Mr. Kwan Yat Ming inherited his father’s business and has become a knife sharpening master. He has operated for more than 40 years under the signboard of “Kwan Wai Kee Cutting Wares, Scissors and Grocery” founded by his father. Mr. Kwan insists to develop his skills and craftsmanship despite the rise and fall of the industry. He has his insights on the application of various cutting wares and scissors. He is also a professional locksmith. During times when we are emphasizing the importance of environmental protection, the knife sharpening expertise absolutely deserves an inheritance.
“You need a Small Slicer for cutting meat, while Kau Kong chopper is for cutting bones. Wash them under running water every time after use and dry them with a cloth. Your chopper lasts longer this way. Never let it drips until dried. After using for a period of time, you’d better sharpen your cutting wares, like once or twice a year. Buy a new cutting ware which is already sharpened or ask a master to help you sharpening it first. The quality of cutting wares made in Japan or Germany is always better." Mr. Kwan kept pouring out his knowledge about cutting wares.
Cutting wares would be ruined if they are grinded improperly with a convenient whetstone, he continued. To best grind a chopper, put it through a cutting tool and grind it with a whetstone. Whetstones can be made of talc or Shiba stones. This is a big test for a knife sharpener.
Confronted with the disappearing of the knife sharpening industry, Mr. Kwan has also developed the locksmith services. Owing to his advanced craftsmanship in knife sharpening, it only took Mr. Kwan two months to master the skills of a locksmith, which brings his stall a steady source of income. The knife sharpening industry is uncertain, however, Mr. Kwan said he will insist and keep doing it as long as he has the ability.