The Knives Grinder

The Charaakh Al Sajjajin was the skilled craftsman responsible for sharpening knives and cutting tools such as scissors, sickles, and axes using a special whetstone mounted on a wheel operated by hand or foot. He roamed through the alleyways and traditional markets of Baghdad with his small cart, announcing his arrival with a distinctive sound that signaled his presence. Shopkeepers and housewives would hurry to him, bringing their worn-out tools for renewal.

The word Jarakh comes from the Iraqi verb charakh (چَرَخ), meaning “to sharpen” or “to turn,” a colloquial term used to describe the sharpening process.

He was considered an indispensable artisan in daily life especially in a time when tools were expected to last, and repairs were preferred over replacements. Children would gather around him in fascination, watching the flying sparks and listening to the piercing sound of metal grinding against stone.

With the rise of electric tools and modern sharpening machines, this trade declined significantly. However, it still survives in some rural areas and traditional markets. The Charaakh Al Sajjajin is occasionally invited to cultural festivals and heritage events, where he showcases his craft before a curious audience reviving the memory of a once-essential trade that was deeply woven into the fabric of Baghdad’s daily life.