tool sharpening business

[chuck bolton]

with the economy what is-- im looking for a side line- knife and scissor sharpening comes to mind- but im having trouble finding information about doing it-- start up costs-- machinery required etc. im a wood carver and have sharpened kitchen knives on my sharpener-- but dont know anything about serrated knives, scissors, mower blades etc. any ideas about where to find info and equipment?

 

[KenCrisman]

Try Google . Post a message there of your need . I've seen other guys doing it with other things . HTH ! God bless, Ken

 

[chuck bolton]

thanks ken,, however i know google as a search engine-ive done that will little success. to post a message you must be suggesting a forum or something else-- tell me what it is please

 

[ACSam]

foleybelsaw.com has info.

 

[KenCrisman]

I'm really not sure how to do it , but I know I've done searches under other issues & seen questions on things guys had posted . I do wish I knew myself . I'd just keep digging .Sorry I can't help you more . Good luck on your venture . God bless, Ken

 

[Anonymous-0]

Buy a used Belsaw.Used are quite reasonable.Dont expect much income though.Most people use carbide blades and toss them when they are dull.Serrated blades blades tend to be cheap throwaways.There are many junk knives being sold now.Pretty stainless but wont hold an edge.

 

[OldFarmTractor]

I would contact my local restaurants and maybe my local butcher. Anyone who uses a knife for a living needs a sharp knife. Get a regular route going. I know my local schools get one set of their knives sharpened every other week.

 

[Rst277]

I doubt there's much money in sharpening home owner stuff as most people would just throw away and buy new. If you could get into sharpning industrial equipment like planer blades or Cnc cutters maybe ther's some money. Most industries are moving to carbide inserts that are thrown away as opposed to sharpened. Good luck.

 

[hay]

some years ago, i tried, without success, to find someone to set and sharpen the teeth on my 6 ft. crosscut saw. no luck. the only person in the entire county that does sharpening did not want to touch it. said he had no exp. in doing them. i finally did it myself and it was a bear of a job to set and sharpen. no one wants to exert any effort to do anything anymore. they all want the quick and easy jobs. besides, most everything is disposable now, so why sharpen? just toss it and buy a new one probably cheaper than repairing or sharpening the old one.

 

[LA in Wi.]

Chuck,
Think real hard about what you "want to do" or "would like to do". Successful usiness models are rarely about these two factors.
First you have to determine if there is a NEED for your product or services. If there is a need, and you can afford all the startup costs, then with good management you might be successful.
The fellows here who replied to you have pretty much answered what you wanted to know...with throwaway products today, plus the cost of transportation & shipping, you have your answer.
It always bothers me when I see someone start a small business in some downtown shop and the local newspaper person writes that the new owner has "always wanted to do this". Then about 6 months later the doors are closed and the owner has lost a ton of money. Research the NEED first, then be very honest with yourself to see if you are that person who can profit by that need.
LA in WI

 

[Chester]

We have a couple of guys (in trucks) that patrol our area (suburbs) looking for items to sharpen. Don't seem to get many takers as they always show up un-annouced during the afternoon. Probably costs them $10 to make $5 and are just doing it as a hobby. As others have said, most items are throw away. Do your research, there are likely shops already out there that are hurtin'..............check the "Yellow Pages" to start.

We have a TV show that is really blunt towards people who come looking for "seed money" for their ideas, some good some really bad. Some just get blown off their perch for not being prepared and realistic. Look for it on your schedule: http://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/ Locally it shows up at 8 PM EST Mondays. Very educational.

Look for a local discussion board on "Chowhound" and search for "knife sharpening" Look at the Toronto board if nothing else available. Lots of horror stories there. http://chowhound.chow.com/

 

[chuck bolton]

thanks for all the responses-- i hadnt considered doing this on a full time basis-- meant to be very part time-- im searching for info at this point-- i know that i paid $2 each to have kitchen knives sharpened in the past-- then i paid to have a pr of hedge clippers sharpened-- and dont remember what it cost-- but do remember it being expensive-- there is some truth in what you are all saying-- i think how ever with the current economic situation there "maybe" an oppurtunity

 

[Anonymous-0]

A 6 foot crosscut can cost 200.00.I sharpen them if they are in decent shape.Many saws are ruined by people who have no idea what proper tooth shape should be.

 

[Colin King]

Go to your library and check out a book by Leonard Lee called "The Complete Guide to Sharpening." Mainly covers finer tools for woodworking, but also covers such things as knives, scissors, chainsaws, etc.
The Complete Guide to Sharpening

 

[ldj]

When I was a kid a fellow came around sharpening knifes, scissors,Etc. Also used to have a shoe repair man and radio TV repair. How long has it been since you had a shoe re soled or a tv fixed? For me its been over 30 years

 

[KenCrisman]

Yes you're right about repairs . Everything is produced as throwaways now . I bought a Hoover carpet cleaner about 4 yrs ago at Sears & paid 499.99 + tax . The thing started growling & smoking about 2 months ago . I took it to a repair shop & the guy said it was a bearing . Non repairable , so throw it away & buy a new one . Nothings made to last anymore . I can't afford to buy another one now since I'm disabled with a very small income .

 

[T. Hayes]

I know a guy who goes to larger flea markets sharpening things on the weekend, pays $ 8.00 for a table and picks up 3-500 per weekend. Has good repeat customers too. Wished I'd thought of it first, just my luck.

 

[Tim B from MA]

I see lots of Belsaw and similar type sharpening equipment being sold on craigslist all the time.

Says to me that lots of people try it and it does not pay.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Good chefs and butcher knives are kept sharp on a steel(sp). Watch some shows on food and you'll see them running the knife up and down the steel. Dave

 

[Anonymous-0]

Most Belsaw Sharp Alls are bought by retired people.I bought one in 1970, it produced a small income.I use mine to sharpen cord wood saw blades.

 

[Anonymous-0]

The steel does not sharpen,it straightens up the edge.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Try another shop.

 

[KenCrisman]

I did . They said the same thing .