I cannot recommend Evan highly enough for whatever you might need sharpened. I have only use his services to sharpen a couple of straight razors that I have begun to use, but now I kind of want to dull up a bunch of my knives so he can sharpen those too. If you are interested in shaving with a straight razor, but you are unsure about the quality of the blade, or for that matter where to find a good one...or what even constitutes a good one, Evan can help you out. He is very knowledgeable, incredibly friendly and easy to talk to, and he does a fantastic job of answering any of your questions thoughtfully and without making you feel stupid. He also shaves with a straight razor himself so he has a lot more insight into that than anyone else I have ever spoken to on the subject. If you are like me and you have been interested in using a straight razor for a long time, but didn't have any local resources to help with honing or advice, then this is the person you've been waiting for. Not only is he quick and efficient, but he has also offered to fine tune the work that he has done based on my feedback, but so far I'm new enough I don't yet know what I would want to change. But given time and practice (and the likelihood of me finding more vintage razors to try) I'm sure I'll get there. His prices are incredibly reasonable, his turnaround time is very fast, and he is such a pleasure to deal with that you will also find yourself looking for things that need sharpening all around your house. Check out his Instagram or website and find the contact info to get in touch and arrange a time to have your stuff serviced! You will be happy that you did. read more

If you have always wanted to have (or to be!) the sharpest tool in the drawer, there is now an easy way to achieve your goal. Evan is a master at sharpening --don't let his youthful appearance mislead you into believing he's a novice, this guy has some serious chops. Sharp knives are safe knives, sure, but they are also FUN knives. Having your knives sharpened by Evan at Strata is a great way to bring the joy back into cooking. He uses imported whetstones and applies his knowledge of ancient sharpening techniques to bring out the best in your knives. He made my old knives (that I was ready to throw away!) so sharp that I am really excited to use them everyday! In addition to sharpening and advising on proper care and use tips, he is also a veritable bottomless well of information about different types of cutting implements and their uses and proper care. He understands the types of steel used and can even tell you about the different geographic locations of the best metal mines in the world. Evan really understands what it means to all of us to have the experience of using the right tool for the right job, and having that tool perform at it's absolute top potential. Maximize your knives' performance by bringing them to Evan at Strata. Don't wait: Regret makes terrible cuts. read more

Exceptional selection of knives, carefully curated by a passionate expert. You can find products here that simply aren't available anywhere else, but more important, the honest and straightforward advice needed to find what is right for you. Evan doesn't BS, doesn't give sales pitches, and doesn't push you into anything. He provides you with in depth information, patiently answers questions, and helps guide you to what will work best in your hand for your task. While I spent a bit (ok, a lot) of time selecting my knife, there was a constant flow of local customers either dropping off or picking up their knives for sharpening, a great sign. Evan is a knife nerd, and I mean that in the most complementary way. I expect he will quickly outgrow his space and need to expand, as he is offering a rare commodity in this day--exceptional products and honest advice coupled with fair prices and backed by a passion for what he does. A+ read more

I thought I knew what a sharp knife was. That was until I let Evan at Strata take them to his shop. His finesse with his vast array of natural and artificial whetstones, were able to hone my blades into the sharpest and most precise tools for my trade. Being a butcher means I NEED to have the proper tools to do my job, and that I am serious about those tools, and now I wouldn't trust another human with sharpening them. Still skeptical? Go have a single conversation with Evan down at Rosemont Market on Brighton Ave in Portland, and prepare to be inundated with a superior knowledge and passion of knives and sharpening. Evan is truly trying to reintroduce a lost skill set back into the community. Old, new, stainless, carbon, it won't matter. He will get it sharp and teach you how to maintain the beauty of your cutlery, so that cooking in the kitchen is safer, quicker, and much more enjoyable! read more

STRATA knives on Washington ave in Portland is hands down the best knife store this side of Korin. Evan Atwell is the most knowledgeable person about the art of knife making I have met and is a pleasure to talk with. His selection is unique and houses prime examples of master blade smiths he has meticulously chosen. Anyone who enjoys knives or is in the market needs to treat themselves by visiting my now exclusive knife seller. He cares about matching the right knife with the chef not pushing the more expensive options if it's overkill. Even if you don't need a knife right now stop by and let him sharpen your current ones beyond razor sharp. read more

Avoid at all costs, they're the most sanctimonious business I've ever had the displeasure of stumbling across.