Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Knife Technician Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

As a Knife Technician Assistant, you are the crucial support system for our expert technicians and the first step in our quality control process. This role is a unique blend of hands-on craftsmanship, technical learning, and customer interaction. You will be responsible for the initial assessment and preparation of cutlery, performing fundamental sharpening and maintenance tasks, and ensuring our workshop remains a safe, efficient, and pristine environment. This is an apprenticeship-style position designed for a motivated individual to develop mastery in the art and science of blade maintenance, with a clear path for growth within our organization.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Passionate home cook or culinary professional with an interest in knife maintenance.
Hobbyist knife sharpener, maker, or collector looking to professionalize their skills.
Retail associate from a hardware, outdoor, or kitchen supply store.
General maintenance technician or machinist apprentice.

Advancement To:

Certified Knife Technician / Blade Specialist
Senior Knife Technician / Workshop Lead
Custom Knife Maker or Restoration Specialist
Workshop Manager or Service Department Head

Lateral Moves:

Technical Sales Representative (Cutlery & Equipment)
Quality Control Inspector (Manufacturing)
Product Development Assistant (Cutlery)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute precision sharpening on a wide variety of knives, including culinary, outdoor, and specialty blades, using belt sanders, whetstones, and guided sharpening systems.
Meticulously inspect incoming cutlery to identify and document issues such as chips, broken tips, bent blades, and handle damage for accurate service quoting.
Perform foundational repair tasks under supervision, such as re-profiling blade edges, minor tip repairs, and straightening slightly bent knives.
Disassemble, clean, lubricate, and reassemble folding knives and other complex mechanisms to ensure smooth and safe operation.
De-burr, hone, and strop sharpened edges to achieve a refined, razor-sharp finish that meets our stringent quality standards.
Operate and conduct daily maintenance on all workshop equipment, including belt grinders, polishing wheels, and ultrasonic cleaners, to ensure their longevity and performance.
Learn and apply specific sharpening angles and techniques appropriate for different blade geometries, steel types, and intended uses (e.g., Japanese vs. Western culinary knives).
Assist senior technicians with complex restoration and customization projects, including handle replacement, blade modifications, and surface refinishing.
Carefully manage and document the workflow of customer orders, from intake and tagging to final quality checks and packaging.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace by regularly cleaning equipment, sweeping floors, and organizing tools and supplies according to 5S or similar principles.
Provide direct customer service by clearly explaining service options, providing expert advice on knife care, and managing transactions at the service counter.
Diligently follow all safety protocols and consistently use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, and respirators.

Secondary Functions

Assist in managing the inventory of sharpening supplies, abrasives, spare parts, and retail products, alerting management to low stock levels.
Carefully package finished knives and tools for secure return to customers, whether via shipping or in-person pickup, ensuring the edge is protected.
Educate customers on best practices for knife maintenance, honing techniques, and proper storage to preserve the longevity and performance of their tools.
Support senior staff in documenting repair procedures and creating standardized work instructions for common tasks.
Participate in ongoing training and skill development sessions to continually expand knowledge of different steels, sharpening methods, and repair techniques.
Assist with receiving and unpacking shipments of supplies and new products, verifying contents against packing lists.
Perform quality control checks on finished work to ensure it meets both the customer’s request and the company's high standards of excellence.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to service times, common repairs, and customer trends.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by providing feedback on service tracking software.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements, such as improving order intake forms.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team if applicable to workshop process improvement projects.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Sharpening System Proficiency: Demonstrable ability to use or quickly learn various sharpening systems, including manual whetstones, belt grinders, and guided rod systems.
Hand and Power Tool Competence: Experience and confidence in using hand tools (files, screwdrivers, pliers) and basic power tools (e.g., Dremel, drill press, buffer).
Knowledge of Steel Properties: A foundational understanding of different types of blade steel (e.g., stainless vs. carbon) and their characteristics concerning sharpening and edge retention.
Mechanical Aptitude: The ability to understand, diagnose, and repair simple mechanical systems, particularly in the context of folding knife pivots and locks.
Workshop Equipment Operation: Familiarity with operating and performing routine maintenance on workshop machinery.
Blade Assessment: The ability to visually inspect and accurately diagnose blade damage, wear patterns, and edge geometry issues.
Inventory Management: Basic experience with inventory tracking software or manual log systems for managing supplies and parts.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail: A meticulous and precise approach to all tasks, understanding that millimeters and single degrees matter.
Strong Manual Dexterity: Excellent hand-eye coordination and steady hands are essential for performing fine, detailed work on valuable items.
Problem-Solving Mindset: The ability to analyze a problem, consider different solutions, and execute a logical plan for repair.
Customer-Centric Communication: A friendly and professional demeanor with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to a non-technical audience.
Teachable & Eager to Learn: A strong desire to absorb knowledge from senior technicians and a passion for mastering a craft.
Time Management & Organization: Proven ability to manage a queue of tasks effectively, prioritize work, and maintain an organized workspace.
Safety Consciousness: A commitment to maintaining a safe working environment for oneself and the entire team.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or trade school in a field like Machining, Gunsmithing, Metalworking, or Jewelry Repair.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Metalworking / Metallurgy
Machining Technology
Culinary Arts (with a focus on tools)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years of relevant experience.

Preferred:

Demonstrated personal interest in knives, such as a hobbyist sharpener, collector, or maker.
Previous experience in a role requiring high manual dexterity and attention to detail (e.g., jeweler, watch repair, small engine mechanic, model building).
Experience in a customer-facing role, particularly in a technical service or specialty retail environment.