Services

Element Knife Company offers professional kitchen knife sharpening, repair and restoration services in Denver. From hand and machine sharpening to blade repairs, thinning, handle replacement and specialty services, each knife is individually evaluated so the appropriate process can be used for its construction, geometry and condition. Our goal is simple: preserve the integrity of the knife while restoring its cutting performance, function and feel. Sharpening and repair services are available on a first-come, first-served basis at our LoHi shop at 1701 Platte Street, Suite 171, Denver, Colorado 80202.

Clean Knives Please!

We only service clean knives. Dirty knives will incur a fee of $10

Services

Kitchen Knife Sharpening

At Element Knife Company, we offer professional hand and machine sharpening for kitchen knives. Our premium hand-sharpening service follows traditional Japanese Waterstone methods using natural, ceramic and diamond stones, while our machine-sharpening service uses a progressive series of specialized belts and abrasives to restore, refine and polish the cutting edge. Every knife is individually evaluated so we can maintain the appropriate edge angle and geometry based on the knife, steel and intended use. Whether sharpened by hand or machine, every edge is inspected and refined to meet our standards before it leaves the shop.

SINGLE BEVEL HAND SHARPENING - $5.00 / INCH

DOUBLE BEVEL HAND SHARPENING - $2.75 / INCH

DOUBLE BEVEL BELT SHARPENING - $1.75 / INCH

SERRATED KNIVES - $2.75 / INCH

CERAMIC KNIVES - $2.75 / INCH

POCKET KNIVES - $10.00 / EACH

Repair Services & Upgrades

A damaged or worn knife doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced. Element Knife Company offers professional kitchen knife repair and restoration services including broken-tip repair, chipped-edge repair, blade reprofiling and thinning, bolster grinding, surface conditioning, handle replacement and more. Each knife is individually inspected to determine the appropriate repair while preserving as much of the blade’s original geometry and material as possible. From everyday kitchen knives to specialized Japanese cutlery, our goal is to restore proper function, cutting performance and comfort whenever possible.

RATES:

• BROKEN TIPS — STARTING AT $10
• CHIPPED EDGES — STARTING AT $10
• EDGE RE-PROFILING — STARTING AT $15
• BLADE THINNING — STARTING AT $35
• BOLSTER GRINDING — STARTING AT $10
• BLACKENING / RE-ETCHING — $30 (Includes Nano Ceramic Coating)
• SHARPENING STONE FLATTENING — STARTING AT $20

• BLADE BUFFING & CONDITIONING — STARTING AT $20

• SPINE EASING, ROUND & POLISH — $15

• CHOIL EASING, ROUND & POLISH — $15

• NANO CERAMIC COATING COVALENT BOND— $15

After

Before

Services

Handle Replacement

A damaged handle doesn’t mean the end of a good knife, and replacing a handle can also be a great way to upgrade or personalize a knife you already enjoy using. We offer replacement services for both Western-style and traditional Japanese wa-handles.

Western handle replacements are completed in partnership with local craftsman Akiva Meola of Metalwork by Meola, with a variety of woods, stabilized materials and composites available depending on current inventory. Japanese wa-handle replacements are performed in-house at Element Knife Company, with handle options available from our current shop inventory. Contact us to see what’s currently available or to discuss a special request.

RATES:

WESTERN HANDLE REPLACEMENT — MATERIAL + $75 LABOR
Available materials vary. Additional labor may apply for unusual construction, damaged tangs or more complex restoration work.

JAPANESE HANDLE REPLACEMENT — HANDLE + $35 LABOR
Choose from our current selection of Japanese wa-handles. Additional labor may apply for damaged tangs or non-standard fitment.

Services

Knife Sharpening FAQ

What types of knives do you sharpen?

We sharpen all styles of kitchen knives, including Japanese, German, and others, regardless of where they were purchased. This includes double and single-bevel knives, ceramic knives, and pocket knives. Please Note that we do not sharpen Serrated Knives, Scissors, Hunting Knives, Swords, Lawn equipment, or other non-culinary items.

How much does knife sharpening cost?

Our sharpening rates are:

  • Double-Bevel Knives: $2.50 per inch
  • Ceramic Knives: $2.50 per inch
  • Single-Bevel Knives: $5 per inch
  • Pocket Knives: $5 per inch
How much do knife repairs cost?

Our repair rates start at:

  • Broken Tips: $10
  • Chipped Edges: $10
  • Re-profiling: $15
  • Thinning: $35
  • Bolster Grinding: $10
Do you sharpen knives that weren’t purchased from Element Knife Company?

Yes, we are happy to sharpen any knives, no matter where they were originally purchased.

Do you offer same-day sharpening?

Turnaround time is typically up to 24 hours, but same-day sharpening may be possible depending on our current workload. Please contact us in advance to confirm availability.

What sharpening methods do you use?

We use traditional Japanese sharpening techniques with ceramic, diamond, and natural water stones. For extremely dull knives, we may use specialized machinery before finishing them by hand on sharpening stones to ensure the sharpest edge.

Do you clean knives before sharpening?

We only service clean knives. If your knife is dirty when dropped off, we will charge a $10 cleaning fee.

How should I transport my knives for sharpening or repair?

We recommend securely wrapping your knives in a towel, using a knife roll, or covering the blade with a guard for safety when bringing them in. If you have used our services before, please reuse the bag and guards that were provided to you.

How do I drop off my knives for sharpening or repair?

You can drop off your knives during business hours. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

We are located at 1701 Platte St. Denver, CO 80202

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How will I know when my knife is ready for pickup?

We’ll notify you via text as soon as your order is ready for pickup. You can retrieve it at your convenience.

How often should I sharpen my knives?

We recommend sharpening your knives every 3 to 6 months, depending on how frequently they are used. Regular honing between sharpening can also help maintain the blade’s sharpness.

Do you offer sharpening for ceramic knives?

Yes, we do! Ceramic knives are sharpened at $2.50 per inch.

Services

Knife Repair FAQ

What repair services do you offer?

We provide a range of kitchen knife repair services, including:

  • Broken Tips — Starting at $10
  • Chipped Edges — Starting at $10
  • Re-profiling Blades — Starting at $15
  • Thinning Blades — Starting at $35
  • Bolster Grinding — Starting at $10
Can you fix a broken tip?

Yes, we can repair broken cooking knife tips. The cost starts at $10.

Can you repair a chipped knife edge?

Yes, we can smooth out chipped edges, with prices starting at $10.

What does blade re-profiling mean?

Reprofiling a blade involves reshaping the edge to restore its original performance or to change the blade’s geometry. This service starts at $15.

Can you thin my knife blade?

Yes, thinning the blade involves reducing the thickness behind the edge to improve cutting performance. This service starts at $35.

What is bolster grinding?

Bolster grinding involves reshaping or removing part of the bolster (the thick junction between the blade and handle) to restore balance and improve cutting efficiency. This service starts at $10.

Services

Handle Replacement FAQ

Do you replace knife handles?

Yes, we offer professional handle replacement services for both Western and Japanese-style cooking knives. Please note there are certain configurations or styles of handles that do not qualify for replacement.

How much does the handle replacement cost?
  • Western Handle Replacement: $95, which includes small, medium, or large options in Stabilized Blue, Red, or Natural Maple.
  • Japanese Handle (Wa-handle) Replacement: The cost of the handle plus $35 labor.
Who replaces the knife handles?
  • For Western-style handle replacements, we collaborate with skilled bladesmith Akiva Meola from *Metalwork by Meola*.
  • Japanese-style handles (Wa-handles) are replaced in-house by our expert team.
Can I customize the handle for my kitchen knife outside of your standard offerings?

Absolutely! We offer a range of customization options for both Western and Japanese-style handles. If you're looking for something unique, we’re happy to discuss special orders or specific requests from our partners and suppliers to match your preferences. Let us help create a handle that’s tailored to your style and needs.