Matt's Knife Sharpening Service
A knife sharpening business started by Matt, who began by sharpening knives for friends and family and expanded through community engagement.
Why It Works
Matt's approach of building community ties and offering a drop-off service made it convenient for customers, leading to steady growth without heavy marketing costs.
Revenue & Traction
Matt charges $1 per inch of blade with a minimum of $5, which can lead to earnings of $30-$60 per hour depending on the customer.
Founding Story
Matt started his business with a knife sharpening system he chose based on recommendations and developed his skills through practice and online resources.
Business Playbook
Utilizing drop-off boxes, local markets, and a strong Google business profile to attract customers.
Why this works now
Square's payment processing system allows Matt to efficiently handle transactions for his knife sharpening service. Initially, he marketed his service through local Facebook groups, connecting directly with potential customers. A challenge Matt faces is the labor-intensive nature of the business; sharpening knives requires significant time and skill, which can limit his capacity to scale operations without additional help.
Additional Information
Matt emphasizes treating each customer as recurring, as knives require regular maintenance, which helps build a loyal client base.
Source
Podcast: The Side Hustle Show
Episode: 710: 15 Things You Can Buy on Amazon to Make Money
Creation Date: December 1, 2025
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