Scary Sharp

[Tucson Bill]

After reading about the scary sharp method so much, I thought I would give it a shot. Ordered some sticky back sandpaper from Rockler. It was some of the refills for their sharpening system. 8 grits from 220 to 2000. Went down to Home Depot and picked up a couple of marble tiles to stick the sandpaper to.

I had a brand new Butz knife from Woodcraft. These knives traditionally need a good deal sharpening in my experience.

I started at 220 grit and worked my up through the numbers, and then a few minutes with the strop to get rid of the wire edge. I must say, I am really impressed. The knife sliced right through the end grain and left a nice smooth, shiny finish on the wood. Now where did i put those Henry Taylor tools??

[GeorgiaCarver]

Funny you should mention Henry Taylor tools..... I was at Woodcraft this weekend in Greenville SC and they had all of their Henry Taylor tools on clearance. Seems they are going to stop selling them.

Anyway, when I got home I checked the edge. Not sharp in the least, very rough edge which will take quite a bit of work. I was surprised as I have always purchased Pfiel tools which come sharp.

Greg

[Tucson Bill]

Yep, know what you mean. The Pfeils come ready to use. I bought 3 or 4 Henry Taylors to save money. That was before Woodcraft lowered prices on the Pfeils. Being new to carving I pretty much believed what ever I was told. So when the sales guy at Woodcraft said they were sharpened, but needed to be stropped, I foolishly believed him. I could have worn out a couple of strops by now!! Now I buy Pfeils!!

[buckbeans]

I personally do not care if a tool is sharpened or not just as long as it is well constructed with good steel and well tempered. Both Ashley isles and taylor assume the wood carver have their own preferences with the bevel and will be establishing their own soon enough.

The Henry Taylor know this and pass the savings on to the customers.

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Originally Posted by buckbeans

I personally do not care if a tool is sharpened or not just as long as it is well constructed with good steel and well tempered. Both Ashley isles and taylor assume the wood carver have their own preferences with the bevel and will be establishing their own soon enough.

The Henry Taylor know this and pass the savings on to the customers.

This "sharp out of the box" stuff frequently comes up. I was one of the major complainers up until a few years ago when it was explained to me that most of the high quality tools are made for professional carvers. As such, the manufacturer has no idea what wood the person who buys the tool is going to be carving. So they put a compromise bevel on the tool, figuring the professional carver will tailor it to his wood. They are, after all, mostly European manufacturers where the tradition is carving harder woods. Some dealers offer sharpening services with their tools. The better ones always ask what wood you'll be using, or (like Rick) state that they are sharpening for basswood, unless told otherwise.

[brian-bailey]

The current issue of Popular Woodworking Mag. Oct.2006 #157 has an excellent article by Master Carver David Calvo www.davidcalvo.com on essential carving tools and sharpening techniques.

In comparing tools, he makes an interesting comment on Swiss brands as being the poorest quality on the market today. Oh well, each to his own I quess.

[FK]

Not surprised at Calvo having negative comments on Swiss brand tools.

He is a dealer for Two Cherries brand!!!

They are for sale on his web site!!

Regards.
FK