itinerant knife grinders

[perrymason]

I'm at a loss to work out why it be any easier to do so with a long knife from behind, or from the side, Mike.

Hi Sam,

I would imagine that act took both hands, one to hold the wound open, or pull viscera as its cut free. I dont imagine he cuts and then sets the knife down to use his right hand to reach in and pull.

The angle his elbow would have to be at in order to do some of the smaller cuts to free bits, or the nicks and nose, would be severe. A blade say 11-13 inches long...as it can be in some cases versus a blade 6-8 inches sharpened to cut precisely, not to sever completely. Doesnt mean he used it precisely always.

If hes a local guy and not medically affiliated, poor or severely poor, is he likely to have a tool that contemporary surgeons used, or one that almost any hawker, docker or part time street walker could afford...or steal.

Cheers Sam.

[Paddy Goose]

Having seen a great photograph of an itinerant knife grinder, who wheels his gear around the streets,...

Miss Marple, I found one. From East London 1905.

Paddy