Knives Out: Knife Knowledge for Home Cooks Part 7

Sometimes your knives need professional care. Here’s when to call a sharpening service, what it costs, and how to choose the right one.

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Sharpening Services

Even the best home sharpening routine has its limits. Over time, knives lose their edge in ways that honing rods and at-home sharpeners can’t fully fix. That’s when it’s time to call in the pros. Professional knife sharpening isn’t just for chefs. It’s an affordable service that can breathe new life into your blades.

Telltale Signs You Need a Professional Sharpener

Honing no longer improves the edge.

Your knife slips on the food instead of slicing cleanly.

Chips or nicks in the blade.

It’s been a year (or more) since your last sharpening.

Think of professional sharpening like a tune-up for your knives. Doing this once or twice a year keeps them performing like new.

What to Expect

Drop-Off Services: Many kitchen supply shops, hardware stores, and even some farmers’ markets have knife-sharpening services. There are even roving trucks that perform on-the-spot sharpening.
Mail-In Options: Some companies let you ship your knives, sharpen them, and return them in a week or two.
Turnaround Time: Same day to a few days, depending on the service.

The pricing for professional sharpening is usually very affordable

Standard knives: $5–$10 each.
Serrated knives: $7–$12 each (more delicate to sharpen).
Specialty knives: Prices vary depending on size and complexity.

Example: Sharpening a chef’s knife and a paring knife together might cost under $20. That’s far less than replacing them.

How to Choose a Good Service

Experience matters: Ask how long they’ve been sharpening and what methods they use.
Reviews & reputation: Check local recommendations or online reviews.
Method used: Whetstones are gentler, while grinders are faster but harsher on blades.
Communication: A good sharpener will explain their process and answer questions.

Bundle your knives for sharpening once or twice a year, and you’ll always have sharp blades without feeling like you’re constantly maintaining them. In between professional tune-ups, use your honing rod and a home sharpener to keep edges in check.

Read More

Part 1: The Basics

Part 2: The Essentials

Part 3: Spend Wisely

Part 4: Storage Matters

Part 5: Dull = Danger

Part 6: Sharpening 101

Part 8: Block or Not?

Part 9: Knife Skills