How To Start A Knife Sharpening Business - FREE Course 2023

STOP! WATCH MY NEWEST HOW TO START IN 2024 VIDEO: • How To Start A Knife S...
Looking to start a sharpening business?
Book a free call to learn more about my business accelerator:
www.sharpeningaccelerator.com/
This is a full-length, 100% free beginner's guide that will take you step by step through starting your first sharpening business & completing your first service. By the end of this video, you'll know EXACTLY how to make money with sharpening & start your very own sharpening business.
EVERYTHING MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO:
ESSENTIALS:
► Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener Ken Onion Edition:
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► Blade Grinder Attachment for Ken Onion Edition Knife and Tool Sharpener:
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► Replacement Belt Kit for the Ken Onion Edition Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener: amzn.to/3i4Oup8
► Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener Ken Onion Edition:
amzn.to/3i4OyoS
► BeaverCraft LS6P1 Leather Honing Strop Kit:
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► Replacement Belt Kit for the Ken Onion Edition Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener: amzn.to/3vusGGz
► 293617 Rust Dissolver
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OPTIONAL (Highly Recommended)
► Wanbasion Black Stainless Steel Knife Set (PRACTICE SET):
amzn.to/3WWOuX1
► Schwer 2.0 Upgraded Version of Level 9 Cut Resistant Glove:
amzn.to/3WF3Q2M
► Honeywell Nuisance Disposable Dust Mask, Box of 50
amznamzn.to/3WZIL2C.to/3SSlX3p
► Paint Brushes
amzn.to/3X2wWsN
► Handy Paint Pail
amzn.to/3WP0QAy
► Shop Towels
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► Knife Oil
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Timeline:
0:00 - Introduction
0:28 - What you will learn
1:54 - My background
2:19 - How I got into the sharpening business
2:40 - Why you NEED to start ASAP
3:28 - Mindset & Goals
3:46 - Timeline
4:23 - Business setup & Getting started
4:35 - Business name
4:46 - Business location
5:02 - Business Formation
5:24 - Starting A Website
6:16 - Website & Marketing Video
7:16 - Google My Business
8:40 - Google Reviews
8:56 - Recommended Equipment
9:10 - Optional Equipment
9:18 - Worksharp Ken & Onion Sharpener
9:35 - Worksharp Attachment
9:59 - Beavercraft Strop
10:44 - Three-Way Cut Whetstones
11:22 - Delivery Times
11:30 - Practice
11:59 - Day In The Life Example - Intake
12:03 - Start Cleaning
12:14 - Knife Paper Tests (Before)
14:30 - Cleaning The Blades
15:32 - Rust Removal
16:46 - Sharpening
17:30 - Stropping
18:40 - Extra Tips & Information
19:42 - Knife Paper Test (After)
20:27 - Completion & Pick up (or drop off)
20:48 - Following Up
21:20 - Going Beyond Your First Customer
22:02 - My Numbers
23:14 - Things To Note
23:41 - Community Discord Server
24:25 - Show Some Love (Benefits!)
26:05 - Discord Q&A
RISKS:
I forgot to touch on this, I haven't had ANY issues but the #1 thing I recommend is SAFETY. That should be your #1 concern. Let your customers know they are picking up SHARP knives.
Thank you for watching and happy sharpening! If you found the video helpful, feel free to share it with a friend. Like, comment and subscribe for more content just like this!
#SharpeningBusiness #knifesharpening #sweatystartup #startsharpening

[@SharperByMichael]

Hey guys, I posted a NEW 2024 video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGm0lZalj9-Lf9k🔥 I recommend watching that one.

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

Another way of getting your hands on lots of knives, scissors, cleavers etc to practice on is to volunteer to sharpen all the knives at food banks and church’s. I was literally given wastepaper baskets full of great practice material. Knives in terrible condition that looked like they’d been sharpened on bricks, with tips used as pry bars or screwdrivers and none that the owners were gonna get too worried about (or notice) if I rounded a tip or ground off more than I should. It’s a win, win, win. They got razor sharp knives for free and I got lots of practice on what will be the worst blades I’m ever likely to see. I also sharpen toenail clippers for a nun that cares for the feet of people for free to help her out and get practice on sharpening different styles of clippers.

[@mikeposton527]

Hi I really liked the information in this video, I’m just a few years out from retirement and I’m looking for a side hustle that I can turn into a small business. I really look forward to seeing more of your videos and your info on 1x30 sharpening, I’ve not heard of this until it was mentioned earlier in this comment section.

[@Skater08cooper]

Came here from discord. I am so stoked to dive into this this evening! Thank you Michael🙏

[@SharperByMichael]

✊ I’m happy to help! Looking forward to seeing your journey & thank you for taking time out of your day to comment 🙏 We will chat soon!

[@tx.tactical3165]

I just found your channel, this video is AWESOME!!!

[@SharperByMichael]

Thank you! I really appreciate it!

[@mickygism]

This is a sign, I was thinking of doing this as a side line

[@SharperByMichael]

100% - you should! 🔪

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

How’s it going?

[@mickygism]

@@thechumpsbeendumped.7797 I called on a few local restaurants/takeaway and did quite well, I was passing them anyway going to work, I got at least 2 knives , one gave me 3 that were about a foot long . I’ve took it no further, but I think I might get a larger belt sander setup as the little one I have eats the belts

[@joshuarosenblatt]

Me too. Enjoy sharpening my own knives and sharpen my family and friends too. Hmmmm. This could be a nice side income.

[@natewesley8507]

I really appreciate this video thank you very much

[@SharperByMichael]

I’m glad it was helpful! Thank you for taking time to comment 🙏 new videos soon!

[@EDCandLace]

I'm been in to free hand professional sharpening for a long time. I mostly deal with pocket knives, I really need to expand in to doing more kitchen knife work.

[@robbabcock_]

Kitchen knives are so much easier!

[@bigmikeg84]

I've been a sharpening hobbyist for a few years. This is definitely a well thoughtout video with great info. He clearly did a lot of research before getting into this but a few details show his overall lack of background knife experience. Like any trade skill, you will always get better over time. A high quality strop is one of the best investments. There are many ways to remove different types of rust. Always keep practicing.

[@SharperByMichael]

Definitely did a lot of research before getting into it. As far as experience goes, you’re absolutely right 👍 Since making this (not posting), I’ve got a decent 10+ months of experience in the Sharpening space. Getting ready to post more tips and things I’ve learned over the course of the year and growing the business. Also, strops are awesome 🔪 happy Sharpening!

[@tommydean9414]

Also, diamond, lapping compounds will give you different grit strops and only need to be applied Theoretically once the level they achieve is unparalleled the single most beneficial addition to my sharpening routine period.

[@EDCandLace]

Get a "Dura-Gold" rust eraser, it will remove rust off knife blades in a min or so. Works fabulous and super quickly.

[@rafikiAli]

I'm inspired! Thank you. #GRATITUDE

[@SharperByMichael]

🙏 that’s what it’s all about! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGm0lZalj9-Lf9ksi=Rqs1_W3YdFMgMjyW

[@tommydean9414]

Also Pet and human shears!!!! Diamond plate in under 10 mins

[@TheSunjak]

If I managed to charge that price in Croatia, I would be a millionaire now, the season lasts from September to December and I sharpen up to 100 pieces a day, I use everything, Tormek and stone wheels and CBN, belt grinder, and manually on stone if necessary it depends on the knife. It takes 4-5 minutes per knife, sometimes more, and it is priced at 1.5 euros

[@SharperByMichael]

WOW 😮 maybe watch my new video it might help kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGm0lZalj9-Lf9ksi=Rqs1_W3YdFMgMjyW

[@EDCandLace]

Just make your own strop.... a piece of MDF and a couple dollars worth of leather to make you a 3x12 inch strop. That thin cheap leather on those pre-made strops is to soft. Get you a bottle of diamond emulsion (like mine avaliable on Knafsale for 23 dollars for 1.7oz) it's 100x better then wax alox compound.

[@Gusiakovakis]

What do you think about the work sharp professional precision adjust?

[@SharperByMichael]

I think it’s a good system, just a bit slow imo for the volume I currently do! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGm0lZalj9-Lf9ksi=Rqs1_W3YdFMgMjyW

[@jimlanaghan3304]

You are doing so well with this (to me) minimal about of $ and equipment investment is surprising. I was thinking I would need a much bigger investment. I have a worksharp already and maybe I just need to get better at it. Home or a mobile knife business is another option I am looking at. Flea markets with the exposuer from that I think will make me even more successful. I am going to watch this several times to make sure I got all the information. Very good.

[@SharperByMichael]

Thank you, Jim! You can definitely get some amazing results (quickly too) with the Worksharp. I do home (transitioned from mobile) and I’m going to be expanding into b2b. I appreciate you taking the time to comment - feel free to join our Discord community (link in description) we’d love to have you in!

[@bucko1948]

My experience, and that of many other sharpeners, is Farmers Markets are much better than flea markets. Higher volume and you can get more money for your work. People at flea markets are always looking for cheap and often do not understand value enough to pay for it.

[@vernkay.]

What is your opinion about using an electric pull through knife sharpener like a Chefs Choice 15XV as a first sharpener?

[@SharperByMichael]

I would say do not use it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGm0lZalj9-Lf9ksi=Rqs1_W3YdFMgMjyW

[@suzanstang3577]

Very intrigued and interested. Where would one even begin to learn how to sharpen knives?

[@SharperByMichael]

Check my 2024 sharpening business video!

[@gmichaelflores2905]

This is beyond the most professional video I have ever seen! 🤗 Wow your awesome Michael! 🔥🔪✂️Love it !

[@SharperByMichael]

Thank you! 🙏📣📣📣

[@delsensalazar9901]

Do you up-sell for rust removal? Or “deep cleaning?”

[@SharperByMichael]

Typically, I tell a customer it will be “x” amount for a rust removal or repair after having seen the blade (either via photo or in person). All blades I wash Pre Sharpening and Post Sharpening. If there is minor rust I don’t even mention it or any change in pricing, I just remove it.

[@Rain-di2bq]

I was gifted a workforce mk.2 sharpener. Would i be able to start a side hustle with it?

[@SharperByMichael]

You could definitely start sharpening mower blades and yard tools! Some bladed tools however, I wouldn't really do Kitchen Blades with it. Maybe EDC/Pocket knives!

[@BnibroC69]

Good video man. Do you collect payment upfront or after the job?

[@SharperByMichael]

Thanks! I collect payment after - sometimes customers will pay on their way to pick up and I'll have them in a pick-up bin outside.

[@BnibroC69]

@@SharperByMichael thanks. have you had any problems with people not paying? i imagine you can automate invoice reminders and stuff if you use a CRM like jobber

[@SharperByMichael]

@@BnibroC69 never had a problem with it - it was a major “concern” of mine and now I will sometimes tell customers to pay me once they have gotten home and had a chance to use the blade. I used crms like Housecall Pro and I’ve found it to be way less stressful strictly dealing in cash, check and payment apps. I have only had a handful of customers that absolutely needed to pay via credit card. I keep the crm on hand incase I need to process cards but I’m about to phase it out completely.

[@BnibroC69]

@@SharperByMichael wow good to know. thanks bro

[@threeninesfilthy7973]

U think i can start a gig with a wicked edge pro pack 3?

[@SharperByMichael]

Watch my newest video...I highly, highly recommend the WS Elite! Wicked edge may be a bit slow imo but still definitely profitable.

[@mothafuc1incurlytim]

What do you do when someone wants there serrated knives sharpened?

[@SharperByMichael]

I’ll post a video soon about Sharpening serrated knives! 🤞

[@tomcoddington3983]

Where do I find your sharpening business? Do you have google reviews?

[@SharperByMichael]

I address these questions in the video - to answer your questions though: Google Yes

[@jamespirone1474]

Could you help me and what is the price of setting up a page for me thanks so much getting out of prison and something is really love to start doing to give back to my community.

[@SharperByMichael]

Shoot me a message on Instagram ✅ @sharperbymichael

[@bethkemps]

What is most of your business comprised of - household knives or commercial knives? How do you measure the sharpness of the knives after sharpening?

[@SharperByMichael]

Hi! 👋 I’ll be posting update videos soon answering questions like these but to answer you, mostly residential and at this point I know how sharp I can get blades without testing however I do take complimentary videos for my customers using paper tests 👍 I’ll be investing in a Bess tester soon!

[@bethkemps]

@@SharperByMichael What angle do you sharpen household knives to? We've researched manufacturers specifications when possible and try to get them to that angle.

[@princeoffame100]

Whats the link to your fiverr need a web page

[@SharperByMichael]

Shoot me a message on Instagram @SharperByMichael - Fiverr fee's are way too high now unfortunately so I will be most likely forever on "vacation" www.fiverr.com/michaelfromecom - Happy to help you out though!

[@workshop_oselok_kyiv]

I also started my business in 22, and also with Work Sharp, but the war slowed me down a lot. and our prices for sharpening are five times less. but nevertheless, if not for my equipment, I would probably die of hunger now.

[@SharperByMichael]

Same! Here’s to a successful 2023 🎉

[@Gary-ii8jo]

Hi their . My name is Gary I just retired . Have done tool and cutter grinding for years. Looking to do something part time.

[@SharperByMichael]

Hi Gary! 👋 dive into it! It’s a whole “world” in itself as I’m sure you could imagine given your tool and cutter grinding experience. A lot of people have blades that need fresh edges! Best of luck in your endeavors.

[@vinnym5095]

For drop off, how do you have the clients drop off the knives when you’re not home?

[@SharperByMichael]

I have a tote bin that my customers can place their knives in :) sorry for the late reply!

[@vinnym5095]

@@SharperByMichael do you have a contact number or something I can chat with you?

[@SharperByMichael]

@@vinnym5095 DM me on Instagram @michaelthesharpener 📲

[@vinnym5095]

@@SharperByMichael just messaged ya

[@vinnym5095]

How did you find out you were number 1 for your search in google?

[@SharperByMichael]

I googled! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGm0lZalj9-Lf9ksi=Rqs1_W3YdFMgMjyW

[@vinnym5095]

@@SharperByMichael is your website ‘seriously fast sharpening’? I wanna contact you

[@SharperByMichael]

@@vinnym5095 yes sir feel free!

[@tc8893]

I run a sharpening shop that's sharpens and fixes just about everything. It's nice that you have people interested in this trade, and it is fruitful. But you're very far off how efficient you should be to actually make good money relative to your time. The ken onion is just not a commercial machine, unfortunately. And you're gonna start losing money if you use that for lawn mower blades. A tip to you and your viewers, 1x30 sharpening machines unlock crazy profits.

[@SharperByMichael]

T C , I appreciate your advice! Thank you! Can you go a bit more in-depth about the 1x30?

[@felixa9705]

How much do you charge to build the website

[@paulwilliams819]

Does someone starting this kind of business need to get a license?

[@SharperByMichael]

It depends on where you are as laws are different per location.

[@johndunn9423]

Nice that a demonstrably amateurish sharpener has the confidence to instruct others. My one piece of advice would be to subdivide the video into more segments.

[@so1212ow]

Hahaha hahaha bro I just died reading this, did you see the size of his wet stone????! Lmaooooo and the cheap ass compound he put on that strop without working it into the leather lmaaaoooooo he straight up started a business for teaching people something he has no idea about lmao

[@SharperByMichael]

@@so1212owwhere’s your business? I’d like to know.

[@SharperByMichael]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGm0lZalj9-Lf9ksi=Rqs1_W3YdFMgMjyW

[@ajginther1281]

Really bad idea to soak wood handled knives in the sink like that. I also would never use steel wool on a customers knife unless they asked me to and they wanted a rough satin finish.

[@SharperByMichael]

AJ, I appreciate you taking the time to comment. You are correct! Since posting this, I've learned several things: Don't soak, only wash. I've now started applying Boiled Linseed Oil to all wooden handles after washing. & Steel Wool. I've stopped using it and switched to using soft sponges. Just curious, what do you personally use (cleaner) to clean blades? I'll be uploading new videos soon with updates/changes.

[@jacktrainor4236]

is COVID a swear word now?!

[@SharperByMichael]

KZbin hates it! 😳

[@redangrybird7564]

IMPORTANT: Do not remove "rust" from knives, this is a protective kind of rust called "patina", if you remove it, the red rust will come and ruin the knives.

[@SharperByMichael]

You should remove the rust from a knife, especially if it's used for culinary purposes..right? I heard this somewhere but it was something like there's more ways to force a Patina than there is to skin a cat lol

[@redangrybird7564]

@@SharperByMichael there are many types of iron rust, yellow, red, grey, back and others, having different chemical compositions like FeO, Fe2O3 (hematite), Fe3O4 (magnetite) and others, perhaps you should do some serious research about this topic and then you will come to a sensitive and informed conclusion, seriously. I do also sharpen knives in Australia as a part time job and would never use any toxic substance like rust oleum, it should never be in contact with food preparation items. I appreciate that you make videos, but before make one please inform yourself about dangers and considerations. I am not an expert but I like to read and inform myself before I do stupids things, yes I have made many mistakes in my life, I am an older guy. The reason a patina is forced (in many ways) onto a knife is to add a grey-black rust to the knife that prevents the nasty red rust. Knives with a patina cause no harm to food, in excess may cause food to taste bad.

[@SharperByMichael]

@rybird7564 i didn't realize you were replying to my OLD video LOL. Watch my new vid, much better. Let's resume our conversation there! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGm0lZalj9-Lf9k

[@redangrybird7564]

@@SharperByMichael then remove or modify the video as it may give the wrong information to people without much experience.

[@SharperByMichael]

​@@redangrybird7564 I think the people that actually care about the quality information or that are looking to help, will actually read the first sentence of the video description or look at the comments - then realize there's a new video - I’ll keep this one up for history’s sake 👍