SharpAs Marlborough

04/09/2026

SharpAs Tool Tips

If you're looking for a good-quality knife without spending a fortune, these old bone-handle knives are worth a look.

They have a good general-purpose shape and, more importantly, some very good steel. With a bit of care and regular sharpening, a well-made knife like this can give you many years of service.

I like seeing older knives and tools still being used rather than ending up in the rubbish. Sometimes the old ones really are hard to beat!

If you have knives, garden tools, woodworking tools, kitchen implements or other items that need sharpening or maintenance, come and see me at Redwood Market, Cleghorn Street, Blenheim on Saturday mornings, or the Marlborough Farmers' Market on Sunday mornings**. You can also contact me directly on 027 444 5535.

Cheers,
Ron

26/08/2026

SharpAs Tool Tips

This old family butcher’s set came in looking like it had seen plenty of use—and plenty of years!

After removing the rust, reconditioning and sharpening, the owner now has a very useful butcher’s set ready for a second life: knives, cleaver, steel and butcher’s saw.

There’s something satisfying about restoring old tools, especially when they have a bit of family history behind them. Good steel can last for generations when it’s looked after properly.

If you’ve got some old tools or knives tucked away that could do with a bit of attention, don’t automatically throw them out. They may have plenty of life left in them.

Come and see me at the Redwood Market, Cleghorn Street, Blenheim, on Saturday mornings, or the Marlborough Farmers' Market on Sunday mornings. You can also contact me to discuss your tools and knives.

Cheers,
Ron

20/08/2026

Kitchen, Knives, Scissors, Garden, Tools.
One place to get them Sharp As.
Visit me at Redwood Market, Cleghorn Street, Blenheim, on Saturday mornings or the Marlborough Farmers' Market on Sunday mornings.

20/08/2026

SharpAs Tool Tips

Appearances can be deceiving!

These knives and tools came in for reconditioning looking rusty, blunt and well past their best. But underneath all that rust was some very good steel—a collection of knives, a cleaver and other useful tools that were well worth bringing back to life.

It's always satisfying to see what can be revealed with a bit of time, care and sharpening. Good-quality steel can have plenty of life left in it, even when the outside doesn't look too promising.

So before you throw out that old knife or tool, it might be worth having a look at whether it can be reconditioned.

You'll find me at Redwood Market, Cleghorn Street, Blenheim, every Saturday morning and at the Marlborough Farmers' Market every Sunday morning. Or give me a call on 027 444 5535.

Cheers,
Ron

16/08/2026

There's nothing better than hearing that a well-loved knife is still going strong after years of regular use.

This lovely Google review is a great example of what a good sharpen, a little maintenance and a quality knife can achieve. 🔪

Thanks for the kind words—and for trusting me with your favourite knife, Ron!

13/08/2026

SharpAs Tool Tips

An interesting comparison this week: options for wet shaving.

I decided against the traditional cut-throat razor as they can be a bit challenging to use. There are also plenty of safety razors available, both old and new.

For value for money, I've found it hard to beat the original style of safety razor that takes a double-edged blade. The razor holder pictured here has been with me for about 50 years and is still going strong.

A pack of 100 blades now costs around $23 delivered. If you get at least two shaves from each blade, that's a lot of shaving for the money—and there's no plastic cartridge waste.

Sometimes the old solutions are still pretty good!

If you've got tools, knives, scissors or other items needing a sharpen, come and see me at Redwood Market, Cleghorn Street, Blenheim, on Saturday mornings, or the Marlborough Farmers' Market on Sunday mornings.

Cheers,
Ron

06/08/2026

SharpAs Tool Tips

Not every sharpening job is something you see every day!

This week, an ice axe came into the workshop. Unlike a traditional axe, an ice axe is used by climbers for grip and safety on snow and ice. This one needed its point reformed so it could bite securely into the ice again, giving the user better control and confidence.

It's always interesting to see the wide variety of tools that come across the sharpening bench.

Whether it's axes of any kind, garden tools, workshop tools, kitchen utensils, scissors, knives or something a little different, I'm always happy to see if it can be brought back to life.

You'll find me at Redwood Market, Cleghorn Street, Blenheim, every Saturday morning and at the Marlborough Farmers' Market every Sunday morning. Or give me a call on 027 444 5535 if you'd like to arrange another time.

Cheers,
Ron

30/07/2026

SharpAs Tool Tips

Pictured is a hand-pushed reel mower.

If you have a smaller lawn, these mowers are a fantastic option. They're quiet, fuel-free, low maintenance and produce a beautiful clean cut. They're also making a bit of a comeback with people looking for a more environmentally friendly way to keep their lawns tidy.

Now is the perfect time to have your reel mower sharpened before the busy spring mowing season begins. Sharp blades make mowing easier, give a healthier cut to your grass and help keep your lawn looking its best.

I sharpen both manual and motorised reel mowers, as well as garden tools, workshop tools, kitchen utensils, knives and many other items.

You'll find me Redwood Market, Cleghorn Street, Blenheim, every Saturday morning and at the Marlborough Farmers' Market every Sunday morning. Or give me a call on 027 444 5535 if you'd like to arrange another time.

Cheers,
Ron

29/07/2026

Sunday's lineup is worth waiting for. See you there!

Here's the line up for this Sunday

23/07/2026

Ever wondered what a jamb saw blade is?

These specialised circular saw blades are used by flooring installers to make precise flush cuts around door jambs and kickboards, allowing new flooring to fit neatly underneath for a professional finish.

Like all cutting tools, they perform best with a sharp edge.

I also sharpen circular saw blades, garden tools, knives, kitchen utensils and many other tools.

See you at Redwood Market on Saturdays and the Marlborough Farmers’ Market on Sundays.

Cheers,
Ron


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