Right in the heart of the Bolhão Market, it's not just fresh produce or flowers that are for sale. Those who descend the main staircase will find, on the right side, the stall of André Amolador (André the Knife Sharpener). Together with his wife, Susana, he dedicates himself to showcasing a "profession on the verge of extinction," but one that continues to spark interest and curiosity. His determination to see the craft recognized has won, and his name is now included in the National Network of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
"This step is very important to me, but I want to go even further," says André Fernandes, who dreams of seeing his art recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. What the merchant did not expect was to receive help in the pursuit of this dream. This Friday, the sharpener was surprised by a visit from the Mayor of Porto, Pedro Duarte, who guaranteed that the municipality "will support the application process for this traditional art."
"There are professions that help tell the story of cities, and this is one of them. André keeps that history alive, every day, with a lot of hard work and dedication," congratulated Pedro Duarte, recalling "that preserving our heritage is protecting the knowledge and the people who give Porto its soul."
For now, André Fernandes sees his name listed in the National Network of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which functions as an informal platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices.
The resilience to prove that the art of sharpening knives is still more than just a tradition led André and Susana to launch an application that quickly received a positive response. "This was my wife's idea, which I eagerly embraced and wanted to push forward," reveals the sharpener—one of the youngest in the country.
"People usually say that behind every great man, there is a great woman. I always say that my wife is always by my side, and sometimes ahead of me," he admits, noting that it was in harmony with his wife that his craft gained more and more recognition, consolidating the registered and certified brand André Amolador.
Because it is "a profession that is on the verge of extinction," André never tires of trying to "open new horizons" and reinvent himself within his art. Currently, besides being a sharpener, he also dedicates himself to repairing umbrellas and handcrafting cutlery—one of the aspects that most catches the attention of market visitors.
Although the business originated with his grandfather and still maintains loyal customers from several decades ago, André admits that his work also thrives on tourism.
"I’m the queen of the market," Susana shouts with a crown on her head, drawing the attention of a pair of American tourists. "She helps me with the sales side, and I am more dedicated to the practical service," André reveals, describing how the days go by serving at the historic market.
While the routine at Bolhão stalls 29 and 30 now centers on André and Susana, it was different in the past. Behind the displays of knives, pocket knives, and scissors shown to customers, a door hides a mural containing the entire history of this family of sharpeners.
With pride, the sharpener shares that the passion for this art began with his grandfather, who, back in 1985, was already featured in a report by the newspaper O Comércio do Porto.
The news article is proudly displayed in the workshop and proves that the family's talent has run through the Fernandes bloodline for several decades. It passed to André's father and is now in his hands. Before this, he had "many jobs," even working as a baker, but "duty" called him when he least expected it.
"In 2013 was when I took over running this alone. My father passed away in 2007, and I wanted to continue this profession," he recalls, noting that "since his school days," he had been learning the craft he is proud of today.
"My father wished that one of his children would continue," explains André, who holds the conviction of seeing the business endure within the family. Although he has a daughter who is already showing interest in the craft, the sharpener ensures that his only wish for his two heirs is for them "to be happy."
For now, he guarantees, the sound of the sharpener's flute will continue to echo through the Bolhão Market.
