What will I be doing?

Nearly every home has a saw blade, lawnmower blade, scissors, knife or other utensil that needs sharpening. The problem is that most folks list “sharpening” as their 47th priority until they use the blade or until a saw-sharpening service reminds them.

That’s where you come in. Your saw-sharpening service can keep blades and tools sharp and safe for your customers as you make money at home.

What will I need to start?

Sharpening is a skill that can be learned. It will take some studying and practice, but you can develop this skill in just a few weeks. If you already know the basics of sharpening, you’re ahead of the game. Books available through larger bookstores and libraries will show you how. Highly recommended is Don Geary’s How to Sharpen Anything (TAB Books).

You will also need tools. Which ones? That depends on what you will be sharpening. While a bench grinder/sharpener is your first tool, there are other stationary power tools better suited to sharpening saw blades and related edged tools. You can find these tools in larger tool catalogs and industrial supply houses listed in phone books.

Who will my customers be?

Who will hire you to sharpen blades? That depends on the blades. For example, saw blades are sharpened for building contractors and woodworkers. Knife blades can be sharpened for professional cooks and meat cutters. Lawnmower blades can be sharpened for lawncare businesses, lawnmower shops and individuals. Some sharpening services are under contract to local wood mills or other manufacturers to keep their blades sharpened.