Sharpens Collection

Street Trade / Grinder
A grinderx sharpens a knife in Whitehall, London

Farming / Mowing 1899
A mowing scene: the mower sharpens his blade with a stone

Valet Auto Strop Razor Advertisement
An illustrated advertisement for the Valet AutoStrop Safety Razor Co. Ltd, the product sharpens itself before each use for a comfortable shave

17th century Grinder
A grinder sharpens a knife on a grindstone. Date: 17th century

Lion (Panthera leo) male sharpening his claws on a tree at night, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Sharpening a scythe blade, c. 1800
Man sharpening a scythe blade to mow grass, c.1800 Date: C.1800

Two boys sharpening knives - Medenine, Tunisia, North Africa Date: circa 1910s

A barber sharpens his razors - Adana, Turkey
A barber sharpens his razors on a grindstone turned by his young assistant - Adana, Turkey

Father Carving the Turkey by Charles Robinson
Illustration captioned Father Carving the Turkey. A young girl sits at the dinner table while her father sharpens a knife to carve the huge turkey that is on the plate in front of her. Date: 1906

Tinker sharpening a knife for a maid 1894
A tinker sharpening a knife for a waiting maid. Date: 1894

Venus crowned by Bacchus, Arnold Houbraken, Lucas Cloppenburg (publisher), 1710

July, Caspar Luyken, 1698 - 1702

China - A Chinese cutler, sharpening a Chinese Cleaver
Shanghai, China - A Chinese cutler, sharpening a Chinese Cleaver on a wetstone. Date: circa 1910s

Egyptian street knife grinder - Port Said. A young boy is fascinated and has popped his head out of a small window to watch the grinder grinding away. Date: circa 1902

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) adult, scratching claws on tree branch, in snow, Minnesota, U. S. A. January (captive)
Bobcat (Lynx rufus) adult, scratching claws on tree branch, in snow, Minnesota, U.S.A. January (captive)

Roman Husband & Wife
" The wife & husband equally conspire, To work by night & rake the winter fire; He sharpens torches in the glim ring room

Lion Sharpens its Claws
A lion sharpens its claws on the bark of a tree... Date: 1930s

Pyrenean Man sharpening his scythe
Pyrenean Mountain Man sharpening his scythe, France Date: circa 1910s

Parisian knife-grinder

Wilhelm Ii / Beurre 1908
WILHELM II German Emperor sharpens his sword and says " I m ready!"

Dutch Writing Master
The writing master sharpens his quill pen before continuing with the lesson

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"Sharpening: Unveiling the Art of Precision and Perfection" In every corner of history, the art of sharpening has left its indelible mark. From the bustling streets where skilled tradesmen wielded their grinders to the tranquil fields where farmers meticulously honed their scythe blades, this age-old craft has shaped our world in more ways than one. Transport yourself back to 1899, a time when farming and mowing were arduous tasks that demanded razor-sharp precision. The Valet Auto Strop Razor Advertisement captures this essence perfectly - a testament to how even personal grooming relied on a keen edge. But let us not forget those who dedicated themselves solely to perfecting the art of sharpening. In centuries past, grinders were revered for their ability to restore life into dulled tools and weapons. A glimpse into a 17th-century grinder's workshop reveals an atmosphere brimming with sparks and anticipation as steel meets stone. Nature too embraces this ancient ritual. Picture a majestic lion under moonlit skies at Sabi Sand Game Reserve, diligently sharpening his claws against nature's whetstone - a tree trunk serving as both canvas and tool. Beyond practicality lies artistic expression; even renowned painters have immortalized moments of sharpening in their works. Charles Robinson's "Father Carving the Turkey" showcases not only culinary expertise but also the delicate act of maintaining sharp knives for culinary mastery. The significance transcends borders as well - from Medenine, Tunisia, North Africa where two boys carefully hone their knives with unwavering focus to Adana, Turkey where barbers delicately prepare razors for impeccable shaves. Even mythology intertwines with this timeless practice. Venus crowned by Bacchus stands tall in Arnold Houbraken's masterpiece from 1710 while Caspar Luyken's portrayal of July depicts workers tending to essential tools amidst summer heat - reminding us that sharpening is an art form as old as time itself.