Rusty Edges Sharpening

Rusty’s Sharpening Minute

How worn is worn out?

This mower blade has reached the end of its sharpening life.

Notice how much the trailing edge has been worn away. That part of the blade is important — its shape creates the lift that helps stand the grass up so it can be cut evenly.

I can sharpen a mower blade many times, but there comes a point when sharpening can’t bring the blade back to its proper shape.

That’s when I write “LAST SHARPENING” on the tag and recommend replacing it.

Sharpening isn’t just about making an edge sharp. It’s about keeping the blade in the shape it was designed to have.

Rusty’s Sharpening Minute

Most folks are surprised when I tell them I sharpen serrated knives.

Every tooth is sharpened one at a time. It takes longer than a straight-edge knife, but a quality bread knife deserves another life instead of the garbage can.

Bring yours to the market this week. I’d be happy to take a look.

Rusty’s Sharpening Minute: This 16-inch circular saw blade is about as large as my sharpening equipment can handle. Most people never see a blade this size up close! A sharp blade cuts cleaner, runs cooler, and makes your saw work less. Whether it’s a small kitchen knife or a big sawmill blade, sharp tools always perform better.

Allegan Farmers Market

A sharp knife doesn't just make cooking easier—it makes it safer and a whole lot more enjoyable. So before you head to the Allegan Farmers Market this Thursday, grab those dull kitchen knives, scissors, garden pruners, hedge shears, or loppers that have been frustrating you. I'll put a fresh edge on them while you browse the market's outstanding selection of fresh produce, baked goods, meats, flowers, and local goodies. You'll go home with great food...and tools that cut like they should. Stop by and say hello—I'd love to see you!

I am looking for the oldest knife at the market today!

I’m starting a different type of post for a few weeks or months. Rather than just posting my schedule I will try for “Rusty’s Sharpening Minute “! Where this goes is largely up to the folks who read and react. So ask questions. If I think it is an interesting topic you might see it in the upcoming weeks.

This week’s picture is a few Cutco knives. I am often asked if I sharpen them. The short answer is yes. I also sharpen the serrated Cutco knives. Now if you mail your knives to Cutco, they will sharpen them at no charge; I don’t! Also when I sharpen your serrated Cutco knives I void the warranty. They are good steel for sharpening.

This Week’s Sharpening Schedule

🛠️ In-Person Events

Tuesday: Douglas Farmers Market, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Thursday: Allegan Farmers Market, 8:00 AM–2:00 PM

📍 Pickup & Drop-Off Locations

Tuesday pickups:

* Graafschap Hardware – Holland
* Overisel Lumber – Douglas
* Dickinson Hardware – Fennville
* Visser Hardware – Holland

Wednesday pickups:

* Bullet Hole Fi****ms – Holland
* Taylor Rental – Holland
* Zeeland Ace Hardware – Zeeland
* Rivers Ace Hardware – Holland

Allegan area: Please bring your items to Andy’s Ace.

Grand Haven area: Please bring your items to Rivers Ace Hardware in Grand Haven.

Have something that needs sharpening? Leave a comment or send me a message. I’d be happy to help!

Tuesday will be the Douglas Farmers Market from 10-2. My booth will be in the back near the ball diamond. Bring knives and scissors, even some garden tools. I will sharpen them while you shop.

I sharpen knives without being nagged!

We had a bit of rain last night. We need quite a bit more!

My weekly schedule:

Tuesday will be Douglas Farmers Market from 10-2. I will make a couple stops either before or after the market: Graafschap Hardware, Overisel Lumber Co., Dickinson True Value Hardware Fennville, Visser ACE Hardware

Wednesday will be some stops in Ottawa County: Zeeland ACE Hardware, Taylor True Value Rental, Bullet Hole Fi****ms, Rivers Ace - Holland

Thursday I plan to be in Allegan for Allegan Farmers Market from 8-2. I check in with Andy's Ace Hardware after the market.

Friday I plan to check in with Rivers ACE - Grand Haven to see if they shuttled any items to Rivers Ace - Holland

Saturday I plan to be at Central Park Market from 11-2. Bring your knives and scissors that don't work the way they used to work.