Coogan, Robert

Robert “Bob” Coogan is a respected Tennessee metalsmith, bladesmith, and educator—not primarily a high-volume commercial knifemaker. • Born in California in 1952. • BA in Art, Humboldt State University, 1977. • MFA in Metalsmithing, Cranbrook Academy of Art, 1979. • Founded and headed the metals program at Tennessee Tech’s Appalachian Center for Craft beginning in 1981. • Retired in 2015 after approximately 34–35 years, having taught around 700 students. • Produced one-of-a-kind forged knives, sculptures, jewelry, and hollowware. • Known particularly for handmade Damascus steel and mokumé-gane—a layered metal resembling wood grain—often combined with rosewood, antler, copper, silver, brass, and kuromido. • His pieces are usually signed with his initials or “Coogan” in script. • His knife production reportedly began around 1979 and was always limited or part-time. A 2019 directory described his knives as starting around $100, but that figure is outdated and should not be treated as present market value. Coogan has an important artistic reputation. His work appeared in at least 13 Metal Museum exhibitions, including his 1990 solo exhibition, Beyond the Blade. The museum holds several examples in its permanent collection and describes his knives as sculptural works distinguished by graceful form and exceptional surface treatment.