A Form of Meditation

in #diy2 years ago (edited)

...at least to me is sharpening knives, mostly kitchen knives. It's this mix between being precise and careful and the monotony of movements that sets me into a calm and focused state of mind. It's only about two to three times necessary a year, but i really enjoy sitting in the garden and sun doing it.

As i quite ritualized it over the years, preparations help me to emphasize the meditation aspect a little more. On this pic you see my entire sharping gear here, but i don't necessarily use all of it (but the tea is a must :).
Alles.jpg

As mentioned, i am doing just occasionly, so the first knife takes always longest as have to get into the feel. It's all about balancing. By tilting the blade slightly up and down with my fingers on it i can feel the spot when the edge lies flat on the stone.
Messeransatz.jpg

Then i simply go through the grades and stones. This one is the second stone with 1000/3000 grain.
Usually i start from here if knives are normally dulled, but this time i did start with a 400/800
Stein2.jpg

View into the garden and the last/polishing stone.
A little polishing with oil, just to make the edge more even and shiny. But indeed, it gives a little extra sharpness too.
polieren.jpg

So, don't forget to keep your cutlery sharpened, it also prevents accidents if you need no force to cut.
Stay safe and good, my lovely ones