Knife Sharpening NYC — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does knife sharpening cost in NYC?
At Green Point Knives, low RPM belt system sharpening costs $2.25 per inch of blade, and traditional whetstone sharpening costs $4 per inch for double-bevel knives ($5 per inch for single bevels and specialty edges like 70/30 or 80/20). A standard 8-inch chef's knife runs $18 with the low RPM belt system or $32 on the whetstone. Serrated knives are $3 per inch, pocket knives are a flat $10, and knives purchased from us get free sharpening for life.
Where can I get my knives sharpened in Brooklyn?
Our fleet of four trucks serves Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, with weekly stops in Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and other neighborhoods. No appointment needed — drop off your knives at the truck and we'll text you when they're ready. We post each week's schedule every Monday on our website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Do you sharpen knives in Manhattan?
Yes. Our four-truck fleet serves Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, including regular stops on the Upper West Side. Check the weekly schedule — posted every Monday — for this week's locations and times.
What's the difference between whetstone and machine sharpening?
Whetstone sharpening is done entirely by hand on Japanese water stones. It produces the most refined edge and is the right choice for high-end Japanese knives — gyuto, santoku, nakiri, and especially single-bevel knives like yanagiba and deba. Our low RPM belt system, paired with a water-cooled Tormek T8, delivers a consistent, sharp edge at a lower price — ideal for Western-style and everyday kitchen knives. We assess every knife and recommend the right method based on the blade's steel, geometry, and condition.
Do you sharpen Japanese knives?
Yes — Japanese knives are our specialty. We hand-sharpen them on whetstones, including single-bevel blades (yanagiba, deba, usuba) that most sharpening services won't touch. We also sell a curated selection of Japanese knives, including Kikuichi, and every knife purchased from us includes free lifetime sharpening.
How long does knife sharpening take?
We're a same-day service. Drop off your knives at any truck location — no appointment needed — and we'll text you when they're ready for pickup, typically within 1–2 hours depending on how busy we are (weekends can run up to 3 hours). Timing depends on the sharpening method (whetstone vs low RPM belt system) and how many knives are ahead of your order. Once you get the text, pick up anytime before we close for the day. In a hurry? A $20 surcharge lets you jump the line.
Can you fix a chipped knife or a broken tip?
Yes. Chip repairs and tip re-profiling are $10 each (for chips deeper than a dime). We assess the damage first and tell you exactly what the repair involves before we start.
Do you sharpen scissors and other tools?
Yes — scissors and shears are $10–$15 (small shears $10, large shears $15). Garden tools, pruners, and other edged tools start at $15, and machetes are $3 per inch.
How often should I sharpen my kitchen knives?
For home cooks, every 6–12 months keeps knives performing well; frequent cooks should aim for every 3–6 months. Professional kitchens typically need monthly service. If your knife slides off a tomato skin instead of biting in, it's time.
Do you sharpen knives for restaurants?
Yes. We provide recurring sharpening service for restaurants and commercial kitchens in NYC. Contact us to set up an account.
What is the Green Point Knife Truck?
We're a fleet of four trucks bringing professional knife sharpening to Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens: our flagship, a converted 1974 GMC Grumman; the Knife Bus ("Good Knife, Irene"); The Green Point Knife Cruiser ("Never A Dull Moment"); and our newest build, The Knife Box, hitting the streets September 1st. Weekly schedules are posted every Monday on our website, Instagram, and Facebook.