Knives for Rosh Hashana
Question
Why do some people buy a new knife for Rosh Hashana?
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
The reason for this widepsread custom is that the word "Chatach," which means "cut," is also the name of the angel in charge of people's livelihood.
So too, the final letters of the words, פותח את ידך, "You open up Your hand" (Psalms 145:16), spell "chatach."
Finally, the next word in the verse just quoted is, "u'masbia" – which means "and satisfy [the desire of every living being]". Masbia has the numerical value of 428 which is the same numerical value as the word "chatach."
The new knife -with a new cut- is said to be a segula to arouse the angel Chatach to have us inscribed for sustenance and livelihood in the coming year.