About Sharpest Tool

A Queer-friendly, ethical tattoo space rooted in respect & creativity

Interior view of a tattoo studio featuring a black tattoo chair, art supplies, and wall decorations, with wooden flooring and large windows.

Our vision for an ethical tattoo shop

We believe tattooing is more than ink on skin — it's a form of personal storytelling, a ritual, and a deeply vulnerable act. Sharpest Tool is a space where we hope you can feel safer, seen, and celebrated.

At Sharpest Tool we centre consent and communication in every aspect of our process. Whether it's your first tattoo or your fiftieth, our goal is to make sure your experience feels as meaningful as the artwork itself.

We also believe in the importance of treating artists right. In an industry that so often exploits the labour of artists, we created Sharpest Tool to model a better vision for the industry: one where artists retain the value of their work and retain autonomy over their creative process. We operate on a functionally non-profit model, we share the cost of the studio and upkeep, and artists keep what they earn.

Sketch of a small citrus fruit
Indoor seating area with white brick walls, large windows, string lights, and numerous potted plants on shelves, tables, and stands.

An inclusive space in Toronto

As a Queer and Trans-owned and operated studio, we're committed to holding space for all bodies and identities. We foster a judgement-free atmosphere where 2SLGBTQIA+ clients and artists can feel at home.

We are also active in fostering community through open life drawing sessions and fundraiser flash days for grassroots social justice initiatives.

Art for everyone

Our artists come from a wide range of backgrounds, each with a unique visual style and voice. What unites us is a shared commitment to meaningful, custom-designed tattoos that reflect your story.

Browse our portfolios here, and find the artist whose work aligns with your ideas.

View artist portfolios
Small illustration of a gingko leaf
Tattoo studio with artwork sketches on white brick wall, red toolbox, massage table, and natural light from large window.

Our space

We’ve designed our studio to feel more like a cozy creative space than a sterile clinic — think soft lighting, original art on the walls, and good music. Whether you're here for a consultation or a long session, you’ll be met with warmth, patience, and care.

We also partner with local creatives and host art pop-ups, open life drawing sessions, and mutual aid fundraisers — because community isn’t just a transaction.

Interior view of a tattoo studio with tattoo chairs, equipment, and decor, illuminated by large windows and ceiling lights.
Tattoo artist's workspace with tattoo chair, rolling stool, and art supplies in an industrial-style room with wood floors and white brick walls.

Health & safety

We take your health seriously — always have, always will.

Our studio follows strict hygiene and sanitation protocols that exceed industry standards, including:

  • Use of disposable (and often biodegradable) single-use supplies

  • Thorough surface disinfection between clients

  • Effective air purification

  • Masks mandatory for the safety of all clients and artists

  • Pre-screening for illness before appointments

We're a COVID-conscious tattoo studio, and we stay updated with public health guidelines to ensure our space is safer for everyone — especially our immunocompromised and high-risk clients.

Pencil illustration of a snake

Conveniently located near Lansdowne station in the west end of Toronto

Nestled in Bloordale Village, Sharpest Tool is a very short walk from Lansdowne subway station, and a slightly longer walk from the UP Express Bloor stop.

Sharpest Tool is an appointment-only tattoo studio. We do not take walk-ins. Please schedule an appointment with one of our artists before visiting.