The grindstone is, although a somewhat simple invention, an important advancement made during
the Middle Ages. A grindstone is a round slab of stone, about a meter in diameter and varying in
width, made of either sandstone, granite, or any hard stone. It is used to sharpen tools such as knives
by turning the stone with the handle or two-handles on the sides and water dripping on it. The water
on the stone helps prevent the stone from overheating as it grinds on the object. Depending on the
design of the grindstone, it would take one or two people to turn the stone, while another person holds
the tool that is being sharpened.
the Middle Ages. A grindstone is a round slab of stone, about a meter in diameter and varying in
width, made of either sandstone, granite, or any hard stone. It is used to sharpen tools such as knives
by turning the stone with the handle or two-handles on the sides and water dripping on it. The water
on the stone helps prevent the stone from overheating as it grinds on the object. Depending on the
design of the grindstone, it would take one or two people to turn the stone, while another person holds
the tool that is being sharpened.
Even though the grindstone was invented around the early 1300s, it has actually been used for quite a long time. The design and use of the grindstone have evolved since its original design. For example, a foot pump allowing one person to not only turn the grindstone but also hold the tool was one of the few additions made to the original grindstone. This design was even used through the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although the grindstone may seem like a simple invention, its use has been seen from the early 1300s, when it was first introduced, to the early 1900s and beyond.
Sources
“A History of the World - Object: Grindstone.” BBC, BBC,
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/gczgWhKjRQSaGbNayttb5w.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/gczgWhKjRQSaGbNayttb5w.
Very interesting. Reminds me of the wet stones that we use today for sharpening kitchen knives. A grindstone sure would be a lot more convenient for sharpening dull kitchen knives-- though I'm not sure where I'd put it.
ReplyDeleteI recall seeing grindstones in either movies or films which took place during medieval Europe. I remember, however, Hollywood's grindstones are operated by the user's foot on a pedal. Similar to an old sewing machine. In fact, these grindstones were much larger and required multiple people to operate. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt is crazy that over time the grindstone has been condensed down to a single brick that a person can hold in one hand and the knife in the other. Were the grindstones of this size dangerous in any way? I just imagine some costly mistakes being made with a tool of this size.
ReplyDeleteThis post really relates to our current class topic medieval cities. You mention how the grindstone seems like a simple invention, but the creation of medieval cities finally gave people the opportunity to specialize into artisan jobs such as using the grindstone.
ReplyDelete