Steve Cho has been a professional knife sharpener at Mercado La Paloma for one year, but his passion for sharpening, repairing, and collecting high-quality kitchen knives extends for more than half a decade. What sets Steve apart from other professional sharpeners is his pursuit of excellence in hand sharpening on whetstones.

Steve’s abilities were first noticed by the chefs at Mercado La Paloma, beginning with Holbox and soon spreading to chefs at other restaurants in the market. His meticulous process, which combines synthetic and natural stones, produces an edge that is both fine and “toothy,” a quality highly prized by chefs who work with raw seafood.

The Mercado La Paloma fosters entrepreneurs like Steve by creating a "business ecosystem" of like-minded businesses that support one another and create opportunities throughout the South Los Angeles region. This unique environment encourages collaboration and innovation, allowing local entrepreneurs to flourish. Through technical assistance, affordable retail opportunities, and a strong sense of community, the Mercado provides a foundation for small businesses to thrive and make a meaningful impact on the local economy.

If you need knife sharpening services, Steve is here every other Friday morning. He will be set up in the outdoor pergola and is happy to discuss his services with you.

Today, Steve’s high-quality knife sharpening services are available to all visitors of Mercado La Paloma. Whether serving professional chefs or home cooks, Steve is passionate about delivering precision and excellence. He is thrilled to contribute his expertise to the Mercado community and beyond, helping others maintain the tools that bring their culinary visions to life.