Thanks for the referral to those web sites. I had no idea that such things as
sharpening compounds existed. I figured it'd require clamping the reel and filing each
curved blade, which was more than I was willing to take on as a do-it-myself project.
The reelmowers page in particular was detailed and worked perfectly with my Great States
brand mower.

If anyone else out there is contemplating this task, I ended up needing two
flathead screwdrivers (one large, one small), some paper towels, and maybe two teaspoonfuls
of this sharpening compound stuff. Lowe's didn't have the sharpening compound but Schuck's
(Rainier and McClellan) did, two pots for $15—enough to last for a long time to come.

I did just fine without the crank dealie that comes with "sharpening kits" for sale online at $30 or so.

It took about half an hour all told, and that included several trips into and out of the house to find the
darn screwdrivers. Definitely a do-able task for someone with a little time on their hands and some
mechanical aptitude.

I still think that there could be an opportunity for a little side business here, if anyone is willing to go
for it. As it happens, I had a little free time, the confidence to try it, and the willingness to get my hands
dirty. Other times I don't and I would be more than happy to pay someone $20 or so for their efforts.
I'm sure I'm not alone!

Found this in the Internets using the google:
http://www.ehow.com/how_118251_sharpen-push-mower.html
http://www.reelmowers.info/

I have used a metal file to do this, flattening and squaring the blades where they meet the cutting bar.

-Sean Kelly
45th ave s

Again, this is for a nonmotorized mower, with a reel-type blade rather than a fan-type blade. So many people are
"going green" with their lawn care that reel mowers have started to get more popular…I wouldn't be surprised if
some push-mower services have sprung up in their wake. Now I just need to find one! Thanks.