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Handgrinders


YATESACE

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Hi can anyone tell me if there are any Hand Grinders in Sheffield,

I was a Grinder for 33 years but sadly I think the job has died out,

or has it ?

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Hello and welcome.

There's a link here to a set of photos I took at Portland Works.

Near the end there are a few of the grinders.

Portland Works

Also - Jack Adams (ex-Alma Street) now at Scotland Street still grind their blades the old way.

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Hi can anyone tell me if there are any Hand Grinders in Sheffield,

I was a Grinder for 33 years but sadly I think the job has died out,

or has it ?

Hi Yatesace,

My own family history researches tell me that I descend from a long line of scythe grinders and so, naturally, I find the entire history of grinding to be a fascinating subject.

Would you mind telling us a little about your own history? Like whom you worked for, what you were grinding, was it as hazardous an occupation as the evidence would suggest, etc, etc, etc?

I think that you might have some very interesting insights to share.

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Guest Barbara M

My Grandmothers 3 brothere their father & grandfather were all grinders, Grt Grt Grandfather Charles Willoughby was born in Low Common, Barlborough & he was a scythe grinder , he came to Sheffield looking for work because of the cutlery industry.

The family all lived in the Heeley & Woodseats area's from the 1850's onwards.

All 3 of grandmothers brothers died of lung complaints before they were 35.

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My Grandmothers 3 brothere their father & grandfather were all grinders, Grt Grt Grandfather Charles Willoughby was born in Low Common, Barlborough & he was a scythe grinder , he came to Sheffield looking for work because of the cutlery industry.

The family all lived in the Heeley & Woodseats area's from the 1850's onwards.

All 3 of grandmothers brothers died of lung complaints before they were 35.

Average life span of a grinder was 30 years, less if dry grinding.

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Guest happygrinder

Started work with my father who was a self employed hand grinder in 1960 his place of work at that time was on Carver Street, where the car park is at the top end near West Street,

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Average life span of a grinder was 30 years, less if dry grinding.

Worth a read, it explains a lot about grinders and their work and workplaces. The short life expectancy seems to have applied mostly to the mid 19th century onwards. For various reasons the earlier grinders could live longer.

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