About Me

Hello I'm Greg Gottschalk, please let me tell you about myself and my knifemaking.

Since graduating high school in 1966 I have been working in the machinist trade. In the mid 1970's I was at a Sportsman's show and seen a man that had custom knives for sale. After talking with him I was invitied to his shop for some hands-on training. After that I was hooked.

I began making knives by stock removal using 440C stainless. I sold my first knife in 1976. I became a voting member of the Knifemakers Guild in 1988. Around 1985 I met Hugh Bartrug and we became good friends. I spent a good bit of time in Hugh's shop over the years learning the art of bladesmithing. I joined the American Bladesmith Society in 1988, earning my journeyman's stamp in 1991, and my Mastersmith stamp in 2001.

I use many different metals in my Damascus some of which are 0-1, 1084, 1095, 203E, Nickle 200, L-6, 15N20, and powder metal in my mosaic. I make all types of knives using various materials. I prefer using natural handle materials like pearl, ivory, stag, and the exotic hardwoods.