A Century-Old Tradition: Knife Sharpening on Chicago’s Streets

For over four decades, an Oak Park man named Tony Delciello traversed the residential streets of Chicago’s South Side. He pushed a green and red cart equipped with a sharpening stone, offering his services from April through October. The ring of his cart’s bell brought residents out, tools in hand, seeking to have their garden shears, hedge trimmers, axes, lawn mower blades, and kitchen knives sharpened. Delciello charged a dollar or two per item, honing countless blades over the years.

A few years ago, Delciello returned to his hometown of Pescolanciano, Italy, leaving the cart in Chicago. Though the cart still bears his name, it now belongs to John Carmody, a former engineer for the Chicago fire department. Carmody, a resident of Morgan Park, retired in 1999 at the age of 50. His career included driving a crash rig at O’Hare and performing various odd jobs, including singing at the Willowbrook Ballroom.

Like many others, Carmody eagerly awaited Delciello’s annual visits to sharpen his tools. “Tony only came by once a year,” Carmody recalled. Missing Delciello meant another year with dull tools.

About four years ago, Carmody noticed a “For Sale” sign on Delciello’s cart. The Italian craftsman was set to sell before his move back home. Carmody, intrigued by the cart’s history and wanting to learn more, expressed his interest. “Three other guys did knife sharpening in the Chicago area,” Carmody said. “They were all Italian and stayed out of each other’s turf. I’m the first guy with an Irish name to do this.”

Carmody purchased the cart after months of negotiation and persistence.

The cart held a rich past. It was stolen in 2007 but later found at a farmer’s market. Delciello, unsure about the original owner’s intentions, regained possession of it. Although Delciello aimed to sell, he wanted it in the right hands. To prove his commitment, Carmody followed Delciello around and learned the trade, albeit with a rocky start. “He stood there and said, ‘I don’t think it’s for you,’” Carmody mentioned. Nevertheless, Carmody persisted, eventually buying the cart for $2,000.

The cart remains in good condition, with spoked wheels replaced by Amish craftsmen about 25 years ago. Delciello provided handwritten maintenance instructions, ensuring the cart’s legacy continued.

Carmody debuted his sharpening skills on Holy Saturday before Easter 2023 at an egg hunt at Crescent Park. The change in operator was apparent to locals. “I heard people saying right away, ‘It’s not the same guy.’” Two police officers intrigued by the cart took his photo and shared it on the 22nd District Facebook page. The post drew public interest, leading residents to bring as many as 60 knives for sharpening.

Carmody often strolls through North Beverly, East Beverly, and Morgan Park with the cart. Unlike Delciello, who worked six days a week, Carmody opts for weekends. He adapted the cart slightly, adding personal touches like paper angels from a grateful customer and a wooden basket for special tools. On hot days, he abstains from outings as residents remain indoors.

Block parties became a favorite event for him. “I’ve had block party organizers invite me,” he noted. Carmody, familiar with city employees in the Mt. Greenwood neighborhood, heard Tony’s advice to visit the area due to local interest.

One summer, after leaving the cart temporarily at a fire station, a passerby requested sharpening, tipping Carmody generously. Carmody responded by offering future free services. In colder months, appointments in his garage became the focus. He is reachable through social media and his business card.

Despite losing touch after Delciello moved to Italy, Carmody keeps the cart’s name, a decision met with Delciello’s approval. “That’s ah nice,” Delciello said.

Susan DeGrane is a freelance journalist for the Daily Southtown.