Thank you for visiting my website. My name is Joe Rideau and my home and workshop are located in Los Gatos, California, a suburb of San Jose.  Please take some time to browse my knives on the Gallery page.

I have been practicing orthodontics in the San Francisco Bay Area for nearly 40 years.  Working in this profession requires tremendous attention to detail; and the hallmark of my practice has been constantly achieving outstanding esthetics and function. Making high quality custom knives also requires unwavering attention to detail, precision, esthetics, and function.

I have been a knife lover since childhood.  My father carried a pocket knife, and instilled in me the respect and appreciation for a well made tool. I have carried a pocket knife every day since I was a teenager.  Several years ago, I stopped in the local cutlery store to purchase a pocket knife, and while speaking with the shopkeeper I learned that many of the knives were made by local craftsmen.  It occurred to me that I could actually make the knives I carry, and my knifemaking career began that afternoon.  Knife making is more than a pastime.  It is a passion that allows me to express my love of creating beautiful, precision tools that can last a lifetime.

I am primarily self-taught, although I was fortunate to spend two weeks in the Texas workshop of Johnny Stout; in addition to some very educational days with Stan Wilson in Florida, and Glenn Are Hovin in Norway.  These master knifemakers generously taught me many of the techniques and methods I use today.  All of my knives are currently constructed using hidden screws throughout.  Very few makers in the world use this technique.