The Holy Scythe Tattoo

I love the environment and energy at The Holy Scythe Tattoo in San Jose. The shop is filled with talented and trustworthy artists that work together as a team. I’ve received tattoos from multiple artists at The Holy Scythe Tattoo and am happy about all of them. They each have their unique styles but are not limited to it. Matthew Tillman is the shop owner and can definitely give you the tattoo you’ve been wanting or thinking about; Once you step in you’ll see everyone else’s artwork and will end up wanting tattoos from all of them as well though. Highly recommend to go visit and see for yourself.

I can not get enough of this shop - it’s one of the most welcoming environments I’ve ever stepped into as far as tattoo shops go. Everyone is super friendly, and they make you feel comfortable right away. Sarah is the BEST. I’ve gotten the majority of my tattoos from her now. Her mentor Matt is also super cool, and every artist there is incredibly talented and professional. Highly highly recommend!

Clean and creatively decorated, if you’re looking for a spot to get sick tats from reliable and highly skilled artists, this is your spot. you really can’t go wrong with these guys, anything you could ask for from a tattoo shop is what they have here and more. let them hook you up with some awesome art that you can be proud to wear.

Friends and I were in town for a meeting. We walked into the shop without appointments. All the artists were so friendly, nice and helpful. We all got tattoos. Two simple, one complicated and custom drawn. Niall was my artist. I was lucky he had some time. He custom drew a piece for me. It is absolutely beautiful and I could not be happier. The shop has the edgy cool vibe, but is spotlessly clean. All the artists were meticulous about prepping and cleaning. They had lengthy consults with their clients and were very caring. It was a great experience, highly recommend!!!!

Ive gotten 6 tattoos with Naill here and I gotta say its top notch work. All the artists are chill like that so get some ink and dont make a stink

Highly recommended! The service was quick and the execution was top notch. Everyone there is super professional, super friendly and fun to talk to.

I’ve been here a handful of times to get a large cover up worked on. This spot has a great atmosphere. Everyone is really friendly. Niall is amazing! He’s been really attentive to making sure I’m having a good experience by going above and beyond to share prep tips for tattoo day. He’s also great to chat with, the conversation is always interesting while he’s working on the tattoo.

Got a nice looking tattoo from Matt Tillman. He works well with color and made the design of my idea great. Fun group of artist to chat with while they are working on you. Will have to get another one here. Also... gotcha.

I got my all time favorite tattoo here from Matt Tillman the shop owner and will be back for more! Professional, comfortable, clean & welcoming environment. Matt and his team really listen and care care about their clients. All of them are extremely well versed in the art of tattooing. Highly recommend!

Love these people. Great vibes in the shop and excellent work done! I’ve had a bunch of work done here and they do a great job being thorough and bringing my vision to life. I’ll be going back here for many years to come!

Awesome shop full of great people. Been going to Klug for years and you can’t beat his work when it comes to traditional tattoos. Bold will hold.

Ive gotten top-tier quality work from 2 artists here, Matt and Jeff. Ive been to this fine establishment several times. They know how to make you feel comfortable the entire time of your session/appointment. The shop is always very clean as well. Trust goes both ways when it comes to tattoos and this place is legit. 👍🏻

Matthew has been tattooing my husband for many years now and did a piece for me right before we moved out of state. I would 10/10 travel back just for a tattoo appointment. We also proudly hung some of his original art work in our new home. He’s honest and talented and surrounds himself with great people.

I was in the navy for over 8 years. I’ve been tattooed in about 7 different countries, several states, and tons of shops spanning between the Bay Area and San Diego in California. Without a doubt, this shop is, by far, the most professional and comfortable shop I’ve ever had the pleasure of being tattooed in. I’ve been in a few really good shops, most decent, and some downright awful. A lot of places don’t care about the kinds of conversations they have in front of a house full of clients. “You’re in a place of hooligans, you can’t be offended here, and if you are, go somewhere else,” seemed to be a pretty consistent attitude in most places. I’ve been getting tattooed at The Holy Scythe exclusively since they opened and not once have I ever felt that the climate was even close to being negative, offensive, or justifiably poor. It’s always a pleasant experience, friendly, and welcoming by all the artists regardless of who you’re there to work with. Not to mention the place is stacked with legendary artists. If you’re in the San Jose area, this is the place to be. If you’re not, it’s worth the trip. You won’t be disappointed.

Best place in the Bay to get tattooed! I have several pieces from both Matt Tillman, the owner, and David Knapp that always turn heads and spark conversation. It’s not just the fantastic work that they turn out, but the care and respect for the person in front of each tattooer that makes this the spot if you want some killer art you’re proud to wear the rest of your life.If you’re reading this, book a consult now!

Been going to Matt Tillman for over 9 years and its for a reason. Very professional and creative, and I love his work. When I heard this studio was opening up I had to come in to get work done! This studio is very open, but each tattoo artist has space and a way to make their area private. I also appreciate the energy of this studio everyone is very welcoming, and seems to be having a great time doing what they love. I will definitely be back soon! I am very happy with the work done here.

This place rocks. Such a welcoming team super creative and overall great experience. Highly recommend

When I first came here and was a little bit nervous, but Niall greeted me took a lot of time and patience understanding what I was interested in and gave me an amazing tattoo that I love showing everyone! I cannot recommend Niall and this studio enough!! 10/10 will be back!

Love everything about this shop the atmosphere, the service, and the people are always awesome. (Both tats in pic from shop)

I have known the owner and wizard of ink Matt for 10 years. He has blessed me with many wonderful sessions and I am grateful for his friendship. This guy crushes. Then he opens his own spot and crushes. Then he builds a team of crushers. They crush, they should maybe change the shop name to holy crushers. If you want quality work in an environment you can trust look no further.

Matthew Tillman did this one for me. I sent him a few different photos of want I was looking for wings of this dragon, fire of this dragon etc. and he came up with this amazing dragon.

Love this place, great traditional tattoos with different styles to choose from different artists. They’re always super nice and everything is always very clean. I’ve been there a handful of times getting tatted by Jeff, he’s awesome and always have a great experience. Highly recommend

I bounced around from tattoo artist to tattoo artist for 20 years, got one tattoo with Niall and never looked back.1 year and 5 or so tattoos later and Id never dream of going to anyone else!Niall is artistic, funny, willing to come up with fantastic designs for any bonkers idea I dream up, and will sit through my chaotic rambling while he tattoos me. 5 stars. 2 thumbs up. I feel truly blessed to have stumbled upon this man who is a national treasure. Youd be an idiot to go anywhere else.

I had a great time getting tattooed by Mr. Matt Tillman. I also enjoy doing bjj with him

Got my first tattoo last night by Tessia, I love it. Super friendly artists, shop was very clean. Ill definitely be back for more art in the future. Overall great experience!

Been going to Matt for years while he was at another shop and just stepped into the Holy Scythe for the first time a few weeks ago. Awesome non judgemental environment and great artists. Definitely recommend for both first timers and people adding to their collection.

Best shop around hands down. Matt did the design and piece. Turned out better than I had ever dreamed.Awesome vibe. Awesome people and art. Awesome music.Can’t be beat.

Highly recommend this shop. All the artists are amazingly talented and wonderful humans. Can’t go wrong with this shop and these people!

Super clean, friendly artists and staff - Ive been to a lot of tattoo shops over the years and have never felt as welcomed and respected as I do at The Holy Scythe. Definitely five stars.

Great shop with a welcoming vibe. Good variety of artistic styles. Tessia is the bomb!

Dave is the best! Hes always so nice and friendly. His work is the best in the area, if not the world. I wouldnt go anywhere else for work other than this shop

Shop is clean, well-lit, and most importantly manned by amazing artists. Great books to peruse while you wait, and always feel welcomed.

We love Dave 💕

You won’t go wrong getting work done by Matt! He’s chill and talented. Badass art by badass people!

Neil is a beast l, great guy and artist will return to the scythe

Awesome place .. awesome people ! I personally see Jeffrey but anyone is awesome

Awesome tattoo shop. Great quality work.

Great experience, will be going back!

Niall!!!