I am … Kumar - Knife sharpener

I have been sharpening knives, coconut scrapers and the aruvamanai (traditional iron cutting tool with or without a wooden base) for the past 12 years. My father used to be in this trade before, I decided to take it up after he died. Two of my brothers are also knife sharpeners; two others are gas delivery boys. My brother-in-law is an auto rickshaw driver.

We are from Ramanathapuram. I have studied up to Class III and have been on the road with my father since the age of 15.

You have to place an order for this pedal-powered machine from the ironsmith because it is not sold in shops.

The

saanam kal (whetstone) is available only in Ernakulam, and is the most delicate part of the machine. It lasts for around eight months.

A knife-sharpening machine costs around Rs. 1500. I charge according to the type of work. An aruvamanai costs Rs. 25 to be sharpened; knife, Rs. 10 and coconut scrapers for Rs. 15.

When I’m finished here, I will just haul the machine on to my shoulders and walk on to the next neighbourhood.

It is a heavy load to carry, but then it is my livelihood. On hot days, I try and take a break under shady trees before I set up shop again.

A fortnightly column on men and women who make Tiruchi what it is.