The Knife and Tool Sharpening Podcast
The Knife and Tool Sharpening Podcast is a show for knife and tool sharpening professionals, and those curious about the craft, who want to build skill, confidence, and a sustainable sharpening business on their own terms.
Hosted by Matthew Rowell, the podcast features conversations with working sharpeners, shop owners, craftspeople, and industry voices from around the world. Episodes explore real-world sharpening methods, equipment, materials, and edge geometry, alongside the practical realities of running a sharpening business: pricing, marketing, customer service, niches, and designing a business that fits your life.
Rather than chasing trends or gimmicks, this podcast focuses on service-first craftsmanship, continuous learning, and the idea that success looks different for every sharpener. Whether you’re sharpening from a garage, a mobile setup, a retail shop, or considering sharpening as a second career or retirement path, you’ll find honest insight and shared experience here.
The Knife and Tool Sharpening Podcast is made possible by the Guild of Professional Sharpeners, a community of knife and tool sharpening business owners who help each other achieve success — however each individual defines it.
Learn more about the Guild at guildofsharpeners.org.
The Knife and Tool Sharpening Podcast
Serve First, Sharpen Well: A Conversation with Phil "Buck" Van Lanen
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In this episode of the Knife and Tool Sharpening Podcast, I sit down with Phil Van Lanen, owner of Van Lanen Sharpening, for a thoughtful, honest conversation about craft, service, and building a sharpening business the right way.
Phil shares how his approach to sharpening has always been grounded in serving people first — focusing on doing good work, treating customers well, and letting the business grow naturally instead of chasing quick wins. We talk about his early days getting started, lessons learned along the way, and the mindset shifts that helped him build something sustainable and fulfilling.
This conversation isn’t about hype, shortcuts, or gimmicks. It’s about:
- Starting a sharpening business with integrity
- Learning through mistakes and staying humble
- Communicating clearly with customers
- Balancing craftsmanship with real-world business needs
- Why service, consistency, and care still matter in a trade business
Whether you’re just getting started in sharpening, years into the craft, or simply interested in building a small trade-based business that aligns with your values, this episode offers grounded perspective and practical wisdom from someone who’s living it.