In the 80’d they started demonstrating their sharpeners in Gun and Knife shows, Car shows, Sport shows and loco Flea markets in Michigan. Original’s sharpeners sold in Michigan as the Easy Knife Sharpener. Aka. Butcher Block sharpeners.
Block is our family name, and our knife sharpener history spans generations. Our story began as a small, part-time business founded by my Grandpa Paul Block Sr. and my Dad Paul Block Jr. in Capac, Michigan in the early 70s. From the start, they were passionate about creating high-quality, effective knife sharpeners. As word spread about their products, they quickly became a trusted supplier to local butcher shops and vegetable processing plants.
Over the years, our family has continued to innovate and refine our sharpening technology. Today, we offer a sharpener designed to meet the needs of professional chefs, home cooks, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your kitchen knives, fishing fillet knives, or hunting blades, we have the perfect solution for you.
In addition to our unmatched selection of sharpeners, we’re also committed to providing exceptional customer service. When you work with our team, you can trust that you’ll receive personalized attention, expert guidance, and quick, reliable shipping. We’re passionate about what we do, and we’re dedicated to helping our customers get the most out of their knives.
Join the Block family today and experience the difference that comes with a truly superior sharpening solution. We can’t wait to work with you!
more about Block Family
In 2004, two years after my grandfather’s passing, my wife Billie Jo Walker and I, Paul-R- Block, took Grandpa Block’s sharpeners to Florida to earn extra income while wife visited her family. Once I set up our shop in couple loco flea market, it became clear that we had found a fantastic opportunity, so we decided to stay. Our new move to Florida allowed us to hone our skills and cultivate a dedicated customer base. In 2013, we had revamped our original sharpeners with a fresh design. Driven by innovation, we enhanced the sharpeners by incorporating a thumb grip with a new, softer over shot (also known as a non-slip grip). This modification significantly improved the safety and ease of use of our sharpener, providing better grip and control. The addition of the thumb grip with its non-slip feature was a game-changer, earning us rave reviews from our customers. Our major breakthrough came in 2014 when a new patent was approved, and we were invited as special guests on the Cutlery Corner knife show. Our appearance on the show allowed me to showcase our knife sharpener, which quickly became the top-selling item on the Cutlery Corner TV knife show. This exposure helped us reach a broader audience. Block sharpeners are a small, family-owned business proudly made in America, and we intend to keep it that way. We take great pride in offering our customers high-quality, American-made products. We are so confident in the quality of our sharpeners that we provide a lifetime guarantee and are committed to never outsourcing our production to large corporations that would manufacture them overseas. Our dedication to our sharpeners is matched by our commitment to keeping our business made in America and family-run.
Paul and Billie Jo Block continue their granddad’s proud legacy of the Block sharpener today and are deeply committed to preserving their family’s craftsmanship. Nowadays, they travel all over the United States with their loyal Yorkie dog crew, setting up at trade shows, local markets, and outdoor events to showcase and sell their family sharpener, just as their family has done for many years. This dedication not only honors their grandfather’s memory but also allows them to connect with customers who appreciate quality and tradition in sharpening tools.
Remembering Paul Block Sr.: A Tribute to a Master Sharpener Whose Legacy Endures Beyond the Stone Age. With profound love and respect, we honor the memory of Paul Block Sr., a virtuoso in the art of sharpening, skills were unparalleled in modern times. His dedication to his craft and the legacy he leaves behind will be cherished and remembered forever.