Love the video brother. I appreciate that you reminded us that “almost” nobody cares how we sharpen, they just want it sharp, at a reasonable price, and in a reasonable time frame. And I liked the part of what would you tell your younger self to do. Learning from experience. Great video!!
Hi Warren, Thanks so much for this video. I'm in the process of doing all the things you did wrong when starting a business. You have pointed me in the right direction and given me a lot to think about. I wish you luck in yours. Thanks again. Shane in Australia.
Wow! If I were to make a video on my experience and recommendations to new sharpeners it would be almost word for word what you said! Great job! Also, I don’t know if you have done any work with dermatologists, but they have a lot of small surgical scissors and curettes that need frequent sharpening. These items are easy to do and the medical field has lots of money and they don’t blink at prices. I got 8 scissors and 25 curettes yesterday and they paid me up front. They were so happy that now they don’t have to mail them off to be sharpened.
Great info! I follow a couple of those guys. I’m definitely going to try out that buck belt grinder. I need something to get all the chips out of a blade quickly and do finish sharpening on the Tormek.
Very straight forward video! I am just sharpening my own knives and friends/co-worker’s knives right now. Thinkin’ about only doing this as a side hustle. The info you provided and especially what you would do if you started again was very insightful! I’m an avid Work Sharp fan but realize that there is so much more out there. Now to decide… stay with a guided system like the WSProPA or add a BuckTool machine to the inventory. Decisions, decisions! haha! Stay sharp! Roy- KB4ROY
Hi Mr Jones, I just started a mobile sharpening business two weeks ago, I still have a lot of things to learn. Thanks for taking time to post videos. I follow the channels of Cliff Curry and Sam Morgan as you do. From Queensland, Australia. 😎👍
im thinking of starting with a Ken Onion MK2 sharpener and a hand held leather strop with diamond grit paste, total is about $600CAD to get started with the protective wear + high top table to take my setup mobile
Hi, here are some pointers from a guy who opened a sharpening business in 2011. ( I’d already been sharpening knives for 20 years by then.). FYI I sharpen all knives by hand on water stones. If this is the method that you like most stick to it. Eventually as your skill grows you will be the guy people want to bring their knives to because you do it by hand. Best of luck to you.
Great video. I like the advice regarding equipment not mattering. The goal being to sharpen your customers knives to a high standard, in a timely fashion for a fair price. Once you've outgrown your basic 1x30 belt system, would suggest on the next level up in sharpening equipment?
You did it in the right order and the right way for you, just based on what you said. You enjoy doing hard things, you learned all of the hard ways first which will probably help you with your craft.
What I found to start sharpening business in my country, Bularia, South East Europe, is difficult to find master or educational institution to do that. Anyway, there are lots of opportunities because competition here is very few
Great video. I'm getting into hobby sharpening and I made a lot of the same mistakes you did! I can't wait to go pro with better gear and a simpler workflow
For me, it's about time. The more expensive equipment I have, the faster I can sharpen. I am trying to find a t8 used. What has been your experience with that and super hard steels?
Tsprof is one ive used and decided to try tormek. T8, ordered sj250 and cbn 80 and 400. What do you think of cbn stones? Also what you think about belt sanders? Supposedly its fastest way to sharpen? Is there any advantage in using tormek vs belt sander? And any thoughts on Kalamazoo 1X42 Belt Sharpener ?
I like the Tormek, my Edge Pro sharpeners, and belt sanders. Every different system has its advantages and disadvantages. I didn’t like CBN wheels on the Tormek but I know several sharpeners who really enjoy them. I’ve had really good luck with the Kalamazoo 1x42s.
Love your videos, Warren. I'm learning and may take the step. You mentioned that you would buy an angle guide for your Bucktool 1×30 from Amazon. Do you recall what make or model angle guide you referred to?
I have ordered the bucktool low speed for knife sharpening. You mentioned putting a 6 inch leather stropping wheel on that machine. Will i need an adapter for the 6 inch one curry sells? Why not the 8 inch?
No mod needed other than taking off the cover that comes stock. As soon as I received the 6 inch wheel I thought “Darn. Shoulda ordered the 8.” It’ll work even better I’m sure.
For me it’s mostly been about time. When I’m busier I use the belt sanders more and when I’m slower I incorporate the Tormek more. That’s changing. I plan on having two separate knife sharpening prices soon. One price that is lower for belt sander sharpening and a higher price for Tormek sharpening. I also use the Tormek whenever I’m sharpening indoors at events like a crafts/art fair.
@HonedByJones thats a very smart move 👌 now how do you explain to your clients the price difference? Because some argue that belt sander sands just as good?
@ - some of my customers have a fear of belt sanders so I’ll say “No worries. I have another option. It cost a little bit more per knife because it’s a slower sharpening process.” I try to stay pretty transparent with my customers about why I charge more or less for services.
@ - I don’t mean this sarcastically when I say you’re gonna have to get a machine and try it out. There are too many variables for a simple answer… pressure, type of steel being sharpened, rpm, etc all affect how long a belt will last. The good news is that belts are not very expensive compared to how many knives you’ll sharpen with each belt. Example: if you sharpen 100 knives at $10 a piece on the same belt and that belt cost $6 the belt was a very small part of your costs.
There absolutely is a market for waterstones and high precision sharpening. It honestly just depends on your local market. I know a few guys that mainly do waterstones sharpening and they make a killing. But nobody cares how you sharpen a 10 dollar knife from Walmart. And that’s the kind of knife most people have.
Lots of good tips. Im a novice, trying to figure out how to sharpen my own knives for just my use. Would've made a lot more sense to just use a local sharpener. Lol.
I’m a bad person to ask about CBN wheels for the Tormek as I didn’t like them at all. I would check in with Sam’s mobile sharpening or Paul of Alexandria knife sharpening. I know they both use CBN wheels on their Tormeks and they enjoy them.
Thanks for sharing. Can you say why you have a number of sharpening systems. Do you have some for very quick sharpens and some for more precise work on more expensive knives.
Exactly. I use the belt sanders for the bulk of my sharpening work. The Tormek and Edge Pro systems have generally been for more high end work but I’m selling the Tormek because I find I prefer using the Edge Pro systems.
Watched a boatload of RUclips videos and practiced what I saw. I also befriended a couple of sharpeners and we constantly share challenges, ideas, and questions with each other. I’m also doing a sharpening training put on by Wolff Industries next month.
Love the video brother. I appreciate that you reminded us that “almost” nobody cares how we sharpen, they just want it sharp, at a reasonable price, and in a reasonable time frame. And I liked the part of what would you tell your younger self to do. Learning from experience. Great video!!
Thanks!
Thanks so much. Great watch. I do appreciate your taking the time. I sincerely wish you success.
Thank you!
This was an awesome video!!! Thank you!
You are so welcome!
Love the passion in this video. You seem like such a genuine person Mr.Jones! Its also so sweet how you talk about your partner.
Thanks for the kind words!
You packed so much into a great video. I wish you all the best from Canada
Thanks!
I think yours is the best video I’ve seen so far. Thanks very much for all the great tips and info. You’re going to do great.
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Warren,
Thanks so much for this video. I'm in the process of doing all the things you did wrong when starting a business. You have pointed me in the right direction and given me a lot to think about.
I wish you luck in yours.
Thanks again.
Shane in Australia.
Good luck shane! The way I see it is it’s all part of the learning process. Even businesses that start with millions of dollars still make mistakes.
Thank you for the Shout Out as well! Happy to support and help any way we can over here. Aloha 😎
You already have helped. Your videos have been invaluable.
Wow! If I were to make a video on my experience and recommendations to new sharpeners it would be almost word for word what you said! Great job! Also, I don’t know if you have done any work with dermatologists, but they have a lot of small surgical scissors and curettes that need frequent sharpening. These items are easy to do and the medical field has lots of money and they don’t blink at prices. I got 8 scissors and 25 curettes yesterday and they paid me up front. They were so happy that now they don’t have to mail them off to be sharpened.
Good to know! I’ll explore that. Thanks!
Most informative video I have watched yet (and I watched a lot). Very knowledgeable and seem like a great guy! Thanks for the video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I’m literally sitting in Santa Cruz right now with my new strop and emulsion compound. You seem like a great dude.
Great info! I follow a couple of those guys. I’m definitely going to try out that buck belt grinder. I need something to get all the chips out of a blade quickly and do finish sharpening on the Tormek.
Great video! You and I are in the same boat working to get to full time. I need to look into the guild.
Good luck to you!
I am thinking of starting a sharpening business on the side and more in the future. Thanks for the insights.
No worries. Hope it helped some.
Good advice 1x30 is a great way to start but having options from other gear is great to add over time.
Very true!
Very straight forward video! I am just sharpening my own knives and friends/co-worker’s knives right now. Thinkin’ about only doing this as a side hustle. The info you provided and especially what you would do if you started again was very insightful! I’m an avid Work Sharp fan but realize that there is so much more out there. Now to decide… stay with a guided system like the WSProPA or add a BuckTool machine to the inventory. Decisions, decisions! haha! Stay sharp! Roy- KB4ROY
Good luck with whatever you decide!
Hi Mr Jones, I just started a mobile sharpening business two weeks ago, I still have a lot of things to learn.
Thanks for taking time to post videos.
I follow the channels of Cliff Curry and Sam Morgan as you do.
From Queensland, Australia.
😎👍
Congrats on the new business!
@@HonedByJones thank you, take care
I am also a former Santa Cruzan....Currently in Baltimore....Started Parkville Knives in 2022. No regrets!
I have all that same gear that you have, and it's all useful for different stuff, but the backbone of my business is my Tru-Hone machines.
I also have two Twice As Sharp machines for various kinds of scissors.....good money in scissors.
Nice. Looks like your biz is doing well.
Been Thinking About starting one Myself! We have no Knife Sharpening Shops Nowhere!!!!!!!!! Here in Southern Michigan!!!!!
Go for it!
im thinking of starting with a Ken Onion MK2 sharpener and a hand held leather strop with diamond grit paste, total is about $600CAD to get started with the protective wear + high top table to take my setup mobile
Check out the RUclips channel Sam’s mobile sharpening. He uses one harbor freight 1x30 so you’d have a similar setup to him.
Hi, here are some pointers from a guy who opened a sharpening business in 2011. ( I’d already been sharpening knives for 20 years by then.). FYI I sharpen all knives by hand on water stones. If this is the method that you like most stick to it. Eventually as your skill grows you will be the guy people want to bring their knives to because you do it by hand.
Best of luck to you.
Thanks for sharing!
Great video. I like the advice regarding equipment not mattering. The goal being to sharpen your customers knives to a high standard, in a timely fashion for a fair price. Once you've outgrown your basic 1x30 belt system, would suggest on the next level up in sharpening equipment?
Very helpful and informative video Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
You did it in the right order and the right way for you, just based on what you said. You enjoy doing hard things, you learned all of the hard ways first which will probably help you with your craft.
Thanks. I agree.
What I found to start sharpening business in my country, Bularia, South East Europe, is difficult to find master or educational institution to do that. Anyway, there are lots of opportunities because competition here is very few
Cool story thanks 4 sharing
Thanks for watching!
Great video. I'm getting into hobby sharpening and I made a lot of the same mistakes you did! I can't wait to go pro with better gear and a simpler workflow
Glad it was helpful!
For me, it's about time. The more expensive equipment I have, the faster I can sharpen.
I am trying to find a t8 used. What has been your experience with that and super hard steels?
There are def faster machines than the Tormek. I haven’t had any issues with super hard steels.
Tsprof is one ive used and decided to try tormek. T8, ordered sj250 and cbn 80 and 400. What do you think of cbn stones? Also what you think about belt sanders? Supposedly its fastest way to sharpen? Is there any advantage in using tormek vs belt sander? And any thoughts on Kalamazoo 1X42 Belt Sharpener
?
I like the Tormek, my Edge Pro sharpeners, and belt sanders. Every different system has its advantages and disadvantages. I didn’t like CBN wheels on the Tormek but I know several sharpeners who really enjoy them. I’ve had really good luck with the Kalamazoo 1x42s.
@HonedByJones thank you
Nice! Toolcker 1 by 30 is popular now also.
Sure is!
Love your videos, Warren. I'm learning and may take the step. You mentioned that you would buy an angle guide for your Bucktool 1×30 from Amazon. Do you recall what make or model angle guide you referred to?
I purchased my angle guides from Curry Custom Cutlery.
I have ordered the bucktool low speed for knife sharpening. You mentioned putting a 6 inch leather stropping wheel on that machine. Will i need an adapter for the 6 inch one curry sells? Why not the 8 inch?
No mod needed other than taking off the cover that comes stock. As soon as I received the 6 inch wheel I thought “Darn. Shoulda ordered the 8.” It’ll work even better I’m sure.
Thank you,,, i really enjoyed your video on knife sharpening,,, i leaned alot,,,
In your experience, when would you sharpen on belt and when would you sharpen on tormek?
For me it’s mostly been about time. When I’m busier I use the belt sanders more and when I’m slower I incorporate the Tormek more. That’s changing. I plan on having two separate knife sharpening prices soon. One price that is lower for belt sander sharpening and a higher price for Tormek sharpening. I also use the Tormek whenever I’m sharpening indoors at events like a crafts/art fair.
@HonedByJones thats a very smart move 👌 now how do you explain to your clients the price difference? Because some argue that belt sander sands just as good?
@ - some of my customers have a fear of belt sanders so I’ll say “No worries. I have another option. It cost a little bit more per knife because it’s a slower sharpening process.” I try to stay pretty transparent with my customers about why I charge more or less for services.
@HonedByJones thanks for the tips. How long usually one belt lasts on average?
@ - I don’t mean this sarcastically when I say you’re gonna have to get a machine and try it out. There are too many variables for a simple answer… pressure, type of steel being sharpened, rpm, etc all affect how long a belt will last. The good news is that belts are not very expensive compared to how many knives you’ll sharpen with each belt. Example: if you sharpen 100 knives at $10 a piece on the same belt and that belt cost $6 the belt was a very small part of your costs.
There absolutely is a market for waterstones and high precision sharpening. It honestly just depends on your local market. I know a few guys that mainly do waterstones sharpening and they make a killing. But nobody cares how you sharpen a 10 dollar knife from Walmart. And that’s the kind of knife most people have.
I agree about the whetstone sharpening. I’m just not in a good location for that.
Lots of good tips. Im a novice, trying to figure out how to sharpen my own knives for just my use. Would've made a lot more sense to just use a local sharpener. Lol.
Great video . Can you do a demo knife sharpening video on the tsprof . Tyvm liked and sub
I don’t own a TSPROF. I prefer to use EdgePro guided sharpeners.
Sorry I thought you had one. I still learn from your videos . Ty
@@sixkings7831 - No worries.
Great video....Im just starting out.
Thanks for watching and commenting and glad you found it helpful.
Would you think if i have cbn 400 then getting 1000 grit next instead of 600? Thanks in advance
I’m a bad person to ask about CBN wheels for the Tormek as I didn’t like them at all. I would check in with Sam’s mobile sharpening or Paul of Alexandria knife sharpening. I know they both use CBN wheels on their Tormeks and they enjoy them.
@HonedByJones why didnt you liked cbn wheels?
@@ia6980 - I didn’t like the feel of them and they cut faster which is a positive time/speed wise but also means it’s easier to make a mistake.
@HonedByJones got it, thank you
Thanks for sharing. Can you say why you have a number of sharpening systems. Do you have some for very quick sharpens and some for more precise work on more expensive knives.
Exactly. I use the belt sanders for the bulk of my sharpening work. The Tormek and Edge Pro systems have generally been for more high end work but I’m selling the Tormek because I find I prefer using the Edge Pro systems.
Really nice job on this video!
Thank you very much!
Great video I love your energy👍😀💪
Thanks!
Good luck....all the best.
Thank you! You too!
Did you slap a wheel on the BT 1x42?
Yes. The BT is a 1x30 tho. Ordered a 6 inch leather wheel from curry custom cutlery. Works great. It’s all I use for stropping now.
Sounds like the key is alot of restaurant contracts
Most of my customers are not restaurants so far. Mostly just people who want their knives sharpened. I do sharpen for a couple of restaurants too.
Question who or how did you learn to sharpen?
Watched a boatload of RUclips videos and practiced what I saw. I also befriended a couple of sharpeners and we constantly share challenges, ideas, and questions with each other. I’m also doing a sharpening training put on by Wolff Industries next month.
@@HonedByJones Good Luck with that soon the nursery will be a fond memory
Great video 👍 Thanks
Thanks!
Great advice.
Thanks!
thank you