Reds Leather Report post Posted November 17, 2011 Hey guys, first post. Been debating on leatherwork for 2 years, finally bought the supplies and started up. Anyway, I have a swivel knife blade which seems to have been damaged. Almost like the person before me used it as a chisel and sort of rolled the tip. The question is, how do i sharpen the blade without damaging it? I have knife sharpening blocks for pocket knives, should i use one of those? Or is there a method of stropping with compounds? Also, when stropping while making initial cuts into the leather, can you use a piece of leather for the compound? Or do you have to use cardboard? Thanks guys! Cant wait to ask, learn, answer and read! Cam (Red) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
terrymac Report post Posted November 18, 2011 Firstt thing I would suggest is getting a sharpening guide from Tandy to make sure you maintain the correct angle on both sides. Sharpening stones will work, you just a fine grit to finish off with. A piece of cardstock works great with compound for stropping as it will not tend to roll the edge over as can happen with soft leather. If the blade is really messed up, you maybe money ahead and purchasing a new blade. If you get one from Tandy, I promise you will need some time sharpening it as it will not come anywhere close to being sharp enough. Hope this helps Terry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reds Leather Report post Posted November 18, 2011 Firstt thing I would suggest is getting a sharpening guide from Tandy to make sure you maintain the correct angle on both sides. Sharpening stones will work, you just a fine grit to finish off with. A piece of cardstock works great with compound for stropping as it will not tend to roll the edge over as can happen with soft leather. If the blade is really messed up, you maybe money ahead and purchasing a new blade. If you get one from Tandy, I promise you will need some time sharpening it as it will not come anywhere close to being sharp enough. Hope this helps Terry Terry thanks a lot! I think im going to give the sharpening blocks a go, if they dont work, then ill just purchase a new blade. Thanks for your input though! Anyone else have any tips from lessons learned? Red Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
radar67 Report post Posted November 18, 2011 Once you get it sharp, keep a stropping pad close by and use it often. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mlapaglia Report post Posted November 18, 2011 (edited) I bought the Craftool Keen Edge Sharpener http://www.tandyleat...s/88118-00.aspx from Tandy and it really helps. Just do not tighten the blade screw at the end. If you leave it loose it will always be flat and not at an angle on the stone. Just keep a finger on it for when you pull back. Sharpen it in a figure 8 motion. Start with a coarse stone and finish with a fine stone and then strop. Only pull the blade on the strop. I made a strop with 3/4 oz leather on a paint stirring stick. Get a 5 gallon size and you will have to strop it less times as the stick is a lot longer. Cement the leather down with contact cement. Do half grain side up and half flesh side up. This gives you two different surfaces to work with. Trim the edge to the edge of the stick. I got the white compound from Tandy but I have heard that the green is better. You can get that at a hardware store. Walmart has the 5 gallon wooden stir sticks for 50 cents each. Once its sharp strop it before each use and often during the session. You will feel the difference. It really helps. Michael Edited November 18, 2011 by mlapaglia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
