Abstract: A sharpening and cleaning apparatus for sharpening scalloped-edged blades in a carton slitting machine includes at least two rotating cylindrical hones mounted on a pneumatically controlled actuator, and a pair of blade cleaning brushes mounted on a separate actuator. A sharpening operation is initiated by a machine operator as needed to maintain blade sharpness, and is performed automatically by the apparatus controls. The hone actuator positions the rotating hones in contact with opposing sides of a cutting edge of the slitting blade as the blade moves past the hones at reduced speed. A first hone is rotated in a direction opposite to the direction of the blade and a second hone is rotated in the same direction of the blade. During sharpening, the hones execute several reciprocating axial movements to stroke the blade. Prior to the operation of the hones the actuator positions the brushes in contact with the blade and causes the brushes to rotate to remove debris from the blade.