Q: Why should I have my knives professionally sharpened?

A: A professionally sharpened knife isn't just about having a sharp edge. It's about safety, efficiency, and prolonging the life of your knives. A sharp knife requires less force, leading to better control and a lower risk of accidents. Professional sharpening ensures the correct angle is maintained and removes the minimum amount of metal necessary, preserving the integrity of your blades for years to come.

Q: How often should I have my knives sharpened?

A: The frequency depends on how often you use them. For a home cook who uses their knives regularly, we recommend professional sharpening every 6-12 months. For professional chefs or those who do a lot of cooking, every 3-6 months is more appropriate. Listen to your knife: if it's struggling to slice through a tomato cleanly, it's time for a sharpen.

Q: What's the difference between sharpening and honing?

A: This is a common and important question!

• Sharpening removes a small amount of metal from the blade to create a new, sharp edge. It's a more intensive process that's done less frequently.

• Honing (using a honing steel) doesn't remove metal. It realigns the microscopic edge of the blade that has bent over with use. This should be done frequently to maintain the edge between sharpenings. Honing requires proper technique and a good foundation (original edge) to work on.

Q: Can you sharpen serrated knives?

A: Yes, we can! We use specialized tools to sharpen each individual serration on your knife, restoring its cutting power. Please note that this process is more time-consuming than sharpening a straight-edged knife.

Q: Do you sharpen ceramic knives?

A: Yes, we do. Ceramic knives require special diamond abrasives for sharpening due to their extreme hardness. Please note that ceramic knives are more brittle than steel knives, and we handle them with the utmost care.

Process & Pricing

Q: How does your sharpening process work?

A: We use a multi-step process to ensure a perfect edge every time. This typically includes:

1. Inspection: We first inspect your knife for any damage or special needs.

2. Grinding: Using a low-speed, water-cooled grinding wheel (or belt system, depending on the knife), we carefully reshape the edge to the correct angle. The slow speed prevents the blade from overheating, which can compromise the steel's temper.

3. Honing & Polishing: We progressively use finer grits to refine the edge and remove any burrs.

4. Stropping: We finish the process by stropping the blade on a leather strop to achieve a razor-sharp, mirror-like finish.

Q: What is your pricing structure?

A: Our pricing is based on the size of the knife. We have a simple, transparent pricing system.

• Small Knives (e.g., paring knives, up to 4 inches): $6

• Medium Knives (e.g., utility knives, up to 8 inches): $10

• Large Knives (e.g., chef knives, up to 12 inches): $10

• Extra Large Knives & Specialty Blades (e.g., cleavers, serrated knives, >12 inches): $10-$15

• Pocket Knives and Fixed blades $15 (includes cleaning, oiling and tuning aka SPA service)

• Knife Thinning $50

We offer discounts for orders larger than 10 and have special rates for our regular commercial clients.

All kitchen knife sharpening includes a velvet lined ABS Sleeve for protection both for and from the knife.

Don’t see it here? I sharpen lots of other things.. Send me a message for my other prices. I am making a more complete menu, so check back soon..

Q: How long does the sharpening process take?

A: We usually sharpen and return your knives within 1 business day. For large or special orders, we'll give you a time estimate when you bring them in.

Q: Can I get my knives sharpened even faster?

A: Yes, If you schedule an appointment you can get walk-in service for your knives or other tools to be sharpened right there in front of you! It will take an avg 3-4 min per knife and there is no extra charge for this service. Call or text us at (602) 688-9170 to schedule.

Care & Maintenance

Q: How should I care for my knives after they've been sharpened?

A: To keep your newly sharpened knives in peak condition:

• Wash by hand: Never put them in the dishwasher, as the high heat and harsh detergents can dull the edge and damage the handle.

• Dry immediately: After washing, dry the knife thoroughly to prevent rust. In our Arizona climate with our water, I really can’t stress this enough!

• Store properly: Use a knife block, a magnetic strip, or blade guards to prevent the edge from hitting other utensils, which can dull it.

• Use a honing steel: Use a honing steel or ceramic rod to keep the edge aligned.

Q: What kind of cutting board should I use?

A: We highly recommend using a soft surface like a wood or bamboo cutting board. Plastic boards are also acceptable. Avoid using glass, stone, or ceramic cutting boards, as these will dull your knife edge very quickly.

Q: Can you repair damaged knives (e.g., chipped tips, bent and broken blades)?

A: Yes, in most cases we can. Please bring in your damaged knife, and we'll assess the extent of the damage and let you know what is possible and what the cost will be. Small chips and broken tips are usually no extra charge.

Q: Can you repair my knife block?

A: Yes, bring in your knife block and we will sand and oil it to look as good as new! We don’t charge extra for this service either. We work wonders with wood as well as metal.

Q: Are my knives worth sharpening?

A: In most cases the answer to this question is this… How long have you had them and how often do you use them? Think of something else you use as often and have had as long…

If sharpening isn’t right for you, we have hundreds of new knives available to buy and try in our shop. (All new knife purchases include one free sharpening!)