B. Thomas (Tom) Blodgett sharpening journey began in 2000. What started as a personal pursuit soon became a professional passion, leading to the founding of Jende Industries in 2004. Today, with established websites in the USA, Australia and Taiwan Jende Industries has grown into one of the leading global providers of custom-sized sharpening stones, strops, emulsions, reed knives, tools, and chef knife rolls.
Driven by a constant desire to refine craft, He continue to experiment and explore new sharpening techniques — sometimes succeeding, sometimes learning. For those beginning their own sharpening journey, the insights shared here may help you navigate the many twists, turns, and bits of conflicting advice you’ll encounter, and hopefully save you from a few of the mistakes he has already made along the way.
Behind every great brand is a story of passion, precision, and purpose — and for B. Thomas Blodgett, founder and owner of Jende Industries, that story is as unique as the products he creates.
Before building a global name in the world of premium knives and sharpening systems, Tom Blodgett began his professional journey in music. A highly skilled clarinetist, he served as the Former Principal Clarinet of the Kaohsiung Symphony Orchestra in Taiwan.
Transitioning from symphonies to steel, Tom applied the same discipline and artistry from his musical background to the creation of high-performance blades and sharpening tools. Under his leadership, Jende Industries has grown into a trusted international brand known for its innovative designs, expert craftsmanship, and collaborations with renowned Taiwanese knife makers such as Maestro Wu and Master Kuo.
Today, Jende Industries stands as a bridge between tradition and technology — a brand that unites the precision of a musician’s hand with the skill of a bladesmith. Whether through sharpening stones, strops, or handcrafted knives, every Jende product reflects Tom Blodgett’s enduring commitment to quality, performance, and artistry.
