From Cuban Culture - Knife Sharpeners

Knife sharpeners

The Scissor Sharpeners

Scissor sharpeners practice a trade that is probably ancient and had almost disappeared in Cuba, a trade that was once the support of many families and which is happily being reborn in Havana.

The street sharpeners seemed practically extinct. For a long time, their distinctive sound was not heard, coming from a simple whistle, also called chifle, a particular melody that identifies them as they gently cross the city streets.

Although initially the sharpening wheel was carried on the back, later special wheelbarrows with a single wheel arrived which, when turned over, were converted into sharpening machines.

One day the sharpening stones were adapted to the bicycle and since then the bicycle has become a rudimentary but effective traveling workshop, which functioned as an extension of the hands of these artisans.

Usually, the scissor sharpener has in his rolling workshop two stones of different grits, sometimes even a very small vice and a bag hanging from the handlebar with some utensils such as tweezers and screwdrivers for certain adjustments, as well as a pile of scraps of fabric to check the cut of the cutting instrument, although there are also those who simply prefer to check the successful sharpness by cutting the hairs on their arms in front of the customer.

The energy that drives his work comes from constant pedaling, so a mid-morning snack and fresh water cannot be missing from the artisan's effort, just like a hat to defy the scorching Cuban sun.

In general, the traveling sharpeners work in the morning, taking advantage of the cool weather, and in the afternoon they return home, aboard their rudimentary workshop, which also serves as an efficient means of transport.

With the recent development of forms of private work, this profession has emerged from oblivion. It is really nice to have again the valuable home service that the scissor sharpeners provide, as well as to hear the particular sound of their harmonica, which is also part of the most unique urban traditions of Cuba.