Original Showroom
When you first enter the original showroom, you step into a long entry corridor lined with displays from brands like Boker, Spyderco, Leatherman, Schrade, Smith & Wesson, and Old Timer. It’s an easy place to get your bearings and start browsing before the space opens up. Walk forward from the entry doors, and climb a short set of steps, and you’ll arrive in the main showroom. This is the heart of the original building, with counters featuring a variety of brands, including Buck, Bear & Son Cutlery, Gerber, Rough Ryder, Marble’s, Cold Steel, SOG, MKM, antique knives, and many more. Mounted high above the cases and wrapping around the room, you’ll also notice our extensive taxidermy head collection, which gives the space a look you won’t find in any ordinary knife store.
The Main Hallway
As you leave the old showroom, you’ll step into the main hallway that ties the building together. Turn left from the old showroom, and you’ll pass the Frost Cutlery and Hen & Rooster counter. Off to the left of this area is a section dedicated to hard-use and exotic knives, featuring brands such as KA-BAR, White River Knife & Tool, Sniper Bladeworks, Halfbreed Blades, Hinderer, Heretic Knives, Pro-Tech, Ocaso, and more.
The Kitchen Department
If you turn right from the main showroom, you’ll head downstairs to the basement of the original showroom. Here, you’ll find our entire kitchen department. This section features cutlery, cookware, utensils, and more from some of the world's best-known kitchen brands, including Zwilling J.A. Henckels, Victorinox, Wüsthof, Shun, and Miyabi. Whether you’re stocking a professional kitchen or upgrading your everyday set at home, there’s something here for every cook.
Relics and Guns & Ammo
From here, you can walk into the basement of the new showroom, where you’ll find two of our sister companies. The Smoky Mountain Relic Room offers a wide range of artifacts, fossils, coins, and historical collectibles. Right next to it is Smoky Mountain Guns & Ammo, which carries a full selection of firearms from major manufacturers, ammunition, and accessories for both enthusiasts and first-time buyers.
The Knife Cave
Inside Guns & Ammo, there’s a wide, winding ramp that leads you up into the next level. This ramp wraps around a large indoor fountain, with a massive sword in the stone right in the center. It’s one of the most iconic features in the building and a favorite photo stop for visitors. At the top of the ramp, you’ll arrive in the Knife Cave. This area features a wide selection of swords, fixed blades, exotic designs, and collectible pieces.
New Showroom
Continue up just a bit further, either by following the ramp or taking a short staircase, and you’ll enter the main floor of the new showroom. This floor features many of today’s most popular knife brands, with dedicated displays for Case, Microtech, Benchmade, Victorinox, Kershaw, CRKT, WE Knife Co., Kizer, and more. Near the Case and Victorinox displays, you’ll also find our Bushcraft Counter, a section focused on outdoor knives and tools built for time in the woods. It features brands like ESEE, TOPS, L.T. Wright Knives, Morakniv, Opinel, Condor Tool & Knife, American Tomahawk Company, and more. You’ll also find our customer service department nearby, along with our knife-sharpening service and a section dedicated to SMKW custom knives.
Apparel
Finish your tour by heading up to the third floor of the new showroom, which houses our full apparel and gear department. This area features boots, outdoor clothing, and accessories from trusted names like Under Armour, Ariat, Danner, and LaCrosse, as well as hunting and fishing gear from Columbia, Sitka, Drake, Costa, and more. Whether you’re outfitting for a backwoods adventure or just picking up something for everyday wear, you’ll find it here.
So if you’re planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, make sure to stop by Smoky Mountain Knife Works, the world’s largest knife store. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, there’s always something new to discover.
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.









