Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Et_tu_brute on December 12, 2009, 05:53:54 pm
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Hi All,
I've seen quite a few posts on here with people saying that they don't sharpen some of their drawknives and leave them dull, what is the advantage in this? It doesn't make a lot of sense to be but I'm sure there's a sound reason for it.
Thanks in advance.
Dave
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I think a lot of it depends on the knife it's self and the user's methods. I like my knife sharp, but I have used other knives that were either too light or too thin and when sharp they dig or chatter too much. I say what ever works, go for it. ;)
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My knives are sharp and I mean sharp but those who like dull knives use them to wedge and pry off rings. Jim Hamm likes a dull knife so that says something. No dull tools on my shop though. Jawge
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What is the best way to sharpen them??
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I sharpen mine on an old Beltsander Belt that I have fastened to a Board....then I clamp the Board in my Vise and just draw my knife down the Belt...and believe Me it gets like a Razor really fast
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You draw it like you are cutting wood, or with the bevel on the sand paper?
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You draw it like you are cutting wood, or with the bevel on the sand paper?
Yep with the Bevel down....but on a slight angle to the Belt...no truly straight....just cant it a bit....like you would work a File.... ;)
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Sonds like a plan to me. I have tried to sharpen mine with a file, but that didn't work to well. I will definitely try an old belt. Thanks.
TJ
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TJ...use a good worn Belt when you do...or a 220 or finer...they will put a fine edge on one...just be careful with it when you are done..... :P
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Ok I understand.
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I use a dull draw knife for chasing a ring, but keep in mind that when you use this method it is no longer being used as a knife, as mentioned, it is a wedge. I am a true believer in "scary sharp" for all cutting tools, so don't try to use your dull knife for the same applications you would a sharp one.
just to repeat, if someone talks about using a dull drawknife for bow building, i am sure they are referreing to chasing rings and they are not using it for cutting, they are using it for wedging. When chasing a ring the dull knife will find the earlywood and pry off big sections without cutting into the next layer.
the only proper tool for cutting wood fibers is a very sharp blade.
I have two drawknives that i commonly use, one is dull and i have never sharpened it, this is used for chasing rings. the other is kept very sharp for all other stave reduction stuff.
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I agree. I chase rings with a dull knife, but the one I like to keep sharp has lost it's edge due to flopping around in a tool box. A dull one does like to find the crunchy layers in osage. ;D
TJ
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You guys that like dull knives oughta roll the edge like a scraper, then you have the tool.
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I use a medium stone to sharpen my knife. I keep the same bevel. The flip it and sharpen the back. Keep it flat against the blade. No grinder and no beltsander. Jawge
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I don't use a Beltsander either...Just the Belt...And I use it like a Stone
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I guess what some call dull and others call dull aren't the same maybe. I might use mine on a dozen or so bows between sharpeing. I don't really count but I sharpen when it doesn't work the way I want. I can easily take a raw stave to finished bow with osage in about 3 hours. ( 5 hours counting coffee and computer breaks) Whitewoods for some reason I like the edge a lot sharper. Osage seems to have some kind of oil in it that lubricates as it cuts. Steve
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Badger, I can do it in about 3 days if I book it. That includes fussing time, putting on the finish, sewing on the leather handle covering and naps. 3 hours is pretty quick. :) Jawge