We are so grateful to have made it through the past year, which was one of the most challenging years ever for us and probably for many of our customers. We hope that all of you are doing well and are enjoying the spring, which brings with it a sense of renewal and hopefulness.

We sat out the farmers markets last summer and closed for all but mail-order services in November. Now we are ready to open up again, but with a few changes.

Here is what’s happening now:

  • Sharpening at our home workshop, but only by appointment, from Monday through Friday. If you need an evening or weekend appointment, we will do our best to accommodate you. If you’re a Common Market member, take $1.00 off each item when you present your card!
  • Although we won’t be a seasonal vendor at the Olney Farmers and Artisans Market this year, they have kindly offered us a chance for drop off/pick up service once a month from June through October. See Our Services for the schedule. A portion of our proceeds will support the market.
  • We will continue our partnership with Capital Quilts in Gaithersburg. Just drop your stuff off there and you’ll get it back two days later. Check Our Services for dates.

Stay tuned for more opportunities to get your things sharpened.

One of the unintended but wonderful consequences of the pandemic was meeting with others by Zoom. This past week, we met virtually with a group of other sharpeners from all around the United States—and from as far away as Denmark, Pakistan, Australia, and the United Kingdom—to share techniques and discuss best practices. This meeting, Sharpener’s Jam, had been held annually in Atlanta, Ga., but the pandemic allowed more people from farther away to attend virtually. Everyone benefitted. We are always looking for the good that arose from our year at home.