Page 54 - Southern Oregon Magazine Winter 2018

neck of the woods | in the biz

with hunters, woodworkers, and other professionals and enthusiasts “We’ve got to ignite a passion for sharp knives,” agrees Bernard, who
who rely on sharp tools. is excited about the response they’ve been getting to this new line
of sharpeners. “I’m happy to say we’re struggling to keep up with
The next step? Since the sharpener you buy at Cabello’s belongs in demand.”
your garage, points out Bernard, “Work Sharp Culinary took that same
technology to the kitchen,” and this newest member of the Darex The designs are sleek, compact, and low maintenance. The electric
brand launched their first products in 2016. sharpeners come with replacement belts onboard, quiet motors, and
an internal vacuum system to keep blade shavings off your counters.
“Our target customer is someone who loves to cook,” says Bernard. And with each belt good for an estimated 100 knives, Bernard jokes,
After all, he reminds, an expensive knife that is dull is just a dull knife. “You won’t be buying them from us, unfortunately, for a very long
“We’re thinking of the person who goes to the market, spends five time.” All models are available through local retailers and online.
dollars on a beautiful heirloom tomato and then mashes it with a dull
knife.… [A sharp knife] can elevate their whole experience in doing “We’re not a manufacturer,” reminds Bernard. While they design,
this thing they love to do.” assemble, ship and distribute their products right here in the Rogue
Valley, they partner with other companies for component parts for
“We get that sharpening is an unfamiliar conversation,” says Chris their designs. Here at home, they actively maintain their “green” initia-
Loeffler, head of Content Management and Digital Strategy, “but know tives, both in reducing/reclaiming/recycling waste, and in using solar
that their efforts to educate and engage are finding the right place in a power as a clean energy source.
market that can have negative concepts based on past experiences, or
needs educating about the proper handling, maintenance, and storage Having grown up in Ashland, Bernard sees all the advantages of living
of the knives they already own.” and doing business in the natural setting of the Rogue Valley. “It’s an

52 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | winter 2018