Peter Maestri and Henry Colona in 1947 Chicago
Peter Maestri, third generation knife grinder, has been offering his services to the
Wisconsin food service industry since 1979. Like his father and his grandfather
before him, Peter is part of a tradition of knife grinding that spans more than
100 years. A descendant of knife grinders who emigrated from Italy at the end
of the last century, Peter 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 Maestri and his family will continue to provide Wisconsin with the
finest cutlery service available anywhere.
Carisolo, Italy
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.
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