Sharpen up at Coledale Markets
Keyna Imray's Art of Sharp is a sustainable service that gives a new edge to old knives, scissors and garden tools, writes Fiona McKay
Keyna Imray had a dream to sharpen knives at the Coledale Markets. That dream is now real.
When Keyna lived in the northern suburbs, the Coledale Market, with its positive community feel and an emphasis on recycling and sustainability, seemed to be a perfect fit for a sharpening service. Keyna imagined herself as part of the market giving a new edge to the community’s blunt knives, scissors and garden tools.
This developed into an idea for a retirement project – a sharpening service Keyna could offer the Illawarra community to extend the life of knives and tools in our throw away society.
That spark of an idea has become Art of Sharp.
Although her retirement is still a dream, Keyna has been sharpening and honing her skills over the last few years. Art of Sharp operates out of her home, in between her work and family commitments. Keyna is gradually building her dream.
No knife is too big or small. Each one is given individual attention, depending on its needs. There was the Japanese kitchen knife that had been used to cut frozen dog meat. A knife that had been used to open a coconut that needed its tip reshaped. The precious bought-on-our-honeymoon Swiss Army Knife that had a dulled edge. The machete used by a Bushcare group that was rusty, blunt and had a broken handle, but was oh, so useful. Knives that that had scaled and filleted too many fish. Secateurs that had pruned too many branches. Precious fabric scissors that had been party to making many-a quilt.
Keyna’s challenge is to take each blade, assess it and give it just what it needs.
Any knife, scissors or garden tool that doesn’t receive the same performance review that it used to get from its owner is entitled to an individual assessment. And a new edge.
Art of Sharp can now be found at Coledale Market on the fourth Sunday of each month. BYO knives, scissors and garden tools.
To contact, Art of Sharp text or call 0416 218 235.
About the writer
Fiona McKay is a retired teacher, writer and explorer of creativity, who supports her friend Keyna and Art of Sharp in every way she can.
