Bring your knife

back to life.

Traditional knife sharpening services

Portland OR

Hi, I’m Genevieve

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.

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 knive’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 wonderfully 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.