Yellow Bellied French Knifemakers

[RustyIron]

You kids might enjoy these pictures of French knife sharpeners taken in 1902. I wasn't actually there, but this is the way I've heard it. The city of Theirs was a knife-making center for hundreds of years, beginning in the 14th century. The sharpening buildings were built adjacent to the river, and power was provided via waterwheels. The sharpeners laid face-down on a table because it was more comfortable than being hunched over a grindstone. It was really cold, so they all had dogs to keep them warm. Because they laid on their stomachs, the sharpeners were called "yellow bellies."

[Naperville]

It's bring your dog to work day every day!

I might take that job.

[JRinFL]

My doggos would have been good at that job. It's just their speed.

[Naperville]

My doggos would have been good at that job. It's just their speed.

[Bolster]

That's some very clever, outside-the-box thinking. I believe I first saw photos such as these in some Opinel literature. When I hike for hours with my hands hanging down, my hands swell. I wonder if these hommes had the same issue. I love the idea of making the dogs work. I wish I could get some work out of mine.

[LordDisneyland]

Never heard of this - fantastic! :D I used to collect early- XXth century pictures of people at work, but this is completely new to me....BTW, looks like it's the dream job for the bassett :D

[Bdubs808]

Ah that is a cool history fact, thank you for sharing.