About
By Sharpeners For Sharpeners.
At the National Sharpeners Guild we are a trade group and a community of sharpeners. Our work is to advance the knowledge and skill of the craft, and to objectively certify members’ practical capabilities in different categories of fine edge sharpening.
What sets NSG certification apart from ALL others:
01
Independent nonprofit
NSG is a legally incorporated 501(c)(3) Non-Profit. It is not owned or controlled by any company, manufacturer, supplier, family, or individual. That independence is the firm foundation for our non-biased education, free-thinking exchange of ideas, and objective practical evaluation and certification.
02
Member-governed
Volunteer members govern, manage and operate the Guild. The commitment is to the sharpening community, not to an outside brand. A certification from the NSG is an objective, double-blind affirmation of an individual’s practical, proven capabilities in executing proper sharpening methods. Evaluation is double blind, and conducted by Master industry sharpeners. NSG is not beholden to any brand, only focused on holding the sharpener of the fine edge to the highest standard. This, ultimately, is for the betterment of the craft, which translates into providing the highest quality product for the end user.
03
More than a certificate
Passing the exam puts you in a network of working sharpeners: conventions, workshops, and a members’ forum.
04
In the trade since 2009
The Guild has been a force in sharpening since 2009. The standard is documented, shared before the exam, and not rewritten to sell a result.
Mission
Certify sharpeners of shears, scissors, thinning shears, clipper blades, and knives so the evaluation of their ability is fair and unbiased. Provide resources for business practice, training, and the advancement of the trade.
Vision
Become the leading source of knowledge and training in the sharpening industry by hosting conventions and certification events where sharpeners of every experience level learn from each other.
Goals
- Foster participation and continuous improvement.
- Be a respected influence in the sharpening community.
- Set and hold the standard for professional sharpeners.