The knife/scissor sharpener announces his arrival with a musical theme emanating from a makeshift speaker planted on the top of an old clapped out car from the 70's. He and his partner, both gypsies, rove the the villages in search of work: scissors and knives to sharpen.

Each 3-5 minutes of work at 3 euros a pop is his means of making a living. The distinctive piercing sound alerts those in need of servicing and within minutes ladies are pouring out of their homes with scissors and knives in hand.

Clutching two pair of scissors and camera, I was the first to arrive in the village square where the "afilador" had parked his car, the music still blasting. Permission was granted to photograph him at work.

Machinery set up in the trunk and back seat of what appeared to be an old Pinto or Chevy Vega was the "shop on wheels". He quickly turned on the mini motor battery powered whetstone and went to work, sparks flying into the interior of the car. Two beautifully sharpened instruments were produced in a matter of minutes.

The photographs are without alterations.