Rag Wheels For Tool Sharpening...

[Dull Knife]

Does any one use these??

A number of years ago I saw an advertisement for a combination rag wheel and hard paper wheel for sharpening. I love the way the hard paper wheel hones my knives, but I'm scared to death of the rag wheel.....it's dangerous.
I've had one of my carving tools pulled right out of my hand. Now I don't use it any more.

How's one supposed to put the compound on to the paper wheel? The instructions say to hold the compound stick on to the wheel as it's operating, but the compound just flies all over the place, and none gets on to the wheel.....so does any one have a suggestion for me.

[Mitchell]

I would not recommend the "rag wheel" for knives. Works well with gouges.

You can put the compound on the paper wheel with it NOT running. Just rub a little on..much like chalk on a board...doesn't take much.

If you put it on as it's running, it does get on the wheel - just hard to see.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I have put compound on a felt wheel with the machine off, I turn the wheel by hand and hold the compound up to it. I agree with Mitchell, stay away from a rag wheel with a knife.

Dave