Potomac Sharpening Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

How much does knife sharpening cost in Northern Virginia?

Accepted Answer

At Potomac Sharpening, a commercially made kitchen knife costs $13 to sharpen. Japanese and serrated knives are $14 each. Prices include light chip or tip repair and light polishing; major repairs are quoted individually. On-site mobile appointments have a $100 minimum order.

Question 2

How long does sharpening take? Do you offer same-day service?

Accepted Answer

We sharpen knives on site during mobile appointments, and we also offer same-day mobile service in Sterling, Virginia and surrounding communities, subject to availability. For home workshop or drop-box orders, we’ll let you know when your items are ready and text you when a drop-box order can be collected. Text (703) 615-8614 if you need your knives by a particular time.

Question 3

Do you sharpen Japanese knives such as Shun, Global, and Miyabi? At what angle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we sharpen Japanese knives. We assess each blade and sharpen it to an angle appropriate for its design and intended use, rather than applying one angle to every knife. Tell us if you want a particular factory edge preserved. Japanese knife sharpening is $14 per knife.

Question 4

Do you sharpen serrated knives?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Serrated knife sharpening is $14 per knife. If a blade has unusual serrations or damage, send us a photo so we can assess it before you bring it in.

Question 5

Can you come to my home, business, or HOA? What is the minimum?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We bring our mobile sharpening setup to homes and businesses, and we arrange sharpening events for HOAs, apartment communities, and neighborhoods. Individual on-site mobile appointments require a $100 minimum service order. Neighbors can combine items to meet that minimum. Contact us to plan a community event.

Question 6

How does the drop box work?

Accepted Answer

Bring your items to 3 Exeter Court, Sterling, VA 20165, any day between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. No appointment is needed. Open the drop box marked “Drop Off” on the right, complete the customer form, and leave your knives wrapped in a dish towel secured with a rubber band. We’ll text you when they’re ready, arrange payment, and send a PIN for the “Pick Up” box on the left.

Question 7

Do you sharpen salon, barber, and pet-grooming shears?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We sharpen professional beauty and grooming shears, including convex and beveled shears, as well as clipper blades for groomers and barbers. The price for beauty shears is $40; standard clipper blades are $17, and large-animal clipper blades are $24. Ask us for a quote for your specific grooming shears.

Question 8

Do you sharpen lawn mower blades, chainsaws, and pruners?

Accepted Answer

We sharpen lawn mower blades for $20 and pruners for $15, along with other garden tools such as loppers and hedge cutters. We do not sharpen chainsaw blades.

Question 9

How often should I get my knives sharpened?

Accepted Answer

Sharpen them when they begin to struggle with tasks they used to handle easily, such as slicing a tomato cleanly. The right interval depends on how often you cook, your cutting board, and the knife’s steel. Regular honing and careful storage can help maintain the edge between professional sharpenings.

Question 10

Do you ship? How does mail-in sharpening work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We accept mail-in sharpening orders from across the United States. Download and complete the mail-order form, protect each blade and its tip with cardboard or other sturdy wrapping, and pack the items so they cannot move inside the box. The website asks customers to insure the shipment for its full replacement value. Use the instructions on our mail-in sharpening page before shipping.

Question 11

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Our home workshop and drop box are in Sterling, Virginia. We offer mobile service across Northern Virginia, including Sterling, Ashburn, Herndon, Reston, Great Falls, McLean, Tysons, Arlington, Fairfax, and Leesburg. We also accept mail-in orders nationwide.

Question 12

Are you veteran-owned or insured?

Accepted Answer

Potomac Sharpening is veteran-owned; owner Matt Gottshalk served in the U.S. Marine Corps. We are fully insured.

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