Demand rises for sharpening old tools as new blades get expensive

Sales are taking place online as well as at blacksmith shops and traditional blacksmith neighbourhoods

Blacksmith workshops across the capital have roared to life with the rhythmic, synchronised clanking of hammers on glowing, coal-fired iron.

With Eid-ul-Azha just days away, the traditional blacksmith quarters -- known as Kamarpara -- are witnessing their busiest season of the year.

A sharp rise in the prices of raw materials, specifically iron and coal, has pushed up the manufacturing costs of sacrificial tools like machetes, knives, and cleavers, leaving blacksmiths worried about declining sales.

A tour of the capital’s major hubs, including Karwan Bazar, Chand Udyan, and Mohammadpur, revealed artisans working around the clock, shaping new metalwares and sharpening old ones.

But the high price tags are deterring many shoppers, who are instead choosing to refurbish their old tools rather than buy new ones.

Over the past six months, the price of iron has surged by Tk 10,000 to Tk 15,000 per tonne in the domestic market.

Coal prices, on the other hand, have also increased, severely squeezing the profit margins of blacksmiths.

Fahim, who has been working in the Karwan Bazar blacksmith colony for a decade, explained that seasonal labour shortages further compound the pricing pressures.

"Both iron and coal are expensive now. On top of that, labour wages spike during the peak season. A helper who works for Tk 500 to Tk 600 a day during the off-season demands Tk 1,000 now," said Fahim, who also sells his tools online.

Amir Hossain, owner of Bhola Sadar Hardware in the same market, offered a contrasting view, claiming that retail prices have largely remained stable compared to previous years.

Buyers, on the other hand, complained about blatant price hikes.

Monirul Islam, a shopper from Shantibagh who came to Karwan Bazar, said: "I buy a tool or two every couple of years because the old ones get lost or rusty. This year, the sellers are asking Tk 1,000 for a single meat cleaver (chapatti). I bought the exact same item for Tk 650 two years ago."

While the wholesale Karwan Bazar-- home to about 25 blacksmith shops -- remained busy with new tools, neighbourhood workshops like in Mohammadpur and Chand Udyan are seeing a massive rush for tool sharpening services.

At Mohammadpur’s Glass Factory Lane, Sadeq, identified with a single name, a local resident, was seen haggling over the price of sharpening his old kitchen blades.

He eventually settled on Tk 170 to sharpen a cleaver and a machete, though he also reluctantly bought a new cleaver.

"Last year, I bought a cleaver for Tk 700. This year, the same item cost me Tk 900," Sadeq said.

Ebaidul Islam, an artisan from Bogura’s Adamdighi who has been in the trade since the age of 12, said: "Coal and iron are costly, so we have to charge a bit more this time. Sales have picked up for Eid, but the volume is significantly lower than in previous years."

Many traditional traders are moving online.

E-commerce platforms like Bikroyshohoj.com, Ofuronto.com, Othoba.com, and eFeri.com have set up virtual cattle-market gear stores.

A browse through these digital storefronts revealed that premium 12-inch steel slaughtering knives are selling for up to Tk 1,800, while specialised leavers are priced at Tk 950.