Knife Sharpener from Father to Son for over 120 years

Tobia Sieleri, Gelindo Bertoldi’s uncle, is the only knife sharpener in Montreal.

Gelindo Bertoldi, born in 1898 in Stenico, a small town in northern Italy, immigrates to Montreal at the age of 12. As soon as he arrived, he began working with his uncle.

In the early days, he had a simple cart that he had to push to offer his services as a knife sharpener. His customers were mainly butchers and restaurants.

A few years later, he created his own personal cart and started out on his own. The days were long and hard, and the customers few. But Gelindo is determined to make his moletto (knife sharpener) business known and grow.

Purchase of a horse and wagon. This important acquisition enables him to expand his territory and customer base.

Acquisition of a truck, which he converts into a sharpening shop. This innovation represents a major step forward. He can now contact and serve many more butcher shops, restaurants and hotels, where the main source of his work is located.

The next generation takes over. Gelindo’s son, Jacques (Jim), joins the business and opens a shop-workshop on Amherst Street in Montreal. In addition to sharpening, he adds the sale of cutlery and scissors.

Jacques (Jim) is assisted by his wife, Monique, and as the business grows, their son Michel joins them.

Launch of the rental service. An initiative that more than triples the number of sharpenings per week.

1975: Jacques opens a second store on St-Laurent Street in Montreal’s north end. The Amherst Street store passes into the hands of his son Michel.

1976: Jacques’ two other sons, Ricky and Gino, join the family business.

The 1980s saw the start of sale, repair and maintenance of cutting equipment for the food industry.

The Bertoldi’s family can count on the exceptional contribution of loyal and dedicated employees, such as Sylvain Curadeau, manager (1989), and Guy Baribeau, mechanical manager (1990).

Jacques’ three sons take the company in hand and expand the territory to 100 miles (160 km) around Montreal.

Development of the Quebec City territory for rental, sharpening, maintenance and repair.

Launch of Bertoldi’s line of knives, available for sale, rental and sharpening.

Construction of the current building at 3730 Autoroute des Laurentides (Highway 15), Laval. This is followed by the closure of the Montreal stores, whose activities are relocated to the new facilities.

Arrival of the 5th generation. Patrick, Michel’s son and Jacques’ grandson, joins Bertoldi’s as a sales representative.

2009: Jimmy, Gino’s son, becomes the 2nd member of the 5th generation, dedicating himself to the company’s customer service department.

2010: Development of Ottawa territory for rental, sharpening, maintenance and repair.

Redesigned website and new Canada-wide online store.

Sharpening and rental service now covers all of Canada with the addition of online service and postal shipping. In-store service and our fleet of vehicles (Greater Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa) are still available.