Hello and thanks for visiting my site.
People are always asking me how I learn to do the things I do, I never really have much of an answer for them. I guess it started a few months before I was born because that's when my mom and dad purchased a house in Geneva Ohio that was a complete remodel job. My mom has joked before that I was born with a hammer in my hand and I guess that's not too far from the truth because I was literally brought home to what amounted to a construction site.
I come from a long line of working men and was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with one of the best, my dad. He was a huge influence on my life. He taught me how to use my mind, my hands and my heart. Unfortunately he was taken from us way too soon but everything I make has a little bit of him in it, and there's not a day that goes by that he doesn't continue to give me advice.
My memories of working with my hands and having an interest in knives, guns & woodworking goes back as far as I can recall. I remember getting my first pocket knife when I was 5 or 6 and things were never the same again. My interests and experience are pretty wide spread but generally revolve around things your mom wouldn't want you playing with.
I have been working in Information Technology for about 19 years and am currently the Technical Services Manager for a large Meeting & Event Planning company where I have been for 13 years.
None of this could be possible without my wife of 14 years, Laura. She has always been supportive of my endeavors and has been more understanding than anyone should have to be.
As a part time craftsman I generally make what I like and offer them for sale but I also take custom orders and can quote a lead time at the time of your order.
Feel free to look around my site a bit and don't hesitate to contact me to discuss that project you may have in mind. Thanks for visiting!
Chad Pirtle
Current Services Offered
Custom Knives (forged or stock removal)
Hand made tools
Custom holsters & sheaths
Custom Knives
I make all of my knives freehand and without milling equipment or patterns. I work primarily in Carbon Steels and try to match the best steel and construction techniques for the intended use. My knives are crafted 100% by me from flat or round stock all the way through heat treating which is verified for Rockwell hardness and fitted with a quality sheath of leather or Kydex.
Handmade leather holsters & sheaths
I make a variety of holster styles based on personal experience. I have purchased and made just about every style of holster design and can help you decide what will work best based on your needs and body type. All of my holsters are cut, fitted & finished by hand from top grades of leather. I use heavier grades of leather because of the superior durability. With basic care your holster should last as long as you need it. If you are local I can fit the holster directly on your gun, or I can mold one from my extensive inventory. If I don't have what you want I will do my best to get a blue gun replica to mold from.
Hand molded Kydex sheaths
I have been working in Kydex for a little over 11 years, which is almost as long as Kydex has been used for sheaths and holsters. Kydex can be a fantastic sheath material when in the right hands but careful steps need to be taken to ensure a proper fit without too much tension or rubbing. I make all of my Kydex sheaths directly on the tool they are made to fit to ensure the best product possible.
Last Updated: 09.16.11