After retiring from his corporate career, Alan Gwinner turned his lifelong love of craftsmanship and working with his hands into his business, Precision Sharpening of Bremerton.

 

Long dissatisfied with the results of hand sharpening his own knives and tools at home, Alan studied and learned all he could about machine sharpening. With an eye towards creating a finer edge, he purchased state-of-the-art Tormek equipment that brings back better-than-factory sharpness to knives, scissors and garden tools. It was during his self-imposed apprenticeship with the toughest teacher around that he mastered his machinery.

 

Alan then asked friends and neighbors to drop off their dull tools so that he could literally hone his craft. After receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback on the results, Alan posted on NextDoor to see if there might be a need for a knife sharpener in the area. He was again blown away by the positive responses. “When I received over 80 enthusiastic replies, I knew I was onto something: a real business with real demand.”

 

The company’s signature white van was originally purchased as a camper van so Alan and his wife Stephanie could enjoy all the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. It also allows them to appear at the Port Orchard and Kingston farmers markets from spring to late fall, as well as quilt shows, restaurants, hair and dog grooming salons, and at private and pop-up events throughout the state.

 

Alan’s dedication to producing the finest-quality results is equaled by his drive for sustainability. “I started this business to put tools back in service, to give them new life so that they don’t end up in the landfill,” Alan says. In addition, many knives, scissors and garden tools also carry real sentimental value. “With so many folks bringing me heirloom knives and scissors left them by their parents and grandparents, I feel like I’m giving renewed life to valuable family keepsakes. They then can be passed onto the next generation to use. That’s such a good feeling.”

 

Along with sustainability and putting tools back into service, being a part of the community is also important. “The farmers markets we do business at bring the community together, providing nutritious food to our under-served neighbors, so they make a positive impact beyond profits.” Now that's a win-win!

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From our founder

"On a personal note, I want my valuable customers to know how much satisfaction I feel every time I sharpen or repair a tool, especially when you're delighted with the results. I'm experiencing joy in my work and a deeply gratifying connection to my community. Thank you all!"