Where are the best knife sharpening services in Canberra? Photo: File.
Whether you’re an amateur cook, a home cook or a professional chef, good-quality knives are essential to not only effective cooking, but safe food preparation as well. While a blunt knife might not sound like a great danger, the risk of them slipping and cutting you certainly is – if this is your experience, it’s probably time to get your knives sharpened.
Having your knives professionally sharpened is an excellent way to maintain the quality and strength of your knife while also prolonging its life. Professionals can ensure that no more metal than necessary is removed, prevent overheating during the sharpening process, and can assess and recreate the angle of the knife’s edge precisely. If you want your knives to last as long as they can, then a professional sharpening is the way to go.
But how do you find someone in Canberra to do it for you, and how can you know if they’re worth it? In this article, we’ll give you a few things to look out for in a professional knife sharpening service, as well as a helpful guide to some of Canberra’s best.
What makes a great knife sharpening service?
You want to make sure that your knives are getting the best treatment possible so that they can remain strong and effective in your kitchen. Here’s a few things to keep in mind while looking for the perfect knife sharpening service for your knives:
- High quality sharpening equipment. Sharpening a knife with poor equipment can leave your knife weaker and more prone to damage, so look for a sharpening service who use high-quality equipment.
- Knowledge of blade craft and steel composition. Not all knives are created equal, and therefore some knives have different requirements when it comes to sharpening. A good knife sharpener should know what your knife requires and how to return it to you in top condition.
- Attention to detail. Knives might accumulate tiny chips and rust spots as time goes on, and a professional knife sharpener should know how to take care of any blemishes effectively, missing nothing.
- Convenience. Not having knives in the kitchen for any amount of time can be quite inconvenient, and most knife sharpening services will keep your knives overnight. Look for a service that can guarantee that your knives will be ready the following day so that you don’t have to wait too long to be able to cook properly again.
The best knife sharpening services in Canberra
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Better Blades
The team at Better Blades understands how important sharp blades are to safe and efficient cooking, and have earned a reputation as one of Canberra’s specialists in blade sharpening and maintenance. They use high-quality industrial sharpening equipment and guarantee your satisfaction, and can also offer you advice on how to maintain your equipment at home.
‘Local Guide’ Tony Palmer wrote the following review of their experience with Better Blades, “Great service provided by Ian. I had four kitchen knives sharpened and they are now sharper than they’ve ever been. Recommended!”
Knifemaster Canberra
Knifemaster is a mobile knife sharpening service who also sells knives and meat/cheese slicers at wholesale price. Owner and operator John can sharpen any blade for you – whether it’s a standard kitchen knife, a chef’s knife, a hunting knife or a pizza slicer, Knifemaster can promise high quality sharpening and professional care for your blade.
As Paul Kerlin writes in this Facebook review, “Fast, simple and easy. 10/10 and super sharp knives. Highly recommend.”
Jordo’s Chop Shop
Not only is Jordo’s Chop Shop one of Canberra’s favourite butchers, they also offer an excellent knife sharpening service. At Jordo’s, your knives will professionally hand-sharpened using stones and steels, or put to the machines if needed. With excellent understanding of blade craft and maintaining quality, your knives are in safe and capable hands at Jordo’s.
As Claire Widdicombe writes in their Google review, “Fabulous range of quality products at amazing prices. Good old fashioned customer service with a smile. Staff friendly and knowledgeable.”
Clipper Blade Sharpening
Anita and Kyra of Clipper Blade Sharpening may specialise in grooming scissors and clipper care, but they know what they're doing when it comes to knife sharpening.
This family business sharpens and repairs all brands of chef's knives, kitchen knives, hunting knives, pocket knives and butcher’s knives.
"Wonderful sharpening service," Mandy Heerah says on Google. "Quick service and reliable. These guys have a great knowledge and do a brilliant job in sharpening my blades."
KnifeCare Australia
Born in Canberra, KnifeCare Australia has grown to become a nationally recognised brand, used by restaurants, chefs and individuals across the country.
Simply place an order, wait for your travel sleeve and envelope to arrive from the KnifeCare team, carefully pack your knives and drop them to your nearest Australia Express post box.
Your knives will be sent to the Canberra forge and expertly sharpened on site, before being sent back to you with a razor-sharp edge and mirror finish.
Your experience with knife sharpening services in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback, if you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you used any of the knife sharpening services listed above? Have you got a favourite? Share your thoughts and feedback below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to sharpen a knife?
There are a few different types of tools you can use to sharpen your own knives, such as a whetstone, a mechanical sharpener, or a sharpening sleeve. All of these will have varying levels of effectiveness depending on your knives, so taking them to a professional is a great way to ensure that your knives come back perfectly sharp and safe to use.
What is the best material for knives?
This depends on what you’re going to be using your knives for, and the quality of the steel is measured by its toughness, edge retention, corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening. Different makers will use different steels, but the most common types are carbon, stainless, tool and alloy. Carbon steel is definitely stronger than stainless steel but is more prone to rust and corrosion. Stainless steel knives are best for at-home cooking.
How long do knives last before they need replacing?
Realistically, a good knife set should last up to 30 years, if properly looked after. Regularly sharpening and thorough cleaning are your best defences against corrosion and chipping in the blade, so as long as you take proper care of your knives then you shouldn’t ever need to replace them. However, depending on how they are used and the quality of the steel to begin with, your knives might become chipped or worn. If your knife is becoming difficult or uncomfortable to use, consider replacing it with something of a higher quality.
How many knives should I own?
There are only three knives that you really need – a chef’s knife, which is a large, multi-purpose knife; a paring knife, which is a short-bladed knife that is used for peeling, mincing and dicing; and a serrated knife, which you need for bread.
How often should I sharpen my knives?
Depending on how often they are used, you should have your knives sharpened every 1-2 months, or as soon as you start to notice that they are too blunt to use safely.
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