Chicago Area Knife Makers?

Mike Gesualdo

Mike Gesualdo

Joined
Nov 11, 2012
Messages
220
Hello,

I'm in Northbrook, Illinois... about 30 minutes North of Chicago. I'm an aspiring hobbyist knifemaker and I'm looking for any maker(s) in the area who would be willing to let me come by for a shop visit to get a feel for how it's really done.

I'm basically a complete newbie when it comes to knife making; I've only made a few blades using hand tools and/or an angle grinder. Now that I'm out of college and have an income, I've been interested in finally taking the plunge and getting myself some decent equipment, but I would like to watch and speak with someone more skilled at the craft before making the investment.

So, if you're in the area and willing help a newbie out, I would be extremely grateful. I promise not to get in the way too much :D. Also, if you're as new as me and nearby, feel free to message me as well... never a bad thing to learn along-side other people.

Thanks!
 
i too would be interesting in meeting some actually proffesional knife makers, im in edgewater (in chicago) and had a small shop for a little while but had to take it down because i moved. now im looking for a new place to set up shop. Also get a 1X30 belt grinder they cost 100 at most and will make you weep tears of joy because of how much easier it makes everything.
 
I am in Wheaton and have not finished any knives yet but I hope to soon. They are well on their way!

Send me a PM and I can show you some of the things I am doing.

I made two santuku and one vegetable chopper. I finished grinding and they are ready to get sent somewhere for heat treatment. All three of the knives are made out of 154CM from Aldo.

First 3 Knives 1.jpgFirst 3 Knives 2.jpg

I also tried my hand at making some of my own micarta. It is West Systems epoxy with coffee sacks. I think it turned out pretty great for my first attempt.

Coffee Sack Burlap.jpg

Here is my GIB and my drill press hiding in the back.

Grinder.jpg
 
I am in the northwest suburbs in Algonquin. I am very new to this as well. I have made myself a forge and heat treated a couple of blades, and am now in the process of making a new and much nicer forge. Right now I do my grinding and other work at my job, where I have access to a full machine shop and bosses who are nice enough to let me do side projects (I once built an all aluminum and stainless steel trailer there). I am working on getting my own sander, drill press, and an anvil to forge blades on. Other then that, I have most of what I need, including tooling for making leather sheaths, and the knowledge of producing a hamon on a blade and bringing it out of the steel. I am still very new to this, learning fast, and would love also to find someone locally to learn some tips from. I have found however that in everything I have ever done, there is no better teacher then first hand experience. That is why I have taken the plunge and started making knives without any prior experience. If there are any experienced knifemakers in the area, hopefully they'll speak up. I'd love to join you in finding someone nearby to watch and learn from.
 
Hi,

I am in Algonquin. I laser logos, names, etc. onto knife blades and handles. Gives it a professional look. Just an option if interested.

-Don-
 
Somehow I missed this the first time around...........................

I'd REALLY like to spend a little time with some other Chicago area "knifemakers" preferably when it's warm enough to spit without it bouncing like a superball.

I'm in Oak Park and we ( the Chicago, Northbrook, Wheaton, Algonquin guys ) need to do this if only to inspire each other. My workshop is embarrassingly crowded now and frigid to boot. But I'd consider hosting a get together ( that means providing a place and drinks/munchies) in the not far distant future. I suppose I can clean the shop up a bit.

Let me know in here if this can work.................

Corey "synthesist" Gimbel
 
I'd invite you all over if the drive was any less than 4 hours. However don't
miss the upcoming Janesville show at the end of March, you definitley won't
regret it.
Ken.
 
Oh man... it seems like forever since I posted this... kind of weird reading it now, haha.

So a lot has changed in the year since posting this. I've since purchased a home in the city (Ukrainian Village to be more specific), so I'm no longer in the burbs. I've also built up a fairly respectable shop... and I'm happy to say I'm still making knives and have a little more of a clue what I'm doing now (or so I think :P) Funny story, I actually ran into someone in a "Fiddleback Forge" shirt at a beer festival, completely coincidentally. Turns out he was a fellow knifemaker who posted in this thread named Mr. Daily, who works with one of my closest college buddies. Small world. Though, I haven't met any other knifemakers since! Seems like there aren't a whole lot of us in the area :(

Corey: I got your PM. We should definitely get together sometime and talk knives. I'm only about a 15 minute drive from Oak Park. No need to clean the shop first, I'm sure it's cleaner than mine, haha.

Ken: Google says I'm 3 hours and 56 minutes from ya. I think that's less than 4 hours :P I would love to come by your shop if you'd have me! I consider that a short trip for the opportunity to learn from someone as talented as yourself. That's the first I've heard of the show in Janesville; I'll definitely have to try and make it!

Mike
 
Okay then this worked like a charm.

1) Ken: I'm definitely going to the Janesville show coming up. I'll stop by and say hello. Maybe Mike and I will make a roadtrip to see you together. The way I drive it's more like 3 hours.

2) Mike: Got your PM and replied.

I hope some of the others catch this and get in on the coming events.

Corey "synthesist" Gimbel


2)
 
I think we should plan on a road trip to the Janesville Show coming up. I was planning on going on the Friday

I'll be driving and one friend is joining me...................... there'd be room in my Honda CRV for another or possibly 2 others.

Let me know here. First replies rule as always.

Corey "synthesist" Gimbel
 
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