Yo Cory, how does pickup and drop off work?

Cory comes and picks up your knives: choose a time that works for you on the scheduling page, and I’ll come see you during that window. Don’t worry about doing anything to prep the blades besides having them reasonably clean. Then, when they’re done, we’ll coordinate on when and how you want your knives returned.

or

You drop off your knives: schedule a drop off time on the scheduling page, or just reach out to me directly via phone or website. When you do, you’ll receive the location of and a code for the drop box to safely and securely drop your knives. There are blade guards by the drop box just in case you decided to rock up with open blades. Then, when they’re done, we’ll coordinate on timing for picking them back up.

Yo Cory, will you sharpen my scissors / chisel / lawnmower blade / barber clippers?

Nope, knives only, but I almost definitely know somebody who will do a great job! Contact me and I’ll put you in touch with an expert in the respective field.

Yo Cory, do you sharpen serrated knives?

Unfortunately, no— for now.

Yo Cory, do you sharpen EDC / pocket knives?

As recently addressed, I don’t do serrations so that knocks out some EDC knives. I also am not really equipped to do knives with massive recurve. Otherwise, yes.

Yo Cory, my restaurant gets knives exchanged monthly on rotation… do you do that?

Short answer is “no.” Longer answer is that I don’t possess a knife library from which to pull, which is why I don’t do the exchange program. It’s kind of a different business model. That said, if you’re with a restaurant that owns its own knives, then I can work with you to get them sharpened and turned around for you in pretty blazing speed to ensure that you won’t miss a shift.

Yo Cory, how often should I get my knives sharpened?

Depending on how often you use your knives and how well you take care of them (I’m looking at you, dishwasher flunkies), between three and twelve months is usually pretty good. I’ve known chefs who sharpen their knife before every shift. I probably do mine every three or four months because I cook most days during the week, but your mileage may vary depending on your knife lifestyle.

Yo Cory, let’s say I give you my knives to sharpen. How long will it take to get them back?

Short answer: typically, the next day. Long answer: if you decide to drop off 25 rusted knives you’ve been cutting down trees with in the backyard, then we’ll work together to prioritize the order in which you want them back.

Yo Cory, you sharpened my knives, how do I pay you?

Venmo @rochesterknife, cash, and card are all good here. Also, somebody once cleaned my gutters in exchange for sharpening a box of knives (hi, Barry) so we keep things kind of loose I guess.

Yo Cory, why are sharp knives important?

Feeding yourself and the people you care about can be a pain. Sharp knives and the know how to use them can turn cooking from a time-consuming chore into a fun, safe, and nourishing adventure. The kitchen is, for many people, a site of headache and heartache, and a life in possession of a sharp knife is a life one step closer to turning the kitchen into a site of joy.

Yo Cory, that’s very cool, will you teach me how to sharpen my own stuff?

Absolutely! Anytime you want to see the workshop or have any questions about how to maintain your own knives, I’ll share everything I know— somebody was generous enough to teach me, and I’m thrilled to pass it along to anybody who would be interested to learn.

Yo Cory, who did your logo? It’s dope.

I did myself, sonnnnnn.

Yo Cory, what’s a whetstone? Why is it spelled like that?

Whet means “sharpen”, so a whetstone is any sharpening stone. There are both oil and water whetstones, but incidentally I do use whetstones that are wet. So I whet on my wet whetstones, yes indeed. Also, in Old English “hwæt” means brave or bold, so that’s neat too.

Yo Cory, will you sharpen my samurai sword / katana / halberd / Sword of Gryffindor Harry Potter replica?

Nope. I won’t sharpen anything designed for violence, even (especially?) if it’s like… fake, aspirational LARP violence.

Yo Cory, why do you only do pickups and drop offs in certain ZIP codes? Are you doing knife redlining?

Nah. If I knew how to make websites as well as I know how to sharpen and write FAQs, this is where I’d put a picture of my bicycle:

And although I love it, it won’t carry me to Macedon or Honeoye Falls or Holley from the east side of Rochester (not for $5 anyway).

Yo Cory, what do you use to sharpen knives?

Hoo boy I’m glad you asked. I have a series of whetstones ranging from 120 (very coarse) to 8000 grit (very fine) which I’ll use depending on the condition and needs of each knife. I also have a water-cooled Tormek, which I find myself using more and more. There are various other little knickknacks like files, measuring tools, sharpness testers, angle guides and so on laying around. If you ever want to see, just pop down into the workshop and I’ll be happy to give you a tour.

Yo Cory, where’s the line between knife sharpening and knife repair?

Much like the late Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart once commented: “I know it when I see it.” Another short answer would: “the time it takes.” Anything beyond standard sharpening is a case by case basis, and I’ll always be transparent, communicative, and reasonable with you about your stuff!

Yo Cory, I work with a local nonprofit / charity / organization / mutual aid network— can you cut me a deal?

Yes— any Foodlink member organization or group involved in local mutual aid can have their knives sharpened for free. Also, union members and people who are organizing in their workplace receive 20% off.