Margery Cohen has been sharpening knives at Chelsea Market since 1997. Her twice-weekly stand is visited by a variety of people looking for a keener blade - people with pocket knives, home cooks, and restaurant chefs are all piling up knives on her table. Ms. Cohen uses a diamond stone onto which she drips water for a smoother motion and less abrasion on your knife. She uses a Japanese technique which she learned from a woodworker.

Sometimes knives can be sharpened while you wait, but if the day is a busy one you might have to leave them for an hour or so while you shop or lunch.

Knives start at $2 for a very small knife and go up to $10 for a very long blade. The average chef's knife is $7. Serrated knives can cost more depending on the dullness and number of serrations. Scissors average $7 a pair.

For more information, visit Samurai Sharpening.