Packing Up the Shop...

mike deibert

mike deibert

Joined
Jul 2, 2009
Messages
378
..and Heading North!

After 13 years of living and working in Managua, Nicaragua my wife and I have decided to return "home" this June. The vocational school we started and run is now self sustaining we've essentially worked ourselves out of a job. This is a very good thing! In light of this we have decided to return to the States (Trussville, Alabama to be exact) where I will set up my personal shop and have a go at making a living forging knives and blacksmithing. This is not going to be an easy transition mentally and emotionally but we feel it is time and there are 4 grandparents who can't wait to spend time with the 3 little boys we've created.

I have quite a bit of tools that I've purchased recently and I'm very eager to get a shop set up and start cranking out some of the creations that I have on paper and in my head. If you're in the Trussville area or are just looking for a reason to make a road trip, please feel free to plan a visit to my shop to say hey.

Even though I stop by here often it's been a while since I've posted any knives. Here are some pics of recent work:


A Gentleman's Bowie with Maple Burl handle. 6" damascus blade, stainless guard and 4.5" Oregon maple burl handle.


Next is a feather pattern fighter with a 6.5" blade, blued steel guard and ironwood handle


This Harpoon Bowie has a 9" Blade, blued steel guard and ironwood handle


This single guard fighter has a 7.5 inch blade of W-2, blued guard and sycamore handle.


This is a simple hunter with stainless guard and curly maple handle.

Thanks for looking!
 
Last edited:
Congrats Mike, enjoy this next season in life!
 
I wish the great karma and spirit you have embodied in your students and that school are doubled back to you in return!

Grrreat to hear this, Mike. I look forward to this next journey!

Best,

Jim
 
I love your work, sir, and I'm not just referring to the cutlery:thumbup:
 
I'm sure it's bittersweet for you and yours but we're sure elated to have you back in the good ol' USA.

I'm still disappointed I missed that BIG Bowie and wooden model of it you had in San Antonio but maybe we can do another when you get set up.

Be safe in your travels and take care.
 
Congratulations, Mike, on starting the next adventure of your life.
I enjoy our visits in Atlanta - see you soon. Now you can drive there!
 
I enjoyed meeting you and buying one of your JS test knives at Blade a couple of years ago, and I remember you talking a bit about what you were doing down in central America, and I was impressed. I believe Jason Knight was there at the time . . .

I wish you nothing but the greatest success on the "next chapter!" I look forward to seeing what you are able to do.

PS - for some reason I cannot see or open the pics - is anyone else having that problem?
 
Mike,

Congratulations on doing such a great job of teaching you can leave the school. I hope to visit your shop sometime in the near future.


I can't see the pictures either
 
Dang! I'm sorry about those pictures. I will try to edit them back in when I get home from the shop. Thanks to all for looking!
 
My guess is that you will have more people wanting your knives than you will be able to produce.
Congratulations on the success of the school. I hope you enjoy the time you will be able to spend with the family.
 
Mike killer knives my favorite is the feather fighter very nice. I know you are going to miss the school but something new is always fun to. looking forward to seeing you at blade. Good luck with the move and the new venture.

Steve
 
My congratulations on your success with the school in Managua. It must be a bitter sweet accomplishment though I'm sure. After so many years there, I'm sure that you are leaving many fond memories behind. :) What are you going to do when it doesn't rain every day at 10 AM for an hour and then turn beautiful?

All my best.

Gary
 
I have a very good friend in Odenville. I'll definitely plan a visit. Your work is exceptional! Good luck and safe travels.
 
Burl Source said:
My guess is that you will have more people wanting your knives than you will be able to produce.
Congratulations on the success of the school. I hope you enjoy the time you will be able to spend with the family.
Click to expand...

Hey Mark,
That Gentleman's Bowie has some of your wood on the handle. Your stabilized wood is awesome!
 
Congratulations, Mike! Y'all done good. :)

Do you have a timeframe for when y'all will make the move? I imagine trying to move shop from one country to another is pretty boogery.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top