Despite their name, Hi-Tech Saws and Sharpening Centre takes an old-school approach to their work.
Using the tried and true tools of the trade, that some might call lo-tech, the sharpening centre is a family business that serves the Okanagan Valley.
“We are a bit simple over here. It’s unique in this day and age, I guess we are almost dinosaurs,” joked Bob Johnson, co-owner of the Penticton shop with his wife Rusty.
With the mission to provide the very best sharpening and repair service for any cutting needs, they were chosen as one of the Top 10 businesses in the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce Facebook Favourites contest.
“Bob is a master at sharpening anything or modifying something to work with obsolete machines. Not too many people anymore can do what Bob does,” wrote customer Brett Bernier.
Hi-Tech Saws and Sharpening Centre specializes in Carbide circular saws and cutters, servicing HSS and Carbide knife sharpening. They also provide new cutting tools as well.
“I think people come to us because we do our best to keep customers satisfied,” said Johnson.
The shop is bustling with activity as one of the few in the Okanagan Valley and Southern B.C. region that does this kind of work — sharpening everything from knives, household tools and scissors to mill working shops and zamboni knives.
“We do everything, just about,” said Johnson. “The only thing we don’t sharpen is skates, the old push mowers and hair clippers. We are quite busy and not only service Penticton, but the whole South Okanagan and even to Vernon and Kamloops. We even have an outfit in Prince George that sends things and orders from us.”
Johnson was a certified saw filer in the ‘70s then changed careers working in the mining and trucking industry before settling back down and taking over the shop in Penticton from the previous business owner. Hi-Tech Saws and Sharpening Centre is located at #106-325 Cherry Avenue in Penticton. They are open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This feature is part of a series in partnership between the Penticton Western News and the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce featuring winners of their social media contest.
Read more about the Facebook Favourites winners that have been features so far:
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