Did Iron really sharpen Iron ?

[Jacksonday]

I've been curious about how iron tools were sharpened in the Iron Age and whether people actually used iron to sharpen iron. I do a lot of knife sharpening myself, but I don't own any ancient implements to test this out. From what I've read, early metalworkers typically used files, hammers, and grinding stones rather than relying on iron itself to refine an edge.
So now I do wonder, was the phrase "Iron sharpens iron" ever meant to be taken literally, or was it always more of a metaphor? If iron was used to maintain other iron tools, I'd love to know how it worked. Does anyone have insights into historical metalworking or has tried experimenting with this?

 

[BlazeInferno88]

I've been curious about how iron tools were sharpened in the Iron Age and whether people actually used iron to sharpen iron. I do a lot of knife sharpening myself, but I don't own any ancient implements to test this out. From what I've read, early metalworkers typically used files, hammers, and grinding stones rather than relying on iron itself to refine an edge.
So now I do wonder, was the phrase "Iron sharpens iron" ever meant to be taken literally, or was it always more of a metaphor? If iron was used to maintain other iron tools, I'd love to know how it worked. Does anyone have insights into historical metalworking or has tried experimenting with this?

i bet those old thing used rocks and files like you said. that "iron sharpens iron" line its like "man up" or something. no clue how they'd make it work.

 

[HandsomeBlueCollar]

"Iron sharpens iron"

It's a metaphor, man. iron can't really sharpen iron, maybe just refining it

 

[gl0vetr0tt3r]

I've been curious about how iron tools were sharpened in the Iron Age and whether people actually used iron to sharpen iron. I do a lot of knife sharpening myself, but I don't own any ancient implements to test this out. From what I've read, early metalworkers typically used files, hammers, and grinding stones rather than relying on iron itself to refine an edge.
So now I do wonder, was the phrase "Iron sharpens iron" ever meant to be taken literally, or was it always more of a metaphor? If iron was used to maintain other iron tools, I'd love to know how it worked. Does anyone have insights into historical metalworking or has tried experimenting with this?

My mentor mentioned this phrase to me years ago explaining how we work iron against iron using tools to make better tools. It's like learning from another experienced smith. They help you get a better edge on your skills. So @HandsomeBlueCollar is right when he said it's a metaphor but one that's rooted in the practical know-how of how blacksmiths worked with metal back then!

 

[LRB]

I believe the saying comes from iron becoming steel when carburized to a degree that it can be hardened and made into a tool that cuts softer iron/steels.

 

[Deleted member 87]

It's a metaphor, man. iron can't really sharpen iron, maybe just refining it

watch Japanese swordsmiths shape the bevel with a steel draw knife, or chefs use a steel to home a chefs knife. By definition, sharpening is refining, e.g. a fine edge.

 

[Mason P]

I believe it is talking about honing in the same way a kitchen knife is honed with a honing steel. Also scythes are peened on an anvil and razors and fine cutting edges used to be as well.

 

[Honeymoon Ave.]

I've been curious about how iron tools were sharpened in the Iron Age and whether people actually used iron to sharpen iron. I do a lot of knife sharpening myself, but I don't own any ancient implements to test this out. From what I've read, early metalworkers typically used files, hammers, and grinding stones rather than relying on iron itself to refine an edge.
So now I do wonder, was the phrase "Iron sharpens iron" ever meant to be taken literally, or was it always more of a metaphor? If iron was used to maintain other iron tools, I'd love to know how it worked. Does anyone have insights into historical metalworking or has tried experimenting with this?

I wondered the same thing a couple months back and figured that it was mostly grindstones and whetstones doing the heavy lifting back then and not iron on iron. Feels like the phrase you're saying is metaphorical, like one strong person making another person better through friction? Or did I look too much into it.

 

[Mason P]

I wondered the same thing a couple months back and figured that it was mostly grindstones and whetstones doing the heavy lifting back then and not iron on iron. Feels like the phrase you're saying is metaphorical, like one strong person making another person better through friction? Or did I look too much into it.

It comes from a scripture in the Bible that is talking about the importance of being with other believers so in context it is about honing your faith really (sorry mods if this is bending the rules a bit just want to put some proper context)