a very sad day and a great loss.

Jody Samson's website is closed with the following message posted:

Jody Samson
Artist - Swordmaker - Knifemaker - Friend
November 4, 1946 - December 27, 2008

It is with the deepest regret that we announce
the passing of legendary swordmaker,
Jody Samson,
on Saturday, December 27, in his shop in New Glarus, Wisconsin.

Jody was a true friend, a multi-talented artist, and one of the
most generous people you could ever meet.
He will be deeply missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his many other friends and fans
around the world.

When we think of Jody, this quote from one of his customers always
comes to mind:

If the gods left the secret of steel on the battle field beneath a
leaden sky,
Jody Samson found it, learned its riddle well, has mastered it
and now shares it with the awesome folks at Albion.
His work is legendary, his talent is supernatural.
-- Rick Robinson