The Knife and Tool Sharpening Podcast

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What happens when your sharpening business outgrows your equipment?

After sharpening nearly 200 knives a week and spending years refining his Tormek setup, professional sharpener Eric Misenis made the jump to the Cutter Masters Tradesman Apex. The result? He reports cutting his sharpening time from roughly four minutes per knife to as little as 90 seconds to two minutes, while improving consistency and reducing his dependence on expensive replacement abrasives.

In this episode of the Knife and Tool Sharpening Podcast, Matt Rowell sits down with Eric, owner of Art of Sharp in Cleveland, Ohio, for an in-depth discussion of his experience transitioning from Tormek to the Cutter Masters Tradesman Apex.

Eric shares what convinced him to make the investment, how he's configured his sharpening system, and what he's learned putting the machine to work in a high-volume sharpening business.

Topics covered include:

• Tormek vs. Cutter Masters: Speed, precision, and workflow
• Resin-bond diamond wheels vs. CBN abrasives
• Equipment costs, abrasive longevity, and return on investment
• The Tradesman Apex jig system and repeatable angle settings
• Using abrasive belts for heavy material removal and stropping
• Water-cooled sharpening and heat management
• Improving efficiency in a high-volume sharpening operation
• When it makes sense to upgrade your sharpening equipment

Whether you're considering a Cutter Masters system, currently sharpening on a Tormek, or simply looking for ways to improve your sharpening process, this conversation offers practical insights from a working professional.

Special Thanks to Cutter Masters

A special thank-you to Jeff Toycen and Cutter Masters for supporting the Guild of Professional Sharpeners Scholarship Program. Their sponsorship helps aspiring professional sharpeners access mentorship, education, and the resources needed to build successful sharpening businesses.

Links & Resources

🔹 Cutter Masters — Tradesman Apex Sharpening Systems
https://cuttermasters.com/knife-sharpening-systems/

🔹 Art of Sharp — Eric Misenis
https://artofsharpohio.com/

🔹 Guild of Professional Sharpeners — Join Our Community
https://members.guildofsharpeners.org/

The Knife and Tool Sharpening Podcast is made possible by the Guild of Professional Sharpeners, a community of sharpening professionals dedicated to sharing knowledge, improving their craft, and helping one another succeed.

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What can a sharpening business offer your family beyond simply making a living?

In this episode, I sit down with Doc Marlow of M&M Professional Sharpening in Kansas City to talk about bringing family into the sharpening business. Doc shares the story of taking his 12-year-old daughter through professional shear and clipper blade training, teaching his other daughter to sharpen knives, and putting his kids to work helping with customers at sharpening events.

We talk about giving kids the opportunity to earn good money while learning a valuable skill, without creating an expectation that they have to follow in their parents' footsteps. I also share some of my own thoughts about employing my kids in the sharpening shop, using earned income to begin funding Roth IRAs at a young age, and turning a small family business into a tool for long-term wealth building.

We also get into the many ways a spouse or kids can contribute without ever touching a sharpening machine—from customer service and bookkeeping to running the front of the house at markets and events.

Doc also shares what happens when a sharpening business becomes busier than you ever intended, including the value of good training, building a reputation, raising prices, and designing a business that still fits the life you actually want to live.

A great conversation about sharpening, entrepreneurship, raising kids around a small business, and creating opportunities for the people you care about.

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Greg Reichmann of The Polished Edge joins me to talk about something that almost every sharpening business struggles with: charging enough.

Greg started sharpening as a side business while working full-time as a mortgage loan officer. Today he has built a thriving reputation in Connecticut, earned more than 160 five-star Google reviews, and recently made a simple change that dramatically increased his revenue without working more hours.

In this conversation we discuss:

•  How Greg built his sharpening business from scratch 
•  Why he decided to raise his prices 
•  Premium pricing versus the race to the bottom 
•  Building a retirement business you enjoy 
•  Google reviews and local SEO that consistently bring in customers 
•  Why helping your competitors can actually strengthen the entire industry 
•  Farmers markets, restoration work, and finding profitable niches 
•  Creating a business that grows with you for decades 

If you've ever struggled with raising your prices this episode is for you.

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In this update, I take you behind the scenes in my sharpening shop while working through a batch of commercial kitchen knives and sharing what's happening inside the Guild of Professional Sharpeners. 

In this video you'll hear about:

•  Recent Guild group call discussions on scissor sharpening, vendor accounts, Twice As Sharp wheels, and dry ride line systems 
•  What we learned during our lead detection presentation with Eric from DetectLead 
•  Upcoming guest speakers, office hours, and future Guild events 
•  My upcoming podcast with Greg Reichman on how to make more money doing what you already do
•  Why demand for professional sharpeners continues to increase 
•  How I'm growing The American Edge through knife and accessory sales 
•  A look at my current workflow for restaurant knives, serrations, scissors, and packaging finished orders 
•  Some closing thoughts on building a sharpening business with intention and staying focused on what really matters 

If you're interested in starting a sharpening business, improving your sharpening skills, or connecting with a community of professional sharpeners, I'd love to have you join us.

🔗 Guild of Professional Sharpeners
 https://guildofsharpeners.org

🎙️ Knife and Tool Sharpening Podcast

🔪 The American Edge
 https://americanedgesharpening.com

If you enjoyed the video, please consider subscribing and leave a comment letting me know what topics you'd like to see covered in a future episode.

Stay sharp!

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This month, I'm flying solo.

Instead of a guest interview, I wanted to share what's been on my mind after a busy summer running my sharpening business, leading the Guild of Professional Sharpeners, and experimenting with new ideas.

In this episode we discuss:

•  Why I'm changing the way I use AI and why I don't want it replacing my authentic voice. 
•  How AI can make your work better without doing your work for you. 
•  Selling premium knives and tools as a way to genuinely improve your customers' lives. 
•  Why quality products are easier to stand behind than cheap alternatives. 
•  Lessons from recent Guild guest speakers Buzz and Jerad on building thriving sharpening businesses. 
•  The surprising opportunities that still exist in sharpening, whether you work locally or by mail. 
•  Why every sharpening customer is also a potential product customer. 
•  Passing along credit card processing fees and other small business lessons that protect your profits. 
•  The value of community, mentorship, and surrounding yourself with people who are already succeeding. 
•  Updates on Guild membership, discount programs, and our growing scholarship initiative. 

If you've been thinking about growing your sharpening business or simply trying to build a business that reflects your values I hope you'll find something useful in this conversation.

Learn more about the Guild of Professional Sharpeners at guildofsharpeners.org.

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What does military service have to do with building a successful sharpening business?

In this episode of the Knife and Tool Sharpening Podcast, I sit down with fellow veteran and sharpener Jason Meredith of Veteran's Edge Sharpening to discuss why the sharpening trade can be an excellent fit for veterans transitioning into civilian life.

Jason shares his journey from the United States Air Force to becoming the sharpening provider for multiple Ace Hardware locations, building a mobile sharpening business, and creating a reputation for quality work and exceptional customer service. Along the way, we explore the skills many veterans already possess that translate directly into sharpening and entrepreneurship, including discipline, problem solving, adaptability, accountability, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous learning.

We also discuss:

• How Jason built relationships that led to major business opportunities
 • Why there is still tremendous demand for professional sharpening services
 • The value of mentorship, training, and community in the sharpening industry
 • Equipment recommendations for veterans looking to get started
 • The Guild of Professional Sharpeners and the role it can play in shortening the learning curve
 • Veteran resources including VR&E (Chapter 31), Veteran Service Officers, and other programs that may help veterans pursue business ownership

Whether you're a veteran looking for a new mission, a sharpener interested in growing your business, or someone curious about the opportunities available in the trade, this conversation is packed with practical advice and encouragement.

If you know a veteran who may be looking for purpose, community, or a path toward self employment, please share this episode with them.

Guest: Jason Meredith, Veteran's Edge Sharpening
Website: veteransedgesharpening.com

Learn more about the Guild of Professional Sharpeners: guildofsharpeners.org

Listen, learn, and keep sharpening.

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What tools do you REALLY need to start a sharpening business?

In this episode of Tool Talk, Matt sits down with Grant Lauinger of Custom Edge Sharpening to discuss sharpening systems, tool philosophy, guided vs freehand sharpening, business growth, and the reality of building a sharpening business part-time.

Grant shares how he started with a simple 1x30 setup and gradually expanded into clipper blades, salon shears, garden tools, mower blades, and professional belt systems including CutterMaster, AmeriBrade, BuckTool, Tormek, and more.

Topics include:

• Beginner sharpening setups
• Guided vs freehand sharpening
• Edge trailing vs edge leading
• Sharpening business growth
• Marketplace tool deals
• Mobile sharpening setups
• Dust collection realities
• Tool recommendations
• Building a part-time sharpening business

Grant operates Custom Edge Sharpening in the Chicago area and is an active member of the Guild of Professional Sharpeners.

https://members.guildofsharpeners.org/

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In this episode of the Knife and Tool Sharpening Podcast, Matt sits down with Ken Lunders of Maritime Sharpening in Halifax to talk about his lifelong journey with knives and sharpening.

Ken’s story starts the way many sharpeners do — fascinated with his father’s Swiss Army knife as a kid. From sharpening on oil stones and concrete as a teenager, to learning metallurgy as a diesel mechanic, to eventually building a sharpening business in Canada, Ken’s path shows how curiosity and persistence can turn a simple skill into a craft.

We also dive into:

• How Ken learned sharpening before YouTube and online communities
• Why understanding burr removal and geometry changed everything
• The difference between stones, belt grinders, and diamond plates
• Why beginners should start simple instead of chasing expensive tools
• The power of community and mentorship in accelerating your learning
• Why sharpening businesses don’t have to compete with each other

Ken also shares advice for anyone thinking about getting into sharpening:

Whether you're a professional sharpener, a knife enthusiast, or someone thinking about starting a sharpening business, this conversation is packed with insights from someone who has spent decades learning and refining the craft.

Learn more and join the community at guildofsharpeners.org

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What’s actually working in a sharpening business right now?

In this update, I’m sharing what we’re seeing inside the Guild of Professional Sharpeners—from charging premium rates and adding high-value services, to building real connections that help you grow faster (without doing it alone).

We cover:

•  How sharpeners are increasing their rates 
•  A “spa treatment” upsell that customers love 
•  What’s happening inside our weekly Guild calls 
•  Lessons from real sharpening businesses in the field 
•  Behind-the-scenes of building out a new shop and adding a straight knife grinder 

If you’re building a sharpening business—or thinking about starting one—this will give you a clear picture of what’s working right now.

Join the Guild of Professional Sharpeners:
→ https://members.guildofsharpeners.org/

Subscribe to the “From the Bench” Newsletter (monthly insights + real-world strategies):
→ https://guildofsharpeners.kit.com/b95b5ecf74

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

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James and I go way back—he was one of the early guys I taught in-person, and his story is a big part of why the Guild exists today.

In this episode, James shares how he built (and rebuilt) his sharpening business in a way that supports his life instead of consuming it. We talk about the early days, learning the fundamentals (yes—the burr), why Google Business can be the difference between “crickets” and instant customers, and what changed when he restarted after a multi-year break.

We also get real about farmer’s markets: what they pay, what they cost in time and energy, and why James is intentionally throttling back to protect weekends with his son.

In this episode:

• Starting a sharpening business with under ~$500 in gear
• Why Google Business can outperform “traditional marketing”
• Restarting after years away (and the new Google verification headaches)
• Farmer’s market economics: $100–$600 days—and the hidden tradeoffs
• Simple pricing that customers actually understand
• Building community through the Guild (and why it matters)

If you’re building a sharpening business (or thinking about it), this one is a reality check and a permission slip to design it your way.

Option B — a little more punchy / story-driven

James started in software, found sharpening through a podcast, and took a leap into a business he could build with his hands—and on his own terms.

Then life changed. He put sharpening on the shelf for years… and came back to it later with the skills intact—but marketing and customer flow totally different.

We talk about what it really means to build a business that serves you: why farmer’s markets can be great money and still not worth the weekend cost, how James simplified pricing to avoid confusing customers, and how the Guild became the kind of community you can’t replace with random social media clips.

This episode is for anyone who wants to grow—without becoming a slave to “busy.”