Originally Posted by
Neil Miller
That's great info, Croaker! I have an old book somewhere with some pics of dogs in a razor factory. It seems that they weren't too particular how the wheels were powered - some illustrations show boys sat in the rafters turning a wheel joined by a belt to a larger grind-wheel, others show men moving large wheels and some show dogs. It seems that the continental grinders preferred dogs for two reasons: not only to turn the wheels, but also because it was cold in the factories. French razor grinders, unlike others, lay down over the wheel to grind and their legs often got cold, so they used to bring dogs to work with them. The dogs sat on their legs keeping them warm and also adding a bit of leverage. Now if only they could have taught them to grind... :)
Regards,
Neil