Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
How do I get my items sharpened?
How often should I sharpen my kitchen knives?
How should I wash and store my kitchen knives?
How do I know if my knife is worth sharpening?
Even inexpensive or older knives are worth the cost of sharpening in most cases:
Is there anything you CAN'T or DON'T sharpen?
Yes. We do not sharpen:
- Carbide saw blades: We recommend Day's Band Blades in Ellettsville, Indiana for carbide saw blades.
- Hand saws or hacksaws: These saws are often of lower quality steel and require a lot of work to sharpen, so we suggest replacing them instead.
- Scissors or tools with replaceable blades: It's usually necessary to replace the blades to get improved performance.
- Any item we deem unsafe, such as a blade with a crack in it that could cause it to shatter. Sometimes a safety issue isn't obvious at first but shows up during sharpening, so we reserve the right to stop work on any job if our safety is at risk.
- Drop-off and same-day sharpening is available for all customers at the B-Town Sharp Shop.
- Mobile sharpening is available for commercial customers (pet groomers, salons, restaurants, etc.) by appointment only. Call or text us at 812-339-1899 to discuss your needs.
How often should I sharpen my kitchen knives?
- For most home cooks, every 6 - 12 months
- For frequent, daily cooks, every 3 - 6 months
- For professional chefs, every 1 - 2 months
How should I wash and store my kitchen knives?
- Wash by hand with warm water and soap. Do not put knives in the dishwasher!
- Towel dry completely.
- Lightly oil the blade with a natural, food-safe oil such as mineral oil.
- Store only in a cool, dry place to avoid rusting.
- If storing for more than 2 weeks, remove from any sheath or cover to avoid rust spots.
How do I know if my knife is worth sharpening?
Even inexpensive or older knives are worth the cost of sharpening in most cases:
- Sharpening extends the life of a knife, so you won't need to buy a new one.
- We can usually make your knife sharper than a new knife.
- We keep our prices low to help keep sharpening affordable - and keep knives in working order longer and out of the landfill!
Is there anything you CAN'T or DON'T sharpen?
Yes. We do not sharpen:
- Carbide saw blades: We recommend Day's Band Blades in Ellettsville, Indiana for carbide saw blades.
- Hand saws or hacksaws: These saws are often of lower quality steel and require a lot of work to sharpen, so we suggest replacing them instead.
- Scissors or tools with replaceable blades: It's usually necessary to replace the blades to get improved performance.
- Any item we deem unsafe, such as a blade with a crack in it that could cause it to shatter. Sometimes a safety issue isn't obvious at first but shows up during sharpening, so we reserve the right to stop work on any job if our safety is at risk.