Appreciating the art and science of blade sharpening

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/06/2022 (1285 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Deep in a dark corner of the garage, a reel mower has languished for years. It’s light and easy to use, quiet, requires little maintenance, and with the price of gas these days would be very economical. But languish it has.

Thankfully, we have a new homeowner in the family, with a smaller lawn, who expressed interest in taking it when offered. So out of the garage it came, and across the lawn it went for a test cut, leaving in its wake a chewed-up swath of grass indicating the dullest blades imaginable.

After a few calls to see what it would cost to have the blades sharpened, I turned to the River Park South and Lovin’ It Facebook page, posted a photo and a question, and then waited to see if someone in the local area had the tools and know-how to get the job done.

I had one reply which, as it turns out, is all I needed. It was from Monique, who suggested River Park Sharpening. A quick Google and Facebook search followed, and that’s how I learned about Rob Cosco, RPS resident and expert sharpener. One look at www.wpgsharp.com and I was drawn into the world and language of sharpening knifes, scissors and, yes, lawnmower blades of any kind. Yay! In 24 hours, the mower had a new lease on life, a very happy owner, and, as an added bonus, there’s a tiny bit of extra space in the garage.

What have I learned from this exercise? First, never underestimate the power of a connected community with engaged and attentive folks who are willing and able to offer information or impart knowledge. Second, never underestimate the local talent that is sometimes right under your nose (or a few blocks away in this case) ready, willing, and more than able to assist. I’ve genuinely come to appreciate that blade sharpening is as much an art as it is a science.

In sharing my experience, I’ve come to appreciate the significant number of people who use battery operated or reel mowers primarily to mitigate the impact of gas mowers on the environment or who have forgone a lawn altogether to reduce or eliminate water and pesticide use. That’s a whole other topic of conversation, and one worth having in my opinion. For now, I know where I can go when the weed eater, or any other blades for that matter, need some TLC.

Wishing you and yours a very restful and relaxing summer.