On-the-spot sharpening service coming June 10 to The Little Traveler, Geneva

For Immediate Release

On-the-spot sharpening service coming June 10 to The Little Traveler, Geneva

Cutlery and blades, saws and scissors can be serviced the same day, or returned in two days

Geneva, IL – June 5, 2017: Residents of the Fox Valley and beyond can experience the convenience of a rare old-fashioned business when Tom’s Sharpening Service comes exclusively to The Little Traveler in Geneva on Saturday, June 10.

Owner/operator Tom Anderson will be in the Housewares Room, just inside the Fulton Street entrance to the Little Traveler, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for knife sharpening on the spot. Other items—including scissors, circular saws, and various blades—may be dropped off for service and returned in two days’ time.

No registration is required; service is first-come/first serve.

Tom’s Sharpening Service was established in Crystal Lake, IL, in 2005. After 40 years as the owner/operator of a dry-cleaning business, Anderson had his eye on second career after sun-setting the dry cleaning operations. His luck prevailed when a family friend announced the sale of a sharpening business. Anderson bought all the equipment, and the unique business prevailed.

Word of mouth about the merits of the sharpening service spread to Joe Greenberg, a manager of The Little Traveler, who thought it would be a great convenience for Little Traveler customers. Greenberg and Anderson launched a sharpening event on a Saturday—the first of its kind—and the tradition continues on Saturdays periodically throughout the year.

The Little Traveler remains the exclusive location for Tom’s service in Kane County. Beyond that, people come to Anderson’s Crystal Lake-based shop for service. Anderson also travels to farmers’ markets where he can do a full complement of sharpening from his trailer full of equipment. To date he attends markets in McHenry, Lake Barrington, Cary, Wauconda, and most recently, Sharon, WI.

It’s important to keep in mind, says Anderson, that a dull knife is much more dangerous than a sharp knife. A dull knife will achieve a rougher cut and be harder to accomplish, which can lead to injury. Good scissors and knives, including serrated types, will last forever when properly maintained, he adds.

As far as storage and maintenance, wooden handles can be restored with a little vegetable oil or other edible oil that will bring back the color and luster of the wood.

A machete is the most unique item that Anderson has sharpened. Customers also bring in keepsake handmade knives, which he says are the best quality. That’s because today’s knives are made with multiple kinds of steel, including recycled materials that lessen the quality of the cutlery.

“The best knife is made from virgin steel,” says Anderson, “but knives are not labeled as such.” That’s why the rule, “The more you pay, the better the product,” can be readily applied to cutlery, he adds.

Concludes Nancy Jones, The Little Traveler housewares buyer and coordinator of the sharpening event, “We are pleased to provide this much appreciated service to our customers on a quarterly basis."

About The Little Traveler: Today, downtown Geneva, Ill., is known as one of the most unique shopping districts in the Midwest, maintaining a tradition of hospitality, charm, and character. The Little Traveler, at 404 South Third Street, has remained the cornerstone of this tradition. The shop has grown from the original Italianate Victorian residence (which now serves as the center section of the shop) to 36 rooms of treasures.

For more information, call (630) 232-4200.