Mobile sharpening van for trades
Visit building sites, workshops and farms in a van to sharpen blades and tools on the spot or collect them.
- £3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
6,795 UK companies in this field, 14% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 33190 “Repair of other equipment”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A van fitted with sharpening equipment, or used to collect and return blades, serving customers at their workplace. You regularly visit joiners' shops, landscapers, tree surgeons, butchers and kitchens.
Your first three steps
- Choose which blades to focus on first, such as saw blades, mower blades or kitchen knives, and price up the equipment for them
- Map a weekly route of workshops, farms and kitchens within a sensible drive and visit them to ask what they send out for sharpening
- Arrange van and public liability insurance that covers tools and customers' property in your care
Who pays
Joinery firms, builders, landscapers, tree surgeons, farms, butchers and restaurants that want blades back without losing working time.
How it makes money
Price per blade or tool, plus regular rounds with repeat business customers. Collection and delivery can be built into the price or charged as a small extra.
Skills that help
- Sharpening a range of blades and knives
- Route planning and reliability
- Building trade relationships
Watch out for
- Van insurance for business use, and cover for customers' blades while in your care
- Using powered equipment from a van may need a safe power source, so check electrical safety and any generator noise limits
- Parking and working on customer sites, so get permission and follow site safety rules
- Running costs for fuel and the van can eat into margins on a thin round
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile sharpening van business?
Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the van, the sharpening equipment you choose and how you set it up. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own setup before committing.
How much revenue can a mobile sharpening round bring in?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many customers you serve and how efficient your route is. Fuel and van running costs can eat into margins, so check your own figures.
What should I check before starting a mobile sharpening service?
Check van insurance for business use and cover for customers' blades while in your care. If you use powered equipment, check electrical safety and any generator noise limits. Get permission to park and work on customer sites, and follow site safety rules.
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