My grandfather, the general, taught me how to sharpen knives when I was 12 years old. “Boy! Get in here! I’ve got something I want to teach you!” he called from the kitchen late one afternoon when my brother Frank and I were visiting him and grandma for the summer.
I still have my father's carbon steel knives from the 1940's. Apparently they are no longer made and stay extremely sharp. There used to be knife sharpeners coming round in a truck every month or so in the 1950's on Long Island. everyone would run out with their knives and scissors. My father had a powered sharpening wheel in his workshop and we kids loved seeing the sparks fly!
My dad was a sharpening zealot too. I still have half of the stone he used for everyday honing, and a Sabatier pure carbon steel chef's knife, which I've had since the 70's. I hone the blade every time I use it. Guests have asked me what I'm doing, or remarked upon the unusual sight of a woman sharpening a knife.
My father will soon have been gone for twenty years, but I think of him every time I pick up that stone.
I went to forestry school in Wanakena NY where I learned to sharpen knives and axes on a sharping wheel that was turned with a foot paddle
It was located in an unheated shed it had a small bowl filled with water to keep the stone cool. The water would freeze and required constant breaking to keep the wheel turning which meant wet gloves and cold hands
We were issued a knife sharping kit which consisted of two stones and honing oil
I just love this story. My dad taught me the same way your grandfather taught you. My dad was only a buck-ass private but I think he would’ve been amused that General Truscott taught his grandson in exactly the same way he taught me. This brought such a warm, fond memory to my mind. Thank you.
My grandfathers not only kept their knives sharp, they cooked the feasts themselves they used them on. Neither, however, shared any of his kitchen skills. After they died my mother gave my brother--my only sibling--one grandfather's carving knife, her father's knife to me. I never saw my brother's knife; mine had been sharpened so often it looked to be no more than half its original width. ...
The saying as I recall it was, "The Cabots speak only to the Lodges and the Lodges speak only to God." Maybe that's how dire hard times--i.e., a servant shortage--befell the Winthrops.
Happy Thanksgiving, Tracy, Lucian, and each of you.
I sharpened a knife tonight in preparation of your coming over. I hoping to generally win praise for my knives tomorrow, that is, due to their sharpness. I'll give you the carbon steel one to slice the bird.
What a wonderful series of stories there are in this, and an absolutely delightful approach to Thanksgiving. I can see a painting by Norman Rockwell of you and Mr. Winthrop seated side by side presiding over three turkeys. You have a knack for seemingly effortlessly setting and animating scenes. Your recent reminiscences have been knockouts. Bravo, and Happy Thanksgiving!
A sharpening stone that my father used to own now lives on my counter, and my knives have never been happier.
Thank you for a great Thanksgiving story. I still arrive at my mother's house prepared to sharpen her knives.
Wonderful story. A dull knife is an obscenity. I agree with the general.
I still have my father's carbon steel knives from the 1940's. Apparently they are no longer made and stay extremely sharp. There used to be knife sharpeners coming round in a truck every month or so in the 1950's on Long Island. everyone would run out with their knives and scissors. My father had a powered sharpening wheel in his workshop and we kids loved seeing the sparks fly!
“Let joy be unrestrained!” I love that.
My dad was a sharpening zealot too. I still have half of the stone he used for everyday honing, and a Sabatier pure carbon steel chef's knife, which I've had since the 70's. I hone the blade every time I use it. Guests have asked me what I'm doing, or remarked upon the unusual sight of a woman sharpening a knife.
My father will soon have been gone for twenty years, but I think of him every time I pick up that stone.
Excellent ! Rich people, smart people, nice people, cool stuff, cool places, heroics ! 3-In-One oil !
Love this!
I went to forestry school in Wanakena NY where I learned to sharpen knives and axes on a sharping wheel that was turned with a foot paddle
It was located in an unheated shed it had a small bowl filled with water to keep the stone cool. The water would freeze and required constant breaking to keep the wheel turning which meant wet gloves and cold hands
We were issued a knife sharping kit which consisted of two stones and honing oil
Still sharpen knives with it today
Step one put Turkey in oven
Step two sharpen knives
I just love this story. My dad taught me the same way your grandfather taught you. My dad was only a buck-ass private but I think he would’ve been amused that General Truscott taught his grandson in exactly the same way he taught me. This brought such a warm, fond memory to my mind. Thank you.
My grandfathers not only kept their knives sharp, they cooked the feasts themselves they used them on. Neither, however, shared any of his kitchen skills. After they died my mother gave my brother--my only sibling--one grandfather's carving knife, her father's knife to me. I never saw my brother's knife; mine had been sharpened so often it looked to be no more than half its original width. ...
The saying as I recall it was, "The Cabots speak only to the Lodges and the Lodges speak only to God." Maybe that's how dire hard times--i.e., a servant shortage--befell the Winthrops.
Happy Thanksgiving, Tracy, Lucian, and each of you.
————————
I sharpened a knife tonight in preparation of your coming over. I hoping to generally win praise for my knives tomorrow, that is, due to their sharpness. I'll give you the carbon steel one to slice the bird.
What a wonderful series of stories there are in this, and an absolutely delightful approach to Thanksgiving. I can see a painting by Norman Rockwell of you and Mr. Winthrop seated side by side presiding over three turkeys. You have a knack for seemingly effortlessly setting and animating scenes. Your recent reminiscences have been knockouts. Bravo, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Marvelous story. All the best from Reno, that you and your family have a splendid thanksgiving.
Love this! Happy Thanksgiving!
Another great story!}