" A lumberjack who sharpens his axe fells more trees " Working hard is important, but stopping from time to time to rest and recover so you can perform you best while you work is also very important. Keep going strong!
It's OK to go a little HAM when you are younger. But that burnout will catch up to you if you do hard 13hr days. Be careful. Physical, and mental health is just as important as making a living. It adds up when you are having that mid-life crisis in your 40s.
@@steven_sharpens Also, work to live man. Don't live to work. That means it's okay to make work a priority, but not to the point that you allow it to cause you personal lonelyness. Reach out to old friends, family, whoever. It's important you care for that part of yourself too.
If you’re working 13 hour days you still need to make sure you’re sleeping enough and exercising to maintain your body to continue to maintain that pace if that is your goal. You’re doing the right thing. Only work hard for yourself. Never put this effort in for a company because you’re replaceable.
This video just shoved up in my feed, and i'm glad that i watched it. Sometimes you just see when a person is a genuine, honest good person that is what i see in you. I wish 2025 will bring you everything good in life, you deserves that.
I'm a 16 year old upcoming knife sharpener, and I love the look you bring to the knife sharpener imago. Your dressed fresh and clean, just like I'd like to sharpen my clients knives! love seeing your vids also
Hey Steven! First time watching and already subscribing! I noticed it's been some time since your last video, hopefully it wont take as long for your next one. Hope your year is ending on a positive note and you have an even better next one!
I saw your video pop up and was thinking “I haven’t seen him in a while” I wasn’t subscribed! Unacceptable, glad to see a fellow knife sharpener having some success :)
my grandfather rode around in a box truck for 48 years and sharpened everything from knives, axes, lawnmower blades, etc you could hear him from the next street over with the jingle playing he retired in 2017 at the age of 68
This video was suggested to me today by youtube. Whats funny is that today i purchased a second hand naikiri made in japan. The edge is pretty beat up and i do need to get it sharpened.
Take a moment and close your eyes for 10 seconds a couple time every day. Tell yourself to still your mind. You will open your eyes and be ready for whatever comes next! It works! I’m glad you are posting real videos instead of the shorts. I started a sharpening business a few months ago and you are my inspiration! Keep it up brother! Don’t get discouraged. Blessings to you for these holidays.
ngl your job seems awesome!! everyone treats you to bomb food and you get to meet and speak to all these interesting ppl. im sorry you've been feeling emotional but it deff seems like you have alot to be grateful for
I appreciate the grind. You should make these holidays like your superbowl or black friday type when you can work for long hours and rake it in but the rest of the year keep your hours as standard as possible to have a proper work/life balance and have more longevity. Hope 2025 brings more success for you.
God bless you bro when you talked about the loneliness it made me sad for you. I hope you know our lord Jesus and that he blesses you and your business. God bless you bro wish I was closer so I could give you some business I am out in WA
It’s great to see Howie’s market as a location! Ryky of Burrfection is in Northern California but maybe a collab in the future? Or Nate from the Internet loves knife making too.
wow Steven, this really hit home! first of all awesome work you do, I really hope you pat yourself on the shoulders from time to time, because you built something great!!🚀 between high school and college I was running a cutting board business that grew faster then I could have ever imagined. after doing it for 3 years full time, I was working 100 hour weeks from September to December filling B2B Christmas orders. All I did was drive to my woodshop in the morning, work till midnight, drive home, catch a couple hours of sleep and repeat the next day. It got so bad, that I started sleeping at the shop, so I could push through 17 hour days (I wish I was kidding). I didn't take a holiday in two years, had hardly any weeends off. And don't get me wrong, gettig big orders and being able to buy the best tools and machines was awesome. But it never occurred to me at that time, at what cost I was pushing through it. I completely neglected my social life. I didnt make a single new friend in that time, and those I still had left from high school I pretty much drifted apart due to my absence... Long story short, Christmas 2020, I completely lost it. I went into full on burn-out. Both physically and mentally. I drove to the shop for two weeks straight, only thing I did was cry. Ended up closing down shop and selling everything I worked so hard for because I couldn't do it anymore. Now almost four years later I'm starting to regret it a bit and slowly getting back into woodworking (and started a UA-cam channel🙃). I don't want to paint the devil on the wall, as I see that you're aware of the hustle and it's hassles. "I hate to say no to customers, but I have to say yes to myself" -> YOU GOT IT!! Going at it full-on is great while it lasts, but just keep in mind, that such a hard pace is hardly ever sustainable. So keep on listening to yourself and keep in mind: In a couple of years, heck even in a month or two, no one will remember you taking a week longer for their order or taking a few days of. But they will for sure remember your quality of work and your attitude - both things that only last as long as you're doing well :) Sorry for the ginormous comment! I lost myself a bit, but I've never ever seen someone in a more similar situation then I was. Keep up your attitude and I'm so excited to see how you and your business evolve!! And if you ever want to have a chat, hit me up! All the best, Luke👊🏼
Blades don't get that hot with this method of sharpening unless you hold it in one spot for a long time which nobody who knows what their doing ever does.
Great video, Steven! I'm not a big fan of youtube shorts so I really appreciate the longer form stuff. You do good work and have great people skills (which is a rarity!), but don't run yourself too ragged. As a sharpener that worked as a chef for almost three decades I can say it's easy to let those 13 hour days become the norm but remember what you're doing it for. Henry Ford invented the 40 hour week not because he wanted "happy employees" but because he did a ton of research and 40 worked best. I can still work long hours if I have to but I've got probably 40-48 hours of stellar work in me, then after that I'm just not as sharp. That's everyone even if they don't notice it at the time. IMOHO you need to focus on good work, the quality of, not just the volume. Anyway, thanks for showing us your week! 😎⚔🤘
Alhamdulillah brother you make beautiful content. I wanted to mention that Allah does not burden us in this life with more then what we are capable of overcoming. It made me think of it when you mentioned the conversation with your friend and work ethic/ dedication. I believe through sacrifice and hardship there are lessons to be learned and skills to be gained. Maybe this UCLA contract loss will open up other doors of opportunities inshallah. Thanks for the 12 min of great content 👍.
Damn, it's crazy you can even find that many people who want to have their knives sharpened. I've asked my neighborhood and had online forum listings over 4 years and have only had 2 customers and only because I offered to do it for free as a favor.
Cozzini undercuts a lot of people with their crazy low prices but their quality is terrible and the machines they use often damage knives. Point being, you may hear from UCLA again. Great video, Steven.
Wow. . . amazing the work you do! I sharpen once a week as a side hustle at my local farmer's market! I have two of my sons to help me out. The setup and take down is a chore to do alone. Pls reach to me if you need assistance for a day I'll do it for free exchange for knowledge! Keep up the work!
Steven you are great inspiration. UCLA doesn't deserve your professionalism and craftsmanship. The UCLA crowd are are bunch of bums for not supporting the little guy!
8:53 Steven, the dip in the edge is not properly using the Work Sharp electric sharpener. I boogered my knives like that until I learned how to use it. Subbed
damn man....serious hustle. can i suggest hiring a helper while at markets? you will be less lonely and able to get through sharpening faster and more efficient. also allow you to sell knives and related items if you are not already. if you are really lonely, hit me up. i am a fellow sharpener and would love someone to bounce ideas off.
I got some cheap Chinese made knives that were made in the style of Japanese knives as a gift recently. Wonder if it would be worth getting them sharpened.
@ kind of figured that would be the case. I just figure they look pretty thin and probably made of some soft metal so maybe not worth sharpening when they are likely to get dull quick
@steven_sharpens . thanks, but they don't deliver outside of USA. In Australia worksharp i haven't seen discounted. I'll get one eventually when the times right.
Have you thought of having a chopping board and a load of tomatoes for your customers to try out their freshly sharpened blades so you can get their reactions in person, think this could be a cool segment to end the vids.
First time hear ing about Cozzini since I don't live in somewhere they serve in. anyways I never get these type oif companies cause if you calculate out dont they always cost the company way more money?
Did you think about a truck or bus you can sharpen the knives from? So you dont have to spend an hour setting up your shop and then packing it back again.
Hey brother I do knive sharpening as a side hustle taking drop off orders, occasionally mobile service in my neighborhood and my primary way of advertising my service is nextdoor. I'd like to start generating more business and growing my small operation. Any tips for someone like me to grow? I'm open to doing something similar to this setting up at local meat markets and farmers markets.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Came for the knife sharpening tips, stayed for the amazing attitude, that was inspiring man.
Friends giving me food puts me in a good mood lol. But thank you, this helps reinforce my attitude!
"I feel bad saying no to people, but I gotta say yes to myself."
100% could not agree more.
This business can overtake my life if I let it
" A lumberjack who sharpens his axe fells more trees " Working hard is important, but stopping from time to time to rest and recover so you can perform you best while you work is also very important. Keep going strong!
It's OK to go a little HAM when you are younger. But that burnout will catch up to you if you do hard 13hr days. Be careful. Physical, and mental health is just as important as making a living. It adds up when you are having that mid-life crisis in your 40s.
Thanksgiving week is an outlier for sure but definitely gotta watch out for burnout!
@@steven_sharpens Also, work to live man. Don't live to work. That means it's okay to make work a priority, but not to the point that you allow it to cause you personal lonelyness. Reach out to old friends, family, whoever. It's important you care for that part of yourself too.
If you’re working 13 hour days you still need to make sure you’re sleeping enough and exercising to maintain your body to continue to maintain that pace if that is your goal. You’re doing the right thing. Only work hard for yourself. Never put this effort in for a company because you’re replaceable.
Physical *and mental health *are just as important ...
Idk why or when this popped up on my youtube but im glad it did. Keep up the good work and great vibes man 🤟
I'm glad to be able to share this story with you!
Pretty sure that was my machete at Handy Mart. You did a terrific job on it, Steven! Thanks for doing what you do!
Thanks for being cool with picking it up so late lol
Fellow sharpener from Denmark Europe following you :) keep it up and keep smileing :)
hej fra Los Angeles!
My man Steven putting in the work. Love it. Embrace the grind bro.
SO proud of you Steven!!! Thanks for sharing your journey here!!!
Always appreciate your support Katrina!
Great vid, and proof that 4 years is compounding into a service and brand people appreciate.
Yes sir I agree
please post more!! watching these has a very soothing effect on me i enjoy them very much
This video just shoved up in my feed, and i'm glad that i watched it. Sometimes you just see when a person is a genuine, honest good person that is what i see in you. I wish 2025 will bring you everything good in life, you deserves that.
That means so much! Thank you for watching
Great work!! Pushing for that dream and the need to get better is awesome and I really liked the tone in the video!
That's great feedback, thank you!
Love you buddy, I can’t wait to see you in a couple months!
Bro is WORK! The season is over! Time for a breath.
Counting down the days man. Thanks for watching!
I'm a 16 year old upcoming knife sharpener, and I love the look you bring to the knife sharpener imago. Your dressed fresh and clean, just like I'd like to sharpen my clients knives! love seeing your vids also
Best of luck kid!
You did really well, Steven! Thanks for sharing that experience!
Cozzini freaking sucks bro, i hope they come back after they realize what they lost
And ditching their local small business for them is just gross, always go with your local guy
Keep up the good work brother, always a pleasure getting a knife sharpened by you, whenever i stop by Howie's. Happy new year to you.
Cool dude cool vlog
Hey Steven! First time watching and already subscribing! I noticed it's been some time since your last video, hopefully it wont take as long for your next one. Hope your year is ending on a positive note and you have an even better next one!
I'll be creating more videos for sure!
@@steven_sharpens Came back to rewatch your content. Almost 50K views in 10 days!
I don't comment often, but just watched all your videos man. Great content, subbed for the amazing attitude.
That means so much! Thanks for watching!
One of my favorite channels. Was so excited to see a new long form video uploaded. It’s very refreshing to see someone passionate about their work.
Took so much work but I'll be putting more out! They just won't be as produced
I deem this channel a future success story.
So happy you popped up on mu feed...you have a new follower.
I saw your video pop up and was thinking “I haven’t seen him in a while” I wasn’t subscribed! Unacceptable, glad to see a fellow knife sharpener having some success :)
I also haven't posted long form videos in a while though!
Freaking awesome that you sharpen and I applaud you for all your efforts
Awesome video! Watching this on my break at work was cool to see what someone’s daily work life is like. I sharpen chisels on the side
Would love to see your work too!
my grandfather rode around in a box truck for 48 years and sharpened everything from knives, axes, lawnmower blades, etc
you could hear him from the next street over with the jingle playing
he retired in 2017 at the age of 68
Wow 48 years! I'm only 4 years into this game
@@steven_sharpens keep up the good work. 6 locations and counting
the sky's the limit
Great video! I’ve just recently gotten into sharpening knives and there is so much to learn it can be hard overwhelming. Thank you for sharing!
Lot to learn but also a lot of resources on here!
TYVM Steven your an inspiration 4 me from Quebec Canada
This video was suggested to me today by youtube. Whats funny is that today i purchased a second hand naikiri made in japan. The edge is pretty beat up and i do need to get it sharpened.
Nice I love a nakiri. Underrated knife. Send it to me if you ever need it fixed up!
Live in San Marino and always see you at Howies, super cool to see the other places you go to in the area. Keep up the good work man
Hey a local! Howie's is a favorite but all the other locations are special in their own ways
Your best vid yet! Thank you for inspiring me!
Really appreciate that!
Looking forward to see more of your work! First time seeing a rotary only sharpener!
Take a moment and close your eyes for 10 seconds a couple time every day. Tell yourself to still your mind. You will open your eyes and be ready for whatever comes next! It works! I’m glad you are posting real videos instead of the shorts. I started a sharpening business a few months ago and you are my inspiration! Keep it up brother! Don’t get discouraged. Blessings to you for these holidays.
ngl your job seems awesome!! everyone treats you to bomb food and you get to meet and speak to all these interesting ppl. im sorry you've been feeling emotional but it deff seems like you have alot to be grateful for
The food definitely turned things around for me lol but yes I am grateful to have this work!
I appreciate the grind. You should make these holidays like your superbowl or black friday type when you can work for long hours and rake it in but the rest of the year keep your hours as standard as possible to have a proper work/life balance and have more longevity. Hope 2025 brings more success for you.
Yup that's exactly what it's like!
Hang in there champ, sending love from 🇬🇧
Have a Good New Year & make a little more of that time for you
Happy New Year from Los Angeles! Will be making my personal time more of a priority this year
Would love to see a breakdown of all your equipment
Literally filming that video tomorrow!
God bless you bro when you talked about the loneliness it made me sad for you. I hope you know our lord Jesus and that he blesses you and your business. God bless you bro wish I was closer so I could give you some business I am out in WA
insane vibes, you are pretty cool guy!
Massive respect mate! I need my knives sharpening but it's a bit of a trip to London ha! Keep it up loved the vid and subbed.
It's ok I'll come to you!
@@steven_sharpens Legend!!!
Keep rockin man your on the right path 🤘🏾
The path is a little windy but I'm gonna keep going!
Keep grinding brother..but dont forget to take a good care of yourself.
"Feel bad to say NO to people but .. Gotta say YES to myself" bro 🥺
Bro 😌
Respect the work ethic. I always beat myself up for not taking a job. It’s like I’m losing money. But you got to say yes to yourself. Well put. 3:52
You get it!
Remember to invest in family and friends too. Cheers from down under.
Hello from Los Angeles!
man you are fucking awesome, first time I've seen you but i love your attitude.
Glad you stumbled across this video!
It’s great to see Howie’s market as a location! Ryky of Burrfection is in Northern California but maybe a collab in the future? Or Nate from the Internet loves knife making too.
One of my favorite locations! I'll consider a collab with em
Really diverse knives in this video!
Please don't overwork yourself for long though.
Things have calmed down now since the holidays!
Awesome video! Keep it up man
Thank you!!
He is so cute ❤
New sub, best of luck Steven!
Thanks for following along this journey!
Great video, Happy holidays!
Subscribed. Hard working entrepreneur going through the ringer trying to make it? LOCKED and looking forward to watching you make it in the world.
I am just as eager to see myself make it haha. Appreciate you watching & staying for the journey!
Hope to see more of you
You will
The marathon continues. Meet you at the top brother 🏁
Man the wind blows harder up here 🏔
wow Steven, this really hit home! first of all awesome work you do, I really hope you pat yourself on the shoulders from time to time, because you built something great!!🚀
between high school and college I was running a cutting board business that grew faster then I could have ever imagined. after doing it for 3 years full time, I was working 100 hour weeks from September to December filling B2B Christmas orders. All I did was drive to my woodshop in the morning, work till midnight, drive home, catch a couple hours of sleep and repeat the next day. It got so bad, that I started sleeping at the shop, so I could push through 17 hour days (I wish I was kidding). I didn't take a holiday in two years, had hardly any weeends off.
And don't get me wrong, gettig big orders and being able to buy the best tools and machines was awesome. But it never occurred to me at that time, at what cost I was pushing through it. I completely neglected my social life. I didnt make a single new friend in that time, and those I still had left from high school I pretty much drifted apart due to my absence... Long story short, Christmas 2020, I completely lost it. I went into full on burn-out. Both physically and mentally. I drove to the shop for two weeks straight, only thing I did was cry. Ended up closing down shop and selling everything I worked so hard for because I couldn't do it anymore. Now almost four years later I'm starting to regret it a bit and slowly getting back into woodworking (and started a UA-cam channel🙃).
I don't want to paint the devil on the wall, as I see that you're aware of the hustle and it's hassles. "I hate to say no to customers, but I have to say yes to myself" -> YOU GOT IT!!
Going at it full-on is great while it lasts, but just keep in mind, that such a hard pace is hardly ever sustainable. So keep on listening to yourself and keep in mind: In a couple of years, heck even in a month or two, no one will remember you taking a week longer for their order or taking a few days of. But they will for sure remember your quality of work and your attitude - both things that only last as long as you're doing well :)
Sorry for the ginormous comment! I lost myself a bit, but I've never ever seen someone in a more similar situation then I was. Keep up your attitude and I'm so excited to see how you and your business evolve!! And if you ever want to have a chat, hit me up! All the best, Luke👊🏼
It's amazing that this video has resonated with so many people like you! Thanks for sharing your story and the support. Stay in touch!
Steven, be careful of heat buildup, I recommend a water dip bucket, gotta keep the steel cool😂😂😂
Blades don't get that hot with this method of sharpening unless you hold it in one spot for a long time which nobody who knows what their doing ever does.
He's using half speed motors on his machines. Very slow belt speed = very low heat.
Good job keep up the “grind”
Keep hustling bro!! 😤
Great video, Steven! I'm not a big fan of youtube shorts so I really appreciate the longer form stuff. You do good work and have great people skills (which is a rarity!), but don't run yourself too ragged. As a sharpener that worked as a chef for almost three decades I can say it's easy to let those 13 hour days become the norm but remember what you're doing it for. Henry Ford invented the 40 hour week not because he wanted "happy employees" but because he did a ton of research and 40 worked best. I can still work long hours if I have to but I've got probably 40-48 hours of stellar work in me, then after that I'm just not as sharp. That's everyone even if they don't notice it at the time. IMOHO you need to focus on good work, the quality of, not just the volume. Anyway, thanks for showing us your week! 😎⚔🤘
Quality of work is always the priority but will definitely watch out for burnout!
Solid Vid Bro
Hell yeah, glad to see a long form video again. Great work bro!
Amazing video :)
Alhamdulillah brother you make beautiful content. I wanted to mention that Allah does not burden us in this life with more then what we are capable of overcoming. It made me think of it when you mentioned the conversation with your friend and work ethic/ dedication. I believe through sacrifice and hardship there are lessons to be learned and skills to be gained. Maybe this UCLA contract loss will open up other doors of opportunities inshallah. Thanks for the 12 min of great content 👍.
Really appreciate the encouraging words! Thank you for watching all 12 min!
Damn, it's crazy you can even find that many people who want to have their knives sharpened. I've asked my neighborhood and had online forum listings over 4 years and have only had 2 customers and only because I offered to do it for free as a favor.
Took years to build up to this though
That sounds like every dentist I’ve ever been to. There repairs never hold
I envy you. I don't sharpen in public like you do and only advertise on Nextdoor and get very few customers.
5:20 " im in the thick of it " 🔥
Of all the things to quote from this video 😂
Cozzini undercuts a lot of people with their crazy low prices but their quality is terrible and the machines they use often damage knives. Point being, you may hear from UCLA again. Great video, Steven.
Bro Steven I’m new your channel. Have you talked about why you don’t use a small trailer to work out of ?
Because I enjoy working under a canopy. Allows me to interact with people easier. Also cheaper, less maintenance, less equipment
Get at it! It takes time to grow a business... but know your limits.
Wow. . . amazing the work you do! I sharpen once a week as a side hustle at my local farmer's market! I have two of my sons to help me out. The setup and take down is a chore to do alone. Pls reach to me if you need assistance for a day I'll do it for free exchange for knowledge! Keep up the work!
More videos bro, UA-cam helps grow your customer base. Just learned about you from this video.
More are on the way!
Steven you are great inspiration. UCLA doesn't deserve your professionalism and craftsmanship. The UCLA crowd are are bunch of bums for not supporting the little guy!
Hahaha people at UCLA are great they just have budgets
Great vid! Fascinating really. I noticed that you use both 1 inch and 2 inch wide belts. Is a 2 inch belt usually better?
It's a small luxury to have more space to work with but not necessary
proud of you bro, just in case you havent heard it today
I haven't heard it today so thank you 😊
Miss the bbq at handy market . I moved away
8:53 Steven, the dip in the edge is not properly using the Work Sharp electric sharpener. I boogered my knives like that until I learned how to use it. Subbed
You also have to grind the bolster down as the knife gets sharpened with age. That's why that recurve gets there.
damn man....serious hustle. can i suggest hiring a helper while at markets? you will be less lonely and able to get through sharpening faster and more efficient. also allow you to sell knives and related items if you are not already. if you are really lonely, hit me up. i am a fellow sharpener and would love someone to bounce ideas off.
Was just wondering why you don’t post more
Make a video and you'll see why lol
i also challenge my self at work..to see how far/much i can do vs other days.
I got some cheap Chinese made knives that were made in the style of Japanese knives as a gift recently. Wonder if it would be worth getting them sharpened.
I'd have to take a look to be better able to answer that for ya
@ kind of figured that would be the case. I just figure they look pretty thin and probably made of some soft metal so maybe not worth sharpening when they are likely to get dull quick
Teach me the ways senpai, hire me!!
One day!
This is what you call "grinding"
Where are the belt sanders from?
Work Sharp & Kalamazoo
G'day from Australia. I keep thinking of buying a worksharp, but they $200+ ($400+ Australian)
G'day! You can use code "StevenSharpens" for 20% off worksharptools.com if that moves the needle for ya
@steven_sharpens . thanks, but they don't deliver outside of USA. In Australia worksharp i haven't seen discounted. I'll get one eventually when the times right.
Have you thought of having a chopping board and a load of tomatoes for your customers to try out their freshly sharpened blades so you can get their reactions in person, think this could be a cool segment to end the vids.
That'll be fun but messy...
@ agreed. I know how much joy a sharp knife brings me, would also give you some more work gratification to see people enjoy your work on the spot.
how much did you bring home from this endeavor ?
What the brand of the grinder ?
Work Sharp & Kalamazoo
What are the big belt sanders that give you the flatter edge than a worksharp?
Kalamazoo!
First time hear ing about Cozzini since I don't live in somewhere they serve in. anyways I never get these type oif companies cause if you calculate out dont they always cost the company way more money?
So how many knifes do you sharpen in a year / month. And how long do 1 knife take on avrage to do with the skills you have.
Did you think about a truck or bus you can sharpen the knives from? So you dont have to spend an hour setting up your shop and then packing it back again.
Yeah but working inside a truck seems so boring. Setting up takes like 20 min and then I can enjoy the atmosphere all day
1600 * 8$ equals 12800$ lets say 4000$ for the expenses so you made 8000$ profit Damn thats good
Hi, do you have any info on days your in sierra please.?
Check laknifesharpening.com for the schedule!
Hey brother I do knive sharpening as a side hustle taking drop off orders, occasionally mobile service in my neighborhood and my primary way of advertising my service is nextdoor. I'd like to start generating more business and growing my small operation. Any tips for someone like me to grow? I'm open to doing something similar to this setting up at local meat markets and farmers markets.
Yeah set up where you can benefit from the foot/street traffic!
At 12:00 the bottle of wine in the right corner is Morgon by Marcel Lapierre. What a gem. Must be hard to find in the us
It was given to me by a sommelier!
What do you think about the work sharp
Great tool for sharpening knives and taking the angle guesswork out of it!