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NSGNational Sharpeners Guild

Certification

Your new journey begins at the convention.

Guild certification is a scored exam in sharpening and, at the higher levels, repair. Disciplines: shears, clipper blades, and knives. Classroom instruction, a description of the evaluation, a timed practical evaluation, double-blind scoring by a judging panel, and a one-on-one review of performance and scoring make up the certification process.

Levels

  1. GM

    Grand Master Sharpener

    Master sharpener in all categories offered.

  2. M

    Master Sharpener

    Superior score in sharpening and repair.

  3. C

    Certified Sharpener

    Passing score in sharpening and repair.

  4. J

    Journeyman Sharpener

    Passing score in sharpening only.

How the exam is run

  • Once a year, in person

    The exam is offered at the annual convention. It is not an online course and it is not available on demand.

  • Bring your own equipment

    NSG does not provide machines, tools, or supplies. You make your own arrangements.

  • Standards first

    The criteria are shared with participants before they sit the exam. There is no secret method.

  • Results, not a brand of machine

    You do not have to use a particular system. Certified Master Sharpeners have passed on belt sanders, bench grinders, EZ-Vex, and flat hones.

  • Not pay-for-paper

    The program does not offer monetary rewards, change the rules to suit a result, or sell a certificate. You pass the standard or you do not.

  • Judged by people who have mastered

    The Certification Committee is made of sharpeners who have taken the exam and met the standard. Judges are Master Sharpeners with extra training on the criteria. The Board oversees the committee.

The next exam is at the 2027 convention, September 16–19, at the Hilton Kansas City Airport. Registration is not open yet.

Convention page