This is a translation of the German Wikipedia entry concerning "Schleifer":
The grinder (Latin: acuciator, acuminator or acutiator) is a craftsman who works on workpieces by grinding.
Grinders mainly work in the field of metal processing in foundries as well as in companies for machine, plant and apparatus construction, metal products or vehicle technology.
In the Middle Ages, the so-called "Bliesen" meant the grinding of the sword. The "Blieser", a separate profession, carried out the grinding by hand. Once the sword had been forged, it was sharpened. The "Blieser" then took care of the fine grinding (polishing), starting with coarser stones such as sandstone and finishing with a Belgian chunk of the finest grain. Fine grinding was common for ceremonial and ceremonial swords.
In German, "Schleifer" is also used figuratively to refer to an extremely harsh drill instructor.
