Interview with Dave Jeske

Blue Spruce Toolworks was started in 2002 by Dave Jeske. In that short amount of time, Dave has made quite a name for his company, and more importantly, for the tools that he makes.

The first tool that Dave made was a marking knife. This knife is designed specifically for smaller scale precision joinery. This little marking knife was bought by Christopher Schwarz and is now one of his favorite tools. To me, that's high praise. Then in the May/June issue of Fine Woodworking Magazine, the Blue Spruce marking knife was vote "Best Overall" in a line up of 15 other marking knives.

Dave has also expanded his line of tools to include mallets, awls, dovetail chisels, and more.

In our interview with Dave you'll get to hear:

• How Dave's background in engineering and specifically working with metal helped launch his new career.

• Why Dave chose a marking knife as his first tool to produce.

• What lead him to give up his engineering job to become a full-time tool maker.

• What keeps him motivated to put in the long hours needed to run a successful business (other than his mortgage!)

• Insight into what it's like to strike out on your own: Things he expected and some things that he didn't.

Dave also talks about a new tool line that he's working on. He's tight lipped about it during the interview, but he hopes to unveil it at this year's Woodworking in America Conference. When I learn about it, you'll be the first to know. Stay tuned!

To listen to the interview go here.

(Just found out at the Woodworking in America Conference that Dave's new tool line is a set of Bench Chisels.  These are just as beautiful as his dovetail chisels with a much thicker blade to withstand the abuse of mallet work.)

We'd love to hear from you.  Leave any questions or comments about our interview with Dave below. 

Craig