What’s the best way to transport or carry my knives to the B’Ladies?
It’s always best to play it safe when handling knives, whether they are sharp or dull. If you don’t have a proper tote or knife roll, simply lay out a towel or an apron and place your knives on the open towel and slowly roll them into a bundle with the towel acting as the sheath. Make sure to create fold overs on both ends of the towel (so the knives don’t slip out) and secure these folds with rubber bands.
B’Ladies will supply you with blade covers for each knife sharpening and these are yours to keep and re-use for safe transport.
What types of knives do the B’Ladies sharpen?
B’Ladies specializes in straight edge kitchen knives and other professional and hobby cutlery such as: traditional chef sets, carving, paring, boning, fillet, clever, hunting, pocket and specialty knives.
We have expertise with all major brands such as Wusthof, Victorinox, Heckles and Misen in addition to Japanese brands Shun, Global and Santoku styles.
Can you sharpen serrated knives?
We are often asked about serrated knives. Yes, we are able to sharpen macro-serrated knives (bread knives), and you will see a dramatic improvement in cutting. As for micro-serrated knives (steak knives), these can be sharpened, however over many sharpenings, the serration will be ground away and we may work with you to convert the knife to a straight edge.
Does B’Ladies Sharpen Scissors?
Yes, we are able to sharpen kitchen, household, utility, textile and hobbyist scissors. However, we do not sharpen professional barber/stylist scissors.
Does B’Ladies sharpen ceramic knives?
No. Our equipment is specialized for steel blade knives. It is best to send ceramic knives back to the manufacturer for servicing.
How long does it take to sharpen my knives?
Typically we can sharpen same day, always within 24 hours. If you are coming from further away, we can schedule a “while you wait” one-hour sharpening window.
How do I pay?
B’Ladies accepts many forms of payment: cash, check, charge and Venmo.
My knives are pretty dull and I’m embrassed by their condition. Does this matter?
The B’Ladies are here to help! We want you to have great experiences in the kitchen, and happy knives are part of that recipe. We are judgement free and look forward to sharpening knives of any condition.
How often should I sharpen my knives?
This is a question we hear quite a bit. The answer, however isn’t so straight forward. Knife usage is what drives the frequency of sharpening. So, the answer regarding how often truly does depend on the user. As a rule of thumb, we like to think seasonally. Meaning, that for those special seasonal activities where a sharp knife is “a must” you might as well have them all touched up. For example:
Spring & Summer: fruit & vegetables, fishing season = Paring, fillet and diving knives
Fall: apples, root vegetables and gourds = Chef’s knives, everyday blades
Winter: Thanksgiving and Holiday season = Chef’s, carving and bread knives
So, you’re saying I should sharpen my knives up to four (4) times a year?
Again, it depends on level of use. Knives are tools, and everyone uses these tools differently – and under varying workloads and circumstances. Some folks use their knives everyday for every meal & preparation. Others knives may not experience as much use, however blades can be dropped, dragged haphazardly or used aggressively on cutting boards or work surfaces. Some even use their kitchen knives to open letters or cardboard boxes. These are all things that can impact the integrity of the blade, and result in the need for service.
We recommend a minimum of two times a year. A sharp knife is an easier and safer tool to use.
Professional Sharpening 