Abstract: Apparatus and a method for sharpening blades of a lawn mower cutting cylinder are disclosed. In the apparatus, a cutting cylinder is mounted on a fixed bed whereupon it can be subjected to the sharpening action of a grinding wheel passing along the length of its blades. The apparatus comprises urging means for resiliently urging the cylinder to rotate during the pass of the grinding wheel and to urge the blade against a support member. Additionally, indexing means is provided operable to rotate the cylinder about its axis to bring successive blades into position for sharpening by the grinding wheel.