retired and back at carving

[therenow]

been too busy to carve but now that I am retired I can..I carve Cowboys and figures. My problem is getting my tools sharp. My question: should I sharpne my knives on one side until I see a wire and then the other side till I se a wire? or..is there a better econmomical way to get that stuff over with and get to carving.Cowboy

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Welcome to the forum. Here is a link on sharpening. Don't forget a carving glove !!!!

Smoky Mountain Woodcarving Supply Sharpening Page

Dave

[therenow]

Originally Posted by Gulf Coast Handyman

Welcome to the forum. Here is a link on sharpening. Don't forget a carving glove !!!!

Smoky Mountain Woodcarving Supply Sharpening Page

Dave

Thanks for the info. I read it through but have a question: When sharpening a carving knife on an oil stone, Do I pass the blade forward and backwards on one side of the knife to achieve a wire? Or should I alternate both sides of the blade on the stone. I am having a problem getting a wire on the knife edge.

[TreeWizard]

I sharpen one side for about 50 strokes, then the other side for 50 strokes. Then look for a wire edge. Also remember once you have the knife sharp all you should have to do is strope it to keep it that way unless you knick the blade.

[therenow]

Originally Posted by TreeWizard

I sharpen one side for about 50 strokes, then the other side for 50 strokes. Then look for a wire edge. Also remember once you have the knife sharp all you should have to do is strope it to keep it that way unless you knick the blade.

Thanks tree

One more dumb question...what are you using to sharpen? Oil stone, Diamond, wet sandpaper?

Thanks in advance

[Clifford_Parker]

Let me muddy the water just a little.

How to Sharpen Your Wood Carving Tools - Deepwoods Ventures

Sharpening Questions with Timmy

Sharpening Your Carving Tools

Woodcarving, Sharpening Carving Tools, Carving Instruction

and my own humble effort

Sharpening

The type of abrasive you use is a personal choice. I prefer to use "oil stones" but use them dry.

[therenow]

Thanks Cliff....Tomorow I will be a sharper carver.

Originally Posted by Clifford_Parker

Let me muddy the water just a little.



How to Sharpen Your Wood Carving Tools - Deepwoods Ventures

Sharpening Questions with Timmy

Sharpening Your Carving Tools

Woodcarving, Sharpening Carving Tools, Carving Instruction

and my own humble effort

Sharpening

The type of abrasive you use is a personal choice. I prefer to use "oil stones" but use them dry.