Peter Alex and Michael Maestri, are fourth generation knife grinders. Like their father, Peter Allen, and his father before him, they grew up in the knife business, and have carried on the family tradition.
Descendant's of knife grinders who emigrated from Italy at the end of the last century, the Maestri family resides in Spring Green, Wisconsin, a town well known for its artists and entrepreneurs. Now joined by the fifth generation of Italian knife grinders, Peter, Michael and their family will continue to provide the finest cutlery service available anywhere.
Above (left to right): Peter Maestri (2nd generation Knife Grinder) and Henry Colona in 1947; Chicago, Illinois. After working for Maestri Brothers, Henry went on to start Northwest Cutlery, which still operates in Chicago today.
Carisolo is the name of the town from which Peter’s ancestors came. The village, now popular with skiers and tourists, is located in a valley high in the Dolomite Alps. In the 1890's its hilly, rocky soil and difficult access made economic prospects grim. After several knife grinders relocated successfully in New York City, an alternative was available to those seeking a better life. Thus, the Maestri family brought their skills and trade to America. Our family engages in cutlery business in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Buffalo, New York City, Kansas City, and the Bay Area California.