Staying Sharp

With the purchase of meats, vegetables and fruits comes the task of preparation. What is the primary tool for such tasks?The knife.From paring to carving and every size and shape in between, slicing, dicing, boning and peeling all take their toll on a blade over time. Unless you know your way around a whetstone or sharpening steel, keeping an edge on frequently used knives means turning over your tools to a professional.So, it made perfect sense for Central Farm Markets to include a mobile sharpening service as one of the markets’ regular vendors.Robb Balfour, owner of Robb’s Edge Express, rotates through all four of the Central Farm Markets sharpening everything from scissors to scythes. “Kitchen knives are by far the most common item,” Robb said when asked about his work at the markets.Most services can be performed in an hour with Robb’s mobile sharpening equipment. Simply drop off your knives, scissors and gardening tools like loppers and hedge shears with Robb and his wife, Keli, enjoy shopping at the market and pick up your tools on the way out. Some things, like chainsaw blades, circular saw blades and hand saws must be done at Robb’s workshop in Hagerstown, MD. They can be dropped off at the market and will be returned on his next trip.Although Robb has only been with Central Farm Markets for four years, he’s been sharpening blades since 1961. He is certified by the National Beauty Tools Sharpeners Guild and regularly attends trade shows to stay up-to-date. In addition to the markets, Robb specializes in professional salon scissors, clippers and clipper blades. He also repairs Andis, Oster and Wahl clippers (I know there are horse and dog people who frequent the market who should know about this).Robb is currently working with Shepherdstown University to offer a workshop on basic sharpening.I asked Robb if he could tell people one thing to stop doing with their knives, what would it be? “Do not put knives in a dishwasher.” He explained that the humidity and moisture attack the edge which is very thin. “The edge gets pitted and etched.”For those who put their knives in the dishwasher, here is Robb’s schedule so you can have your knives restored sharp enough to split a hare (or a chicken, or a tomato). Bring your blades wrapped in a towel, in a box or in a sheath for a proper sharpening.Robb’s Edge Express Schedule for Central Farm MarketsPike: 2^nd SaturdayWestfield: 4^th SaturdayBethesda: 2^nd & 4^th SundayMosaic: 1^st & 3^rd Sunday