Welcome to

On Edge

Premium Sharpening Service

Offering professional knife, scissors, and woodworking tool sharpening services.

What I Sharpen

  • All types of kitchen and chef’s knives.
  • I also specialize in sharpening Japanese and Japanese style chef’s knives. Double, single or asymmetrical bevels.
  • All sizes of serrated knives.
  • Pocket knives of most sizes and blade shapes.

  • Sewing and cloth scissors of all kinds.
  • Quilting scissors.
  • Paper scissors.
  • Paper cutters.
  • Utility scissors.
  • Woodworking hand tools such as:
  • Chisels
  • Gouges
  • Plane blades
  • Spokeshave blades.
  • Timber framing slicks and other tools.
  • Carving knives (Scandi grind)

What I Don’t Sharpen

  • Garden tools of any kind.
  • Lawnmower blades.
  • Chainsaw chains
  • Saw blades.
  • Hair Shears

My Process

For sharpening knives, I use two methods. I first establish the knife’s bevel using a specially modified belt sander. The modifications allow me to use a very slow belt speed so the metal is never overheated (more on why that’s bad here) and special jigs enable me to achieve precise and consistent bevel angles. Depending on the intended use, knife bevel angles range from 12 degrees to 20 degrees and I make sure the bevel angle is what is recommended by the manufacturer. Next the knives are finished by hand using diamond sharpening stones. This produces a slightly convex bevel, which is much stronger than a straight wedge type bevel. The knives are then stropped on leather to get a mirror surface, producing a smooth even cut. Japanese knives are typically have a thinner and much more brittle edge and are carefully sharpened by hand using diamond plated stones. Serrated knives are sharpened using a small slow speed grinding tool with specially designed bits to ensure even serrations. For more a more detailed explanation of my sharpening methods, please click on the Process tab in the menu. For sharpening scissors and woodworking tools, I use a water bath system manufactured by Tormek. This system allows me to grind all types of tools without overheating the metal. For chisels and plane blades, this results in a slightly hollow grind (surface) that I hone on diamond plates to produce a very strong flat over hollow grind. This also allows for easier honing in the future.

Where am I located?

Everywhere! My service is completely mobile! I can come to your location and take care of all your sharpening needs, from your best scissors to your favorite chef’s knife. And usually in an hour or less! Fill out the Contact form and we can arrange a date and time. This is a $50.00 minimum, check my Rates page for more info. My main location is at the Hickory Farmer’s Market in downtown Hickory, NC. I am there every Saturday from 8:00 AM till 1:00 PM and can usually complete your sharpening job while you shop (15 minute min.). I will be having pop-up sharpening service at various locations and local businesses every week if you can’t make the Farmer’s Market. Check out my Schedule to find out where.

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