He fixed a boatload of mine, and so I asked him:

1. When did you get interested in sharpening tools?

I started to get seriously interested as I approached retirement from my career as Director of Peer Review Operations at the American Chemical Society (ACS) [where I]…built globally based support operations in North America, Europe, and Asia. My work at the ACS was highly technical and, by the time I finished, I was ready to do something very different, and sharpening fit that bill. It’s a physical activity [that] involves using tools and working with people, which I enjoy.  

2. What inspired you?

In the course of my business travels, I had been to Japan, [where I] developed a great admiration for the Japanese culture, particularly the Japanese regard for steel blades…their care and maintenance.

3. What types of tools do you sharpen?

I will sharpen just about anything with a blade, if I can make that blade accessible. There are certain tools that cannot be disassembled, and those [types of] tools I may not be able to sharpen. I also sharpen [scissors and] pinking shears, but, like serrated knives, success really depends on the particular [pinks]. Some are worth the effort while others may not be.

4. How about reel mowers?

I have not, yet, been given a reel mower to sharpen. I would not necessarily disassemble a reel mower, and would ask that a customer simply bring that to my shop for me to evaluate. I can certainly handle standard mower blades.

5. Do you sharpen by hand?

For most sharpening, I use aluminum oxide belts on machines that I have mounted on two small benches for this purpose. I also use water stones and other equipment if the job calls for them. For instance, Japanese knives are constructed differently from the average knife one finds in kitchens here, and they require hand sharpening, which takes much more time and precision effort.

6. Where did you learn the skill?

Most of what I know about sharpening I learned from a gentleman name of Warren Glazer, who has run a sharpening business for many years and who has been and remains a generous and patient teacher.  He lives in North Carolina. I still reach out to him from time to time, if I have a question or if I run into something that is unfamiliar or exceptionally challenging for one reason or another. He is a great resource.

7. How do I know if my blades need sharpening?

When a knife stops cutting smoothly and effectively, it’s time to pay it some attention.  If your grass still looks shaggy after you’ve mowed it, your blades may need a little attention.

8. What other types of repairs to tools and knives do you offer aside from sharpening?

Given the time, I will generally do a top-to-bottom refresh of a tool or knife, cleaning blade(s), oiling wooden handle(s) and generally tuning up the tool.

9. Do you pick up and deliver? If so, what’s your radius?

Right now, I am picking up and delivering within a certain radius. I generally cover territory between Jeffersonville, Callicoon, and Narrowsburg. However, I am working with a few local merchants to establish drop-off and pick up sites in those locations, which would be far more efficient. I will usually turnaround a job in 24 - 48 hours depending on what I have in the hopper.

10. What’s the average cost to get a tool sharpened?

It really depends on the size of the tool and what is needed.  For knife sharpening I simply distinguish between knives seven inches in length and under ($8/piece) and knives over seven inches ($10/piece). I am working up a price list for other items such as hedge clippers, pruning shears, lawnmower blades etc. Generally speaking, the longer or bigger the blade, the more time it takes and therefore the cost will be modestly higher.  

11. How do I know if a tool is valued enough to sharpen or just buy new?

If they bring it to me, I will give an honest assessment of whether or not it is worth the effort and expense. Serrated knives are often borderline candidates for sharpening.

12. How can people access you?

I am in the process of developing a sort of drop box at my workshop, which is in the garage of our house at 9 Hausman Road, in Jeffersonville. Until that is in place, I recommend folks simply reach out to info@misteredgy.com to coordinate pick-up/drop of.

RAMONA JAN is the Founder and Director of Yarnslingers, a storytelling group that tells tales both fantastic and true. She is also the roving historian for Callicoon, NY and is often seen giving tours around town. You can email her at callicoonwalkingtours@gmail.com.

RAMONA JAN is the Founder and Director of Yarnslingers, a storytelling group that tells tales both fantastic and true. She is also the roving historian for Callicoon, NY and is often seen giving tours around town. You can email her at callicoonwalkingtours@gmail.com.