[Woodcarver] Sharpen Crescent Blades

[ellenwoodarts]

Bob,

If it is just to keep an ultra-sharp edge on the blades; rub some honing
compound in a piece of cardboard, like that from the back of a tablet or the
inside of a cereal box, and conform the cardboard to the concave shape of
the blade. Lay the blade on the cardboard strop and pull it through the
honing compound. Do this on both sides of the blade and you'll find it will
put the edge back on, and maybe even sharper than when you bought it.

For your convex blades; rub honing compound in the cardboard and pull the
blade across the cardboard strop, following the contour of the blade. Do
this on both sides of the blade.

If the blade has nicks, or needs to be reshaped, do the same procedure using
about 600 grit sandpaper. For the concave blade, use a full sheet and fold
it so it is one fourth the original size (this will give it some body so you
can conform the sandpaper to the shape of the tool). Once the tool is
shaped, go to the cardboard strop. 

For your convex blades; use a fine sharpening stone to shape the blade (or
some sandpaper on a flat surface), and then go to the cardboard strop.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at: 507-289-2616,
because it's more fun carving with sharp tools.

Ev Ellenwood

www.ellenwoodarts.com

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