Professional Knife Sharpening for Chefs: Start 2026 with Blades That Work as Hard as You Do

As we welcome 2026, many chefs are coming out of one of the busiest times of the year. The festive season puts serious pressure on kitchens… long hours, high volume, and blades used to their absolute limit to keep up with Christmas gatherings, events, and service.

Happy Chef showing his perfectly sharpened blades and knives

You’re probably tired.

If we’re honest, your knives probably are too!

At RMC Blade Sharpening, we provide professional knife sharpening for chefs, supporting both commercial kitchens and domestic home kitchens across the North East.

If your knives don’t feel the way they used to, now is the ideal time to reset.

Why Knives Suffer After the Festive Season

During December, knives are used harder and more frequently than at any other time of year.

High-volume prep, rushed service, and constant use all take their toll.

Even high-quality knives lose their edge faster under this kind of pressure.

Common signs chefs notice after the festive rush include:

·         Knives slipping instead of slicing cleanly

·         Needing extra pressure to cut

·         Crushed or uneven cuts rather than clean edges

·         Slower prep times

·         Increased hand and wrist fatigue

These are not signs that a knife is “finished”.

They are signs that professional knife sharpening is overdue.

Tired chef

Why Sharp Knives Matter in a Professional Kitchen

For chefs, sharp knives are not a luxury, they are essential.

Properly sharpened knives:

·         Improve speed and efficiency during prep

·         Deliver cleaner, more consistent cuts

·         Reduce fatigue during long shifts

·         Improve safety by reducing slips and forcing

·         Protect the quality of ingredients and presentation

Blunt knives slow everything down.

They increase strain, reduce consistency, and make already demanding shifts harder than they need to be.

Commercial and Domestic Knife Sharpening

At RMC Blade Sharpening, we sharpen knives for:

·         Commercial kitchens and restaurants

·         Caterers and hospitality businesses

·         Private chefs

·         Domestic home kitchens

Whether you’re sharpening a full professional set or your everyday kitchen knives, the goal is always to restore the edge properly, so the knife performs as intended.

We focus on professional sharpening, not quick fixes or DIY methods that remove excessive material or shorten blade life.

Set of sharpened chef knives

How Often Should Chefs Get Their Knives Sharpened?

This is one of the most common questions chefs ask.

While it depends on volume and usage, a general guide is:

·         High-volume commercial kitchens: every 4–8 weeks

·         Moderate professional use: every 2–3 months

·         Domestic kitchens: every 3–6 months

If you’re noticing reduced performance, you’ve already waited long enough.

Professional Sharpening vs DIY Sharpening

Another common question is whether knives can be sharpened at home.

DIY sharpening tools and stones have their place, but they also carry risks:

·         Inconsistent angles

·         Excessive metal removal

·         Uneven edges

·         Reduced knife lifespan

Professional knife sharpening restores the edge accurately and consistently, ensuring your knives cut cleanly and last longer.

For chefs relying on knives day in, day out, professional sharpening is the safest and most reliable option.

Local Knife Sharpening with Pick-Up and Drop-Off Available

RMC Blade Sharpening is a local North East sharpening service, based in Billingham.

We also offer a pick-up and drop-off service (T&Cs apply) for customers within a 25-mile radius.

This is ideal for busy kitchens that don’t have time to transport knives themselves.

We believe in clarity and honesty.

That’s why transparent pricing is published on our website, allowing you to check costs before booking.

https://www.rmcsharpening.co.uk/

07900 928 128

Get in touch, book your knives in, and start 2026 sharp.

Chef easily cutting tomatoes