Our Story

For Chad DeVault, the path to mastering the ancient craft of knife sharpening did not begin in a modern factory or through online tutorials. It began at a traditional workbench, under the demanding eye of a master artisan with over thirty years of experience in the trade. Recognizing that true craftsmanship cannot be rushed, Chad committed himself to a rigorous apprenticeship. Day after day, month after month, he stood beside his mentor, learning to read the subtle language of steel. He discovered that every blade has its own voice—a unique signature dictated by its metallurgy, carbon content, heat treatment, and geometry.

Through this hands-on, intensive training, Chad mastered the art of freehand whetstone sharpening, learning how to hold a constant angle within half a degree purely by tactile feedback and muscle memory. He learned that a knife is not simply a piece of metal, but a finely tuned instrument of physics. Under his mentor’s guidance, he developed a deep respect for material conservation: the philosophy of removing the absolute minimum amount of steel required to restore a screamingly sharp apex, thereby extending the life of the tool for decades. He studied the thermal dynamics of steels, mastering how to keep blades cool during repair work so as never to ruin their delicate heat temper.

After years of dedicated study, Chad set out to bring this level of uncompromising, old-world craftsmanship to the communities of the Portland, Oregon Metro area. He founded BD Sharpening with a clear, simple mission: to make professional-grade, precision knife sharpening convenient and accessible to home cooks and culinary professionals alike. Recognizing that Portlanders appreciate both high-quality food and local, sustainable craftsmanship, Chad designed a mobile-first business model. Rather than forcing customers to seek out a brick-and-mortar storefront, Chad brings the shop directly to them—setting up mobile workspaces at neighborhood taprooms, local cafes, and community markets.

Today, Chad can be found all over the Portland area, from quiet suburban neighborhoods to bustling urban hubs, carefully restoring edges one blade at a time. Every knife that crosses his bench receives his undivided attention. Whether it is a cherished family heirloom passed down through generations, a high-carbon Japanese steel Santoku, or a daily-use chef's knife, Chad applies the exact custom angles, grinds, and hand-polished finishes required to optimize its performance. For Chad, sharpening is more than a service; it is an educational experience. He loves nothing more than geeking out with neighbors about blade profiles, steel types, and board materials while they wait for their knives. By combining the rigorous standards of his traditional apprenticeship with the convenience of a modern mobile workshop, Chad is keeping Portland’s kitchens safe, efficient, and sharp.