Proper Sharpening

[Whittled Thumb]

HOLY CRAP! I just got my home made detail knife so sharp it shaved my arm hairs off! I'm loving this knife! (see it in my new projects post)

For a while now I've been using mechanical knives and they were good, but now that I've figured out this sharpening thing, I will purchase me some proper carving knives soon. WOW ITS SHARP! LOL

[pallin]

BEWARE! Even a disposable razor will shave hairs off your arm, but is lousy for carving. An ideal cutting edge is a compromise between sharpness and durability. Take note of how your sharp knife holds up for the carving you do.

[Whittled Thumb]

Um......as Ive posted, Ive already carved with it, so it holds up fine

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Way to go! Great feeling when you learn how to sharpen, have fun!

Dave

[scooter]

Yah, that 'swish' sound of a sharp knife slicing through wood is sublime...

S~

[Robert Cahill]

Its great when a sharp knife goes through wood so easy but I think what Phil was saying that carving hair off your arm is not always the best way to check for sharpness. Slice across the grain of a piece of basswood and if there are any knicks in the wood it needs work even if it shaves the hair off your arm

[Whittled Thumb]

I know what hes saying but as I said, I have already carved with the knife