Bryan Havens Sharpening Service

The list of things these guys won’t sharpen is pretty long. They don’t sharpen woodworking tools or any other pro edges like barber shears, so they’ve got quite a ways to go before I will consider them to be real sharpening service.
For a couple college kids with a $ 650 sharpening system (Tormek) they’re okay. If you’re a homeowner with a dull kitchen knife from a department store go for it.
BTW, with a small piece of plate glass, some very fine grit sandpaper, and a free online video, you can sharpen your own knives and garden shears to this level. Try it yourself.
Perhaps if they get serious and invest in some serious sharpening tools ($ 000’s), then I will consider them again. For now, these are just 2 college kids picking up some coin on the side. Good for them, but not for me. Sorry guys.

I like to cook, and every home cook knows a set of sharp, quality knives are a vital kitchen tool. I have a nice set of Chicago Cutlery knives that were getting unfortunately dull, as happens when they are used a lot. My big chef’s knife would hardly even cut chicken, it was so sad.
I’ve used hardware store sharpening before; it’s inexpensive and convenient but I wasn’t sold on them doing the best job. That seems more suited for pruning shears than kitchen knives. So I asked around for recommendations, and Aimee M pointed me toward these guys.
During Farmers Market season, these guys show up at various DuPage Co. markets to run their sharpening service, but they also accept drop-​offs at their home workshop at off-​peak times. Be sure to call or e-​mail them first! It’s extremely easy to set up and they will give you the exact address to visit.
I e-​mailed them myself to get the details and dropped three knives off on a Saturday late morning. They were ready to go by late afternoon, and pick up was pleasant and quick. They accept cash and checks (and can make change). The prices are very reasonable and — most importantly — my knives are super-​sharp and ready to rock and roll for another year or more!
They also sharpen garden tools, shears, axes and specialty blades, so if you have something out of the ordinary, just ask!