Bring your knife

back to life.

Traditional knife sharpening services

Portland OR

I run Kneighborhood Knives, a knife sharpening service specializing in traditional hand-sharpening on whetstones. My passion is restoring the edge on beloved kitchen knives in Portland and the West Coast.

I accept knife drop-offs at my home in SE Portland and I host knife sharpening pop-up events regularly.

Hi, I’m Genevieve

Why whetstones?

Traditional hand sharpening on whetstones is undoubtedly the best way to sharpen knives. Because each step of the sharpening process is tailored to the knife - from the grit and material of the stone to the angle of the knife’s bevel - the blade is able to maintain a geometry and finish that is most conducive to the knife’s performance, aesthetic, and longevity.

Electric sharpeners, pull-through sharpeners, and grinders remove more material than necessary and provide a very heavy-handed approach that often results in irreversible flat spots, areas of buildup (especially towards the heel), scratchy edges, angles that do not align with the knife’s purpose, and most importantly, a shorter lifespan for the knife.

Whetstone sharpening, on the other hand, is a nuanced, intentional, and sustainable approach that is respectful of a blade’s purpose and function and leaves the knife with a custom-tailored and beautifully finished edge.

Testimonials

  • “Omg these knives are so sharp now. I didn't realize how dull they had gotten!"

    Hilary H.

  • "Thanks a million, G! I fell back in love with my favorite Shun knife this week."

    Marty I.

  • "Just picked up my knives. I don't think they were this sharp when they were new!"

    Rob T.

  • "What miracle did you perform on my knives? I just wave them over the tomatoes and they are all sliced!"

    Hugh F.

  • "Giiiirl...these f*cking knives! I just started making dinner and my knife swished through the tomato skins with ease! You've made the sometimes-chore of dinner a true delight."

    Sarah V.

  • "Incredible work, sharper than ever!"

    Forest A.

  • "I don’t remember when my knife was this sharp. It was so awesome to chop my veggies with it tonight!!!!"

    Liz C.