Asia Grace


Knife sharpener

Bombay, India

This peddler's somewhat portable sharpening machine (built around a bicycle wheel rim) is used to sharpen scissors and knives. It is operated by pedal power.

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Reader Stories

India Najones writes:

Looking at this picture, I am reminded of the clarion calls of these knife sharpners. Sharpners walk around cities all day, carrying the device like a backpack, shouting out their services in residential neighborhoods. The most common call announcing their service is "Dhaar vaala!", meaning "the one with or selling a sharp edge."

August 10, 2007