HAVE YOUR SHEARS & TOOLS
RECONDITIONED BY A CERTIFIED ROCKET SCIENTIST
ROGER WALCO
Master Sharpener & Bladesmith
Roger was first introduced to Japanese methods of forge, fire, and stone sharpening by his first knifemaking teacher, Martin Kruse.
Later he studied Japanese Factory restoration & sharpening of salon shears under a dear mentor, Debra Finck, one of the most skilled beauty-biz sharpeners in the country. His scientific mind, a degree from MIT, and a long family line of professional craftsmen greatly contribute to his own skill & love of great tools.
He is well-regarded as one of just a few top experts in these fields.
Answering the Call of Steel
Roger is an MIT-trained engineer, industrial designer, & former video games executive. He’s always had a great love of fine tools, antiques and the restoration of such items. And has specifically studied sharpening & knifemaking under very special mentors - carrying their traditions forward.
As an artisan furniture-maker and blacksmith himself, sharp tools are something he uses & treasures in the shop each and every day.
The Walkovitz family were craftsmen & leather workers in Europe for many generations, and most of us feel the call of steel. In the past 15 years, Roger finally made the decision to answer that call, now splitting his time between technology consulting, sharpening, and architectural elements.
you can see some of roger’s work here
So needless to say, for us, it’s personal. Your knives & shears are like our own - we give them our very best.
From Our Customers
“I have purchased two pair of Shear Emporium’s Dry-Cutting shears, and I -love them-!! Super sharp and glide through the hair. Roger is so knowledgeable and truly has a passion for his work.
After many failed attempts with other shear sharpeners, our salon finally found our guy! Very happy customer!”
— Denise Peatross, Breeze Salon & Day Spa
“Bought a pair of shears from Roger, and they are wonderful quality and even better price.
Also had him sharpen a pair of my current shears and he was very knowledgeable and helpful with making them be so sharp. Very impressed!”
— Sierra Emerson, stylist
“Love the work Roger does with my shears! Sam Villa shears are a special type of shear, and I need a crafted hand to get them just right. They stay so sharp, even after months of use. His sharpening price is bit up there, but it is -so- worth it. After hearing many horror stories from coworkers and friends about stop & shop sharpeners ruining their favorite shears, I’ve only trusted Roger with my shears.”
— Bethany Gatrell, stylist & barber
“Roger has a team that he personally vets. His work is impeccable, and he is a true artist and perfectionist. Shear Emporium sharpened two of my stylist scissors that turned out amazing.
They also sharpen knives and hold sharpening classes which I found informative and fun.”
— Lori Lozano, Proud People Barber Botanica
“I'm a dog groomer from Washington, and I usually get my shears sharpened almost every month by mobile sharpeners. NEVER AGAIN!!! After talking to Roger and hearing just how passionate and knowledgeable he is, I decided to try him out. That was 5 months ago, & my shears are still sharp! My grooms look better, I don't take as long, and I've already saved money since I haven't needed to sharpen them for 5 MONTHS. Roger is awesome, look no further.”
— Kat Rogue, dog groomer
Roger is such a pro. It’s difficult to find a good shear sharpener, and Roger isn’t just good,…he’s fantastic.
My shears are better than new after his masterful work on them.”
— Ruth Calisch, stylist
Community Pulse
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Local Whetstone Knife Sharpening Services r/austin
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