Written by a pro sharpener
Knife Care Guides
Practical advice from Michael Kempf, Austin's local knife sharpener with 20,000+ blades sharpened and 130+ five-star reviews.
Not sure if your knives need sharpening?
If you're in Austin or nearby, text me a photo and I'll tell you honestly if sharpening will help, no pressure.
Featured Guides
Most ReadThe three most-read articles on the blog, updated for 2026.
Japanese vs German Knives: Which One Should You Actually Buy?
A pro sharpener's honest take after working thousands of both. Edge angle, steel, weight, plus which one I'd keep if I could only own one.
Read GuideKitchen SafetyWhy Dull Knives Send More Cooks to the ER Than Sharp Ones
ER data shows dull knives cause more cuts, not fewer. Here's the science, and the point at which your knife genuinely needs sharpening.
Read GuideBuying GuidesBest Kitchen Knives 2026: Tested by a Pro (No Affiliates)
I sharpen 20,000+ knives a year. Here are the ones that actually hold an edge, and the overhyped brands I'd never recommend.
Read GuideWritten by Michael, Austin's local knife sharpener
20,000+ blades sharpened · Serving Austin since 2022 · 130+ five-star reviews
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Buying Guides
Japanese vs German Knives: Which One Should You Actually Buy?
A pro sharpener's honest take after working thousands of both. Edge angle, steel, weight, plus which one I'd keep if I could only own one.
Read GuideBest Kitchen Knives 2026: Tested by a Pro (No Affiliates)
I sharpen 20,000+ knives a year. Here are the ones that actually hold an edge, and the overhyped brands I'd never recommend.
Read GuideKitchen Safety
Why Dull Knives Send More Cooks to the ER Than Sharp Ones
ER data shows dull knives cause more cuts, not fewer. Here's the science, and the point at which your knife genuinely needs sharpening.
Read GuideWhat Knives Should NOT Go in a Drop-Box
Serrated bread knives, ceramic blades, and antiques, the four types I ask customers to hand-deliver instead of drop off.
Read GuideThe Hidden Dangers of Dull Knives
Why sharp knives are safer than dull ones, how professional sharpening protects your family, and what the data really shows.
Read GuideKnife Care
Pull-Through Sharpeners: Why Pros Hate Them
I see ruined edges every week from pull-through sharpeners. Here's exactly what they do to your blade, and what actually works.
Read GuideHow Often to Sharpen Knives? The Honest Answer
Most home cooks go years without sharpening. Here's exactly how often by knife type, plus 5 signs you're already overdue.
Read GuideHoning vs Sharpening: What's the Difference?
Honing realigns. Sharpening removes metal. One you do weekly, one you do annually, and confusing them is why most knives are dull.
Read GuideHome Knife Care: A Pro's Complete Guide
Cutting boards, washing, storage, and the three habits that kill 90% of home knives. Everything you need to keep your edges for life.
Read GuidePro vs DIY
Professional Sharpening: What It Actually Involves
What a pro does that a home kit can't. The machines, the geometry, and why a $9 service outperforms a $200 gadget.
Read GuideRestaurant Knife Care
How commercial kitchens keep knives sharp through 400 covers a night, and what home cooks can borrow from the pros.
Read GuideServing the Austin Metro
Porch pickup and mobile drop-offs across Central Texas. Pick your city for local turnaround times, neighborhood coverage, and a city-specific quote.
Ready to Put a Real Edge on Your Knives?
Porch pickup across most of Austin. No payment upfront. Sharper sharpened right, or I come back and re-do it.