About Hill Tradecraft
Sharpening is our tradecraft
Hill Tradecraft is a small knife sharpening service in Arlington, Virginia, founded by a U.S. veteran. We sharpen kitchen, pocket, and field knives for neighbors here at home and for customers across the continental U.S. by mail.
Our story
Why Hill Tradecraft
Hi! My name is Aaron and I served in the Army National Guard for 12 years. During that time, I supported security missions in Washington, D.C., deployed to the Middle East, and had the honor to train other Army leaders who still serve to this day.
The Army taught me to be exceptionally organized and to always pay attention to detail. You can trust that these lessons learned are applied everytime you choose Hill Tradecraft for your sharpening services. While I no longer serve in uniform, I hope to still serve my community and customers with the same tenacity and care.
The name "Hill Tradecraft" is a nod to my past and my future. It recognizes my time serving in the Army intelligence community, while also honing in on the professional skills and techniques I leverage for my business.
Founded by a U.S. veteran
The attention to detail, reliability, and follow-through learned in service go into every order we take.
What you can count on
Whether you mail-in one pocket knife or we pick-up a full kitchen set.
Attention to detail
Every blade is inspected when it arrives and again before it leaves. If it isn't right, it doesn't ship.
Straight answers
We'll promptly answer your questions via e-mail and notify you if your knives require advanced services.
Reliable turnaround
Most mail-in orders are sharpened and on their way back within one week of arrival.
Care for your knives
Each knife is cleaned, sharpened, stropped, and polished, then packed so it comes home protected.
How we sharpen
We specialize in western-style kitchen knives and pocket knives, and match the method to the steel.
Angle-guided sharpening
TSProf K03
A precision angle-guided system that holds the same angle on every stroke. We use it for harder steels and premium knives, when precision and care are most important.
Belt sharpening
Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition
A guided belt sharpener that produces fast, repeatable edges. We use it for softer steels and everyday kitchen and pocket knives.
Arlington, Virginia
Local or by mail, we've got you covered
Local customers in Arlington and National Landing get free pick-up and drop-off. Everyone else in the continental U.S. can mail knives in with a prepaid label.
Questions? Email services@hilltradecraft.com