IS YOUR KNIFE SHARP?

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 22, 11 June 1952, Page 5

IS YOUR KNIFE SHARP?

Successful freehand grinding of small tools holding them against, or moving them over a stone with the fingers without the aid of a clamp — depends largely on the sensitivity of the fingertips. Of course, what can be seen is important, but it is really the sense of touch that counts. By it you control pressure on the grinding surface, degree of bevel, straightness of edge and, on certain tools, the amount of metal removed. Much depends on how the tooi is held. To produce a smooth razor-edge, three or more operations must be delicately co-ordinated. Sharpening a pocket knife is an example. If you hold the knife lightly in one hand and the stone in the other, you can even close ycur eyes and still know just how much pressure is being applied, whether the blade is* riding flat on the grinding surface or at the proper angle, and whether the stroke is taking in the full length of the edge. Some carvers and others who are "fussy" about sharpening a pocket knife, claim that they get a smoother and keener edge by simuitaneously imparting a rotary niotion to both knife and stone. Tree-fellers frequently use the same motions in sharpening an axe with a round stone.