Before using any knife sharpening service, ask these questions (Part 3)

What do you charge?
We all know that you get what you pay for, right? Well, I'll let you in on a little secret in the knife sharpening business. While price can be an indicator of quality work, there is an element out there that charges exorbitant prices to make you believe you are getting something more than you are. If you are considering a service that charges five times the average rates, do your homework first to ensure that you don't get sheared.

So what are typical costs for a mail in knife sharpening service? Expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $10 per knife depending on blade length. Rather than having you measure each blade and fill out complicated order forms, at http://www.kysharp.com/ I charge a flat $5.95 for most any knife. I like to keep things simple!

Before using any knife sharpening service, ask these questions (Part 2)

What is the turnaround time?
If you've sent out your knives for sharpening, you don't want them sitting in a box collecting dust halfway across the country while you anxiously wait by the mailbox. A well run service should be able to get your knives sharpened within a few days of receipt, and quickly send them back to you. If you're told it might take a week or two, look elsewhere.

Before using any knife sharpening service, ask these questions (Part 1)

What sharpening method do you use?
Generally speaking, you want to ensure that they aren't using a method that will cause the blade to overheat and lose it's temper. More knives are ruined from misuse of overly coarse belt sanders and rough grinders (heaven forbid) than anything else. Choose a knife sharpening service that goes to great lengths to eliminate heat buildup and removes a minimum of metal to preserve the life of your knives.

That being said, bear in mind that it is the operator that ultimately controls the finished product rather than the sharpening device itself.