Company History

Legacy & Ingenuity

Charlie Steller and his son Jon used their combined expertise to modify a lathe for precision-grinding clipper blades. Cousin Jerry added his mathematical skills to perfect the grinding surface, achieving the optimal hollow grind valued by the sharpening industry. The Steller lathe, originally retrieved from a United States battleship, still turns highly accurate wheels today. After Charlie passed, Jon took over the wheel resurfacing and further enhanced the lathe’s accuracy through his restless ingenuity. An inventor and owner of multiple fabrication businesses, Jon also studied machining under “Mr. Woods” in Texas.

First Generation

In the 1970s, Charlie embarked on our family’s first sharpening business after exploring various fascinating professions. Traveling door-to-door in Texas with a van full of service equipment, he provided expert sharpening services. For decades, Charlie operated the surfacing lathe for himself, his family, and other sharpeners. He also crafted sharpening wheel blanks using a unique, long-lasting “metal recipe” that outperformed much of the competition. Until his passing in 2013, Charlie dedicated himself to resurfacing clipper blade sharpening wheels. I’m deeply grateful for the legacy he passed down, and I believe Charlie would be proud and amazed to see how his entrepreneurial spirit has provided employment and sustenance for many of his family members.

Second Generation

In 1982, Uncle Charlie heard that his nephew Doug was seeking a new career path and invited him to Texas for training in the sharpening business. After starting his own family in Portland, Oregon, Doug seized the opportunity and embarked on a lifelong career. With support from Uncle Charlie and his brother Steve, Doug set up his first mobile sharpening van. Doug’s charming personality quickly won over customers at the shops he visited, where they enjoyed friendly chats with him. Over the years, Doug has witnessed many of his customers evolve from young beginners to seasoned professionals, eventually passing their businesses on to the next generation.

Third Generation

For several years, Phil has been honing his skills and training with his dad Doug on NW Oregon and SW Washington sharpening routes. Phil will build upon the excellent foundation of the previous generations’ expertise and service. With a background in computer science, Phil has developed a business database, website, and marketing plan to expand service to new areas. Phil made two trips to New Mexico to be mentored by cousin Jon in lathe operation before Jon’s unfortunate passing in late 2024.