
What You'll Learn
By the end of the class you will:
- Understand what a “sharp knife” actually means
- Know how to hone and maintain your knife’s edge
- Know how to properly care for your knife
About This Class
If you own a knife that you want to keep around for a lifetime (and you should!), learning how to sharpen and care for it is critical and you can do that at our Knife Sharpening Workshop.
Galen Garretson, the owner of Town Cutler, will teach you about the basic chemistry of steel, edge geometry and what sharp actually means. After a quick lecture on metallurgy and the knife’s anatomy, you will then sharpen your knife using multiple steps on Japanese waterstones to create a razor-sharp edge. Whether you’re a self-declared “knife geek” or just have a dull chef’s knife at home that has been driving you crazy, the tips from Galen will transform the way you use this indispensable tool.
The price of this class includes a King #1,000/#6,000 Grit waterstone that you will take home.
Please note: Bring your own chef’s knife with you to class and if time permits, you may be able to sharpen additional knives.
Details
- Wine not included
- No meal provided
- Ages 18+
FAQ
All students must show proof of vaccine before entering school and will be required to wear a mask unless eating/drinking.
We understand and respect that lifestyle decisions during Covid are an individual choice. If you test positive for Covid while the class is in session, you will be asked to send a friend in your place until you have a negative test. Classes will not be rescheduled, credited or cancelled. Once the class session starts the class is non-refundable. This was our policy pre-Covid and continues to be our policy today. We hope you find this policy acceptable and understand that this policy is required for a small school like SFCS to operate and open our kitchens for great food experiences.
The average duration of our current cooking classes is 4 hours, which is predominately hands-on work. You will be standing for the majority of class, cooking at your work station as your instructor demonstrates techniques and walks around providing individual feedback. Most of the time you’ll be working with a partner or small group on a few different recipes.
Doors will open 10 minutes prior to class starting and we will begin promptly on time. Students will be asked to queue up outside the door of the school to have their vaccine cards checked the first week of class (these will only need to be checked once).
Please arrive at the school with your own mask on. New, disposable masks are available should you need to replace yours while in class.
Wear comfortable clothes and close-toed shoes (remember, you’ll be on your feet cooking). The kitchens at SFCS are fully equipped with everything else you need, including clean aprons.
You will sit down with your classmates to eat what you’ve all prepared, along with some wine. We do suggest you have a small snack before class as dinner does happen towards the end of each session.
Wear casual clothing you can easily move around in, and comfortable close-toed shoes. Long hair must be pulled back and masks are required while in the building.
Cancellation Policy
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Galen Garretson

Galen Garretson is the owner of Town Cutler, maker and purveyor of top-of-the-line artisan knives and cutlery, chef tools, custom knife rolls, leather scabbards, and the highest quality sharpening services available in the Bay Area. With years of training in the kitchens of some of San Francisco’s most coveted restaurants, Galen aims to deliver unparalleled products and services to you at your convenience with a welcoming neighborhood flavor.