Our Reviews

At Sharp Knives Sales and Training Ltd, we are very proud of our excellent reputation for delivering consistent results. Professionals who visit us such as dog groomers, hairdressers, horse groomers etc., not only gain valuable skills, but also a fun, personal and hands on training experience.

Don’t just take our word for it, read through a selection of testimonials from previous course participants.

Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed the training course last week. The course has helped me appreciate the demands of the job. Your advice and experience has been tremendously helpful...Was it worth the cost?....Well let's just say, If you think education is Expensive.. You should try ignorance!

Well Robin I would just like to say a big thank you for running your training course. I cannot believe the response I have had over the last couple of days delivering leaflets to the hairdressers and dog groomers, as you can imagine due to there being no one local sharpening I have been extremely busy and have now got into three major restaurants in my area I think my daughter will be attending your training. Thank you again.

Robin is a really nice chap and happy to answer any questions. The course feels very one to one as there is only 3 people per course. Small price to pay for a brilliant course and to add a real skill to my business. Brilliant guy, brilliant course. I would recommend this course to anybody who's looking to start or progress in a sharpening business.

Just want to add how much I enjoyed the course, which I found extremely informative and surprisingly relaxing, simply because I found you very approachable. I can highly recommend you to anyone else thinking of taking this course as you are a brilliant tutor and obviously know your subject. It was a pleasure to meet you this week. Kindest regards, Lynn.

A BIG THANK YOU to Robin. Having been a butcher for some 40 years I was never happy with how sharp I could get my knives. I knew they could be better but did not know how to make them better. So I decided to go on Robins two day sharpening course. Wow I have to say having set up a small sharpening station at home my knives are all now cutting like demons thanks to Robins training. The course covered loads Knives, serrated knives, Shears, Clipper blades & all kinds of hair dressing and grooming scissors. The information I have gained on this course has really opened my eyes and I am looking forward to starting my own sharpening business soon. All thanks to Robin's training course. If you are thinking of starting a sharpening business I would recommend you do this course first. Thanks again Robin.

After 17 years as a director of an IT company in London, I realised that 1, I hated London and 2, I hated IT, so when I got made redundant late last year I decided to make a Life changing decision. One of my passions is Bushcraft, which ironically since becoming a sharpener I have little time to practice it these days, but I always had a great sense of pleasure sharpening my bushcraft knives to razors edge. I've always told my children from early age that if you can make a career out of something you enjoy doing, you’ll never work a day in your life. So I decided to stop preaching and start practising.

After a month or two of strategizing and due diligence within the sharpening sector around my area I decided to make an investment into setting up my sharpening business. After scouring the Internet for courses on sharpening it was clear from my research and the reviews that there was only one place I should go; and that was the sharpening service's sharpening school, led by Robin Bailey.

The two day course was a holistic approach to sharpening offering wide access to the various areas of the craft while focusing on the core tools including scissors knives clipper blades and garden tools. The course was a superb balance of theory and practical exposure. Robin has a natural talent of teaching in a manner that everyone can understand. Not only do you walk away from the course with a superb knowledge of sharpening across the various areas, but you also have very informative and detailed curriculum that you can reference any time you feel you have forgotten something.

Robin is also more than happy to take calls and answer questions even after the course has been completed. You will be part of a small community that practice the craft within the UK, everyone helps everyone and you will never be alone should any questions queries or concerns arise.

Getting down to the nitty-gritty I completed Robins course in mid-February and four months later with hard work I am earning a respectable wage. Remember this is just four months after the course. If you are asking me if you feel the course is worth the money, my answer in hindsight would be it's worth double, and then some. The skills and knowledge you walk away with are yours for life and will build the foundation for a very successful business. The only barrier you will face will be your own attitude to success.

One year update:

I can't believe it's been over a year since I left the London rat race and I.T. Sharpening has been the weirdest and best decision of my life. I still scare myself how reckless the risk take was, which was totally unlike me. I thought about the idea with little research, bought the van, went on Robin's course, had the van wrapped, bought the full kit from Robin and got stuck in after some practice. Since then I have sharpened thousands of garden tools, knives, scissors, equine & grooming blades and industrial equipment and learn something new every single day without fail. I get to start when I want and finish when I want. I get to drive around in the beautiful Kent countryside and meet hundreds of wonderful people. I get to work within different sectors at different seasons which delivers an interesting diversity of work. The work is plentiful and rewarding, if you want to go and get it. I get out what I put in and that's a great feeling. Have a great day everyone and be thankful. I can't think of a better career in the world!

The training course will save you so much time and money. Robin has been there and bought the tee shirt (and a helluva lot of equipment) and knows the business inside out. He's generous with his experience, and holds nothing back. Can't recommend it enough

I would just like to thank Robin for two valuable days at his training course for knives, scissors and clippers. We covered a lot of material both theoretical but for the most part hands-on. Robin is an excellent teacher with a passion for both his craft and his students. I highly recommend this course for both newbies and more skilled knife sharpeners.

I have just completed the training course and was very impressed with not only the structure of the course, but also the knowledge that Robin has and the fact that he is so willing to pass on tips that he has that would take me years to acquire. I only hope I can be half as good as he is!!

Thank you for the sharpening course. So having watched the You tube videos etc, what could be easier, simply buy a Tormek and that would be me set. How wrong I was! So what next? Get some professional help. Wow.... what a massive leap forward my skills and confidence took in such a short time. It would be fair to say that I have by-passed months of heartache trying to teach myself. Not only did I learn so much, I also now know what I don't know which will enable me to continue learning and improving my skills now that I am heading in the right direction.

I just wanted to thank you again for all your help and assistance. True to your word a year after I attended the training course you are still giving help and support. if any one is serious about wanting to become a professional then UK sharpening school is without doubt the place to go.

I recently completed a course with Robin, I found the course very informative, and enjoyable. Robin explained techniques and didn't mind if we asked for him to go over something again. I would recommend this course for anyone looking to start a business.

Robin’s sharpening course is first class and great value for money. He has a well-structured, hands-on approach, teaching skills, techniques and a wealth of tips drawn from years of experience. Robin showed us the quickest, most efficient ways to approach a wide range of jobs and which equipment gives the best results. He also told us where to get the best deals on supplies and equipment. We had plenty of time to practice and ask questions, and the support I’ve received since completing the course has also been brilliant as Robin continues to be a friendly source of advice and information. This was particularly useful during the start-up phase of my own operation, which is now a thriving little business. There’s not much that Robin doesn’t know about sharpening and attending this course was one of the best ideas I’ve had for a long while. Thanks Robin.

I was made redundant and didn't know what I was going to do, then I came across Robins sharpening course. I have always been wary of courses not coming up to my expectations in being all theory and lacking in the practical department, Robin has got the mix perfect, he explains everything in a way that's easy to understand and encourages you to get your hands on, which is the only way you can learn this skill. After the first couple of hours I knew this was what I wanted to do, he has taken his wealth of knowledge in the sharpening business and compressed it into a course that gives you all the tips and tricks you need to get started. Going on Robins course was one of the best decisions I've made. Thanks Robin.

Over the years, I have attended many courses in many countries on many topics. Robin is in the top league as an excellent tutor with an obvious and current hands-on experience. A true professional who still 'walks the walk'. His combination of business common-sense with deep understanding of why certain things are done (or not done) is of special value and could not be gleaned from books or videos alone. Perhaps best of all, Robin is very patient with those of us who are clumsy - and goes at a pace that is individually tailored. Best money I have spent in a long time!

Having booked the knife sharpening course in early March and paid my deposit, I was second guessing the expense right up till the day of the first class. Within the first two hours, I was completely convinced that I had made a sound investment. Robin is extremely open and honest about the trade, and isn't afraid to share valuable knowledge and information. For the first time in years my entrepreneurial instinct has been super charged. If you are hesitating at all, be assured that this course is worth every penny.

Having been on the knife sharpening training at the end of January 2012 I thought I would leave my comments and thanks. We are bombarded these days with get rich quick schemes, particularly on the internet, let me assure you this is not one. Robin gives you the confidence to sharpen knives scissors, etc and encourages you to practice, practice and practice some more. He explains you have to go out and look for the business it won't just come to you, no different to any business really. However as I can testify the business is out there, I have just picked up an order for 70 knives! Robin also is there after the training, I have rung him up on several occasions to ask his advice which he has been more than happy to give. Whether a sharpening business is for you only you can decide but for me I am so pleased I took the plunge. Thank you Robin.

Thank you Robin for the training given over a very relaxed period, the hands on experience and business insights you offered have been a great help. I must say that the decision to purchase multiple pieces of equipment was at first a concern due to the expense, but having spent a little time practicing and subsequently just two weeks in the field both promoting the business and sharpening scissors, knives and clipper blades, I can only say wow! If you are prepared to put the effort in, the rewards will be there and this is definitely a decision I will not be regretting any time soon.

I would like to thank Robin for his excellent tuition. I, and my fellow students, have been lucky enough to learn from a man with patience and years of experience. This is the starting point you need in the world of sharpening, it is the foundation which you can build a business off.

Just to say a big thanks to Robin for a very enjoyable and productive 3 day course, incredible the progress myself and fellow students made in such a short period of time. He has given me both knowledge and confidence for future success in this field. Cannot thank him enough.

My business partner and I recently visited Robin for his training course, and it was brilliant, the 2 days of hands-on training with Robins assistance taught us more than I thought was possible in a couple of days. We chose to use the 3rd-day option, which, after having doubts about its usefulness beforehand, turned out to be the most valuable - with Robin taking more of a back seat, letting us get on and sharpen all types of things, and only helping when needed or requested. I can’t thank Robin enough for his teaching, especially the 3rd day, which I’m sure will all prove exceptionally valuable in the coming months.

I was impressed with Robin's sharpening training room and how well equipped he has it. If you are looking for training in Europe I would call Robin to set it up.

Many thanks for the training undertaken with yourself on a one to one basis presented by yourself. Your knowledge and style of training was excellent and a pleasure to attend. It was a pleasure to have so many questions answered over the two days with answers that will ensure future growth for Mobile Pro Sharpening in the future. Robin is very knowledgeable, very patient, very professional and very very good at his business. I look forward to having more training in the near future with yourself as we constantly are being asked for other products to be sharpened. Once again Robin thank you well worth the drive down!

I recently took part in your weeks training course. After the course you asked for some feedback which I happily provided. At the time I hadn’t actually done any sharpening so I could only give feedback of the training itself.

I wanted to take the time to give feedback 2 months later. At the time I wasn’t sure if I had made the right decision as it was a large outlay for something I wasn’t even sure if I could make a living out of so was worried. I left with a Sorby (belt sander) as that was all I could afford and a head full of ideas thanks to Matt! I got home and contacted a local garden centre and secured one day a month at all 3 of the centres, just that alone up to now has paid for the Sorby! I eventually got a Hira-To and a Big Red and just August alone has paid for the training!!

Honestly I can’t thank you guys enough for the training I received and I don’t just mean taking my money and seeing me off into the world. I mean the way the training was given and that in turn, has led to some amazing feedback from customers because of the way I am sharpening and getting it right every time. I am incredibly excited for the future and again that’s down to you guys!! Thank you both so much!!

Keep up the outstanding work, you guys changed my life!

The Five Day Sharpening Training School course is an extensive weekday course with plenty of hands-on practical learning. We also offer A Day of Training at Your Site is for people who have already attended the five day course who might like a more one-to-one training in their working environment. The trainer will work with you to help you make the most of your sharpening training.

Get in touch with us today to book your place on our next training course. Call us on 07856 513777 or 01761 470149 or Contact Us by dropping us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

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