There are no good knives in the blacksmith's house.

What it means

The blacksmith sells his best work and keeps the worn blades for himself. Experts often neglect at home the very thing they are expert in. Give your own life the care you give your clients.

The source

"There are no good knives in the blacksmith's house." This Korean proverb is recorded in The Korea Review 1 (1901), 'Korean Proverbs', p. 52. Translated by The Korea Review (H. B. Hulbert, ed.), 1901.

"There are no good knives in a blacksmith's house."

The Korea Review (H. B. Hulbert, ed.), 1901, The Korea Review 1 (1901), 'Korean Proverbs', p. 52. Text read at archive.org.

Who said it

Proverbs of the world (Every age). Sayings from the Latin, Greek, Norse, Japanese, Chinese and more, each traced to an old source in its own language.

Questions

What does "There are no good knives in the blacksmith's house." mean?

The blacksmith sells his best work and keeps the worn blades for himself. Experts often neglect at home the very thing they are expert in. Give your own life the care you give your clients.

Who said "There are no good knives in the blacksmith's house."?

Korean proverb. Source: The Korea Review 1 (1901), 'Korean Proverbs', p. 52.

What is the original wording?

There are no good knives in a blacksmith's house (The Korea Review (H. B. Hulbert, ed.), 1901). Translated by The Korea Review (H. B. Hulbert, ed.), 1901.

Is "There are no good knives in the blacksmith's house." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"There are no good knives in the blacksmith's house." (Korean proverb, The Korea Review 1 (1901), 'Korean Proverbs', p. 52, trans. The Korea Review (H. B. Hulbert, ed.), 1901). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/there-are-no-good-knives-in-the-blacksmiths