Introduce yourself

Hello everyone, I am Mdm Lee Hwee Chin and I have been sharpening knives for over 50 years! When my father and I first started learning the craft in the 1970s, there were so many accidents and complaints because we both lacked the experience. Today, I am able to confidently sharpen different types of knives ranging from filleting knives and cleavers to spears from dangkis (Taoist spirit mediums)!

To me, Home is…

A sense of familiarity. As I grow older, it is about maintaining a routine and living comfortably but meaningfully.

What does this craft mean to you?

To me, the business of knife sharpening is about trust. When customers entrust me with their knives, it is important for me to work diligently as these objects may have more value than we think – imagine how disastrous it would be if we damaged their family heirloom!

About Pow Li

The story of Pow Li began in the 1950s, when first-generation owner Mr Lee Wen Hen set up his own workspace at Kreta Ayer. Originally a carpenter, Mr Lee moved into knife-sharpening out of personal fascination for the craft. The name Pow Li was Mr Lee’s trademark. Mdm Lee explains: “Whenever customers asked if our knives were sharp, he would exclaim “pow li! pow li!” (“guaranteed sharp”). And that’s how the shop got its name.”