Hey everyone! I recently got a whittling knife from BeaverCraft and I've found myself sharpening it every 5 to 8 hours of carving, which seems like a lot. I also strop my knife every 15 to 30 minutes while working. Is this normal, or is it possible that my knife is too soft? I've heard that BeaverCraft sometimes has issues with heat treating. Also, does the sharpening frequency differ for other carving tools like chisels and gouges? Thanks!
2 Answers
It really depends on the type of blade you're using. If it's a high-end steel like S35VN, you might not need to sharpen for months if you care for it well. But beginner tools often require more frequent attention. Just strop every 15 minutes at least, and only sharpen when absolutely necessary to maintain that edge.
You're definitely sharpening more often than most folks. For me, stropping every 10-15 minutes is enough for upkeep. I only sharpen when I really need to, usually when I hit harder wood. It's all about your technique, too—get a good edge initially and stropping should keep it in shape without frequent sharpening.
Totally agree! I find that with good sharpening at the start, my tools can go a long time before needing a real sharpen.