Sharpening Services
At Bernal Cutlery, we specialize in wet grinding and Japanese whetstone sharpening using techniques that provide edges specifically suited for the knife or tool, factoring in its steel type. We will evaluate each knife and use the best approach to improve performance. This may include adjusting shape, edge geometry and blade thinness if necessary.
Drop Off Hours: 11am-5:30pm
Location: 766 Valencia Street, SF, CA
Services Offered
We offer walk-in services for the general public. We will evaluate your knife and go over any estimated repairs with you. Turnaround time will be quoted based on current workload.
Please bring your knives wrapped securely in thick paper, a towel or in a box. Please do not use excessive amounts of tape to secure your knives.
Please plan on spending 5-10 mins with us as we intake your knives.
For customers who are unable to visit us in person, we offer mail-in sharpening:
- Print and Fill Out the Mail-in Sharpening Form. If you cannot print, transcribe the information onto a separate piece of paper.
- Include First Free Sharpening Cards: If applicable, include them with the form.
- Package Your Knives:
- Wrap your knives securely in disposable material like newspaper or paper shopping bags.
- Do not use towels or put tape directly on your knives.
- Add padding to the box to limit any jostling that may damage knife tips, heels, or edges.
Send to:
Bernal Cutlery
Attn: Mail-in Sharpening
766 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Estimate and Payment: We will contact you with an estimate within 24-48 hours of receiving your package. Payment will include $12 for shipping ($25 for international). Additional charges apply for insured values over $1000.
Return Shipping: After payment, we will ship your knives back with insurance and tracking information.
We offer appointments for professionals who are on our Industry List. Sign-up for the Industry List or schedule an appointment using the links below.
We offer kosher sharpening certified by VAAD Sunrise Kosher of Northern California by request. Learn more a www.sunrisekosher.org.
Important Information
Standard Service: Approximately 2-4 weeks depending on workload.
Rush Service: 48-72 hours depending on workload.
Please note that thinning work is not eligible for Rush Service and we are businest leading into the Holidays. Please plan accordingly.
We offer loaner chef and bread knives for you to use while we work on your knives that are to be brought back when you pick up your order.
A $40 deposit will be taken on orders if the loaner knives are not returned and can be refunded when the knife is returned.
Loaner knives have limited availability and are first come; first served.
You will receive a drop off notification after your intake is processed and a second notification when the order is completed and ready to be picked up.
Please reference your quoted turnaround time prior to contacting us. Name or order number is required to locate your order.
We will hold orders for 90-days.Please contact us if you are unable to make it within 90-days. We will make several contact attempts prior to disposing of your knives. We are not responsible for orders left over 90-days.
We do not offer rehandling services at this time. Due to a shortage of Japanese-style wa-handles, we are unable to supply or replace handles on Japanese style knives.
We are not able to repair or replace damaged western, riveted handles. Thank you for your understanding.
Please clean your knives prior to bringing them in to be sharpened. Any sticky, smelly, grimey or otherwise dirty knife that needs to be cleaned before it's worked on will be subject to a $5 cleaning fee. Don't be gross.
We reserve the right to refuse service to any knife for any reason.
We do not work on weapons, swords, daggers or any item that is in a quality or condition that will not allow for proper sharpening or that presents safety concerns.
Email: info@bernalcutlery.com
Phone: 415-355-0773; listen to message to connection to sharpening department.
Please have name and order number ready.
Sharpening Rates
Whetstone Wheel & Strop
Includes: Water-cooled Japanese whetstone wheel and stropping.
- Standard: $1.75 per inch
- Rush: $2.50 per inch
Hand Finish
Includes: Water-cooled Japanese whetstone wheel and hand stone finish (or Japanese natural honyama stone as applicable) and stropping.
- Standard: $3 per inch
- Rush: $4.25 per inch
Serrated Knives
Includes: Hand-filing, water-cooled Japanese whetstone wheel and stropping (Japanese stone hand finish when applicable).
- Standard: $3 per inch
- Rush: $4.25 per inch
Japanese Single Bevel, Mandolin & Scandinavian Grinds
Includes: Water-cooled Japanese whetstone wheel or kaiten wheel, hand stone finish and stropping.
- Standard: $5 per inch
- Rush: $7.25 per inch
Includes: Water-cooled Japanese whetstone wheel and stropping. Some exceptions may apply.
- Folding Knives: $12+ each
Rush: $18+ each - Fixed Blades: $18+ each
Rush: $27+ each
Includes: Water-cooled Japanese whetstone wheel and stropping. Some exceptions may apply.
- Hand Pruners: $20 each
Rush: $30 each - Loppers, Shears & Hedge Clippers: $30+ each
Rush: $45+ each - Machetes & Bush Knives: $2.50-4.50 per inch (depending on condition)
Rush: $3.75-$6.75 - Hatchets and Axes: $17+ each
Rush: $25.50 each - Paper Cutters: $45+ each
Rush: $60+ each
By appointment only; call us at 415-355-0773 to schedule: - Push Mower Blades: $35 each.
Rush: $52.50 each
Includes: Water-cooled Japanese whetstone wheel and stropping. Some exceptions may apply.
- Kitchen, Craft & Pinking: $15+ each
Rush: $22.50+ each - Fabric Shears: $20+ each
Rush: $30+ each
Scissors must be able to fully open or come apart and go back together to fit on our equipment. We are unable to work on hair shears.
Includes: Water-cooled Japanese whetstone wheel if needed and hand stone finish (or Japanese natural honyama stone as applicable) and stropping.
- Sharpening: $40+ each
Rush: $60+ each
Additional charges apply as needed:
- Re-shape Bolster: $5+
- Re-shape Edge / Re-profile: $5+
- Re-tipping & Chip Repair: $5+
- Rust Removal & Buffing: $10+
- Thinning & Resurfacing: $40+ (Not eligible for Rush Service)
- Knife Cleaning Fee: $5 per knife for dirty knives.
Note: We do not work on hygienic tools.