How to Start a Blade Sharpening Business

If you're familiar with how to use a blade sharpener, you'll find it easy to start a blade sharpening business. It takes just a small start-up investment and you could be well on your way to making money, being your own boss and setting your own hours.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sharpener
• Marketing materials

1. Decide what blades you will sharpen. The possibilities are huge: restaurant knives, salon shears and all kinds of lawn tools need to be sharpened.

2. Buy a sharpener. There are all shapes and sizes available, so take your time and find a quality sharpener that will last. The kind you select will be based on what types of blades you plan to sharpen in your business.

3. Pick a location. Run your blade sharpening business from your house or take it on the road. If you prefer to travel, get a sharpener that's portable.

4. Set your prices. You'll likely charge a per-blade rate which will depend on the type of blades you're planning to sharpen.

5. Pick a turn around time frame. Decide how quickly you'll work and when you plan to return the blades. Decide if you can you complete the job in an hour or a few days.

6. Find customers. Pass out business cards, start a website and go door to door. If you're looking to sharpen beautician's shears, for example, visit the salons in your area and see if they could use your services.

Tips & Warnings

• How quickly you can complete a job will be determined by the amount of work you have at a given time. Give your customers realistic time frames to keep them happy.

Resources

• Let Edgemaster help you start your blade sharpening business.

Who Can Help Sponsored

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[edgemaster]

on 10/8/2009 on 10/7/2009 I agree with the basic steps but be ready for a 1000 other details that aren't covered in the article.
Most importantly, google an article called Riches in Niches, copy and read it three times before you make any decision at all. Previously there was an answer from a professional sharpener that put down the Edgemaster Model 400 sharpening machine. That's OK as I am no longer selling the machine. There was so much demand for it that I am now franchising the sharpening business based on that little machine. I have eight franchisees and inquiries from all over the country.,
Please don't tell my guys making middle 4 figures that their machine isn't working. Oh Well, tell them, they could use a good laugh. Edgemaster Mobile Sharpening.

[genehoffpauir]

on 2/17/2009 Well written article. I am a professional sharpener. After visiting the Edgemaster website, I am glad I made the choice I did when purchasing my sharpener. I use a Sharp Shop Machine. It runs at 900 rpm, and uses 3 standard belts. 1st belt is a 100 grit ceramic belt. 2nd belt is a 600 grit silicon carbide belt. Final belt is a felt belt with compound. For heavy sharpening I use a 60 or 80 grit ceramic belt. I also use a knife vise for a precision angle every time. The slower speed of the Sharp Shop Machine helps to prevent heat build-up, which will damage the blade. Also, the website said that a belt would last up to a month with commercial use. What type of belt does the Edgemaster use? The website did not say. The Edgemaster is cheaper. A Sharp Shop Machine sells for $350, but I think it is well worth the extra money. Check out my articles; How to Sharpen Knives With a Sharp Shop Belt