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What does military service have to do with building a successful sharpening business?

In this episode of the Knife and Tool Sharpening Podcast, I sit down with fellow veteran and sharpener Jason Meredith of Veteran's Edge Sharpening to discuss why the sharpening trade can be an excellent fit for veterans transitioning into civilian life.

Jason shares his journey from the United States Air Force to becoming the sharpening provider for multiple Ace Hardware locations, building a mobile sharpening business, and creating a reputation for quality work and exceptional customer service. Along the way, we explore the skills many veterans already possess that translate directly into sharpening and entrepreneurship, including discipline, problem solving, adaptability, accountability, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous learning.

We also discuss:

• How Jason built relationships that led to major business opportunities
• Why there is still tremendous demand for professional sharpening services
• The value of mentorship, training, and community in the sharpening industry
• Equipment recommendations for veterans looking to get started
• The Guild of Professional Sharpeners and the role it can play in shortening the learning curve
• Veteran resources including VR&E (Chapter 31), Veteran Service Officers, and other programs that may help veterans pursue business ownership

Whether you're a veteran looking for a new mission, a sharpener interested in growing your business, or someone curious about the opportunities available in the trade, this conversation is packed with practical advice and encouragement.

If you know a veteran who may be looking for purpose, community, or a path toward self employment, please share this episode with them.

Guest: Jason Meredith, Veteran's Edge Sharpening
Website: veteransedgesharpening.com

Learn more about the Guild of Professional Sharpeners: guildofsharpeners.org

Listen, learn, and keep sharpening.

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What tools do you REALLY need to start a sharpening business?

In this episode of Tool Talk, Matt sits down with Grant Lauinger of Custom Edge Sharpening to discuss sharpening systems, tool philosophy, guided vs freehand sharpening, business growth, and the reality of building a sharpening business part-time.

Grant shares how he started with a simple 1x30 setup and gradually expanded into clipper blades, salon shears, garden tools, mower blades, and professional belt systems including CutterMaster, AmeriBrade, BuckTool, Tormek, and more.

Topics include:

• Beginner sharpening setups
• Guided vs freehand sharpening
• Edge trailing vs edge leading
• Sharpening business growth
• Marketplace tool deals
• Mobile sharpening setups
• Dust collection realities
• Tool recommendations
• Building a part-time sharpening business

Grant operates Custom Edge Sharpening in the Chicago area and is an active member of the Guild of Professional Sharpeners.

https://members.guildofsharpeners.org/

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In this episode of the Knife and Tool Sharpening Podcast, Matt sits down with Ken Lunders of Maritime Sharpening in Halifax to talk about his lifelong journey with knives and sharpening.

Ken’s story starts the way many sharpeners do — fascinated with his father’s Swiss Army knife as a kid. From sharpening on oil stones and concrete as a teenager, to learning metallurgy as a diesel mechanic, to eventually building a sharpening business in Canada, Ken’s path shows how curiosity and persistence can turn a simple skill into a craft.

We also dive into:

• How Ken learned sharpening before YouTube and online communities
• Why understanding burr removal and geometry changed everything
• The difference between stones, belt grinders, and diamond plates
• Why beginners should start simple instead of chasing expensive tools
• The power of community and mentorship in accelerating your learning
• Why sharpening businesses don’t have to compete with each other

Ken also shares advice for anyone thinking about getting into sharpening:

Whether you're a professional sharpener, a knife enthusiast, or someone thinking about starting a sharpening business, this conversation is packed with insights from someone who has spent decades learning and refining the craft.

Learn more and join the community at guildofsharpeners.org