Sharpening Stones

[doeboy]

Guys,

I figure who better to ask, i am lookin for a resources to purchase a large sharpening stone like they used in the thread for sharpening the Wensel Woodsman broad heads.I would use it for broadheads, but want it large enogh to get long strokes.Any one have a site for me?

I am also interested in a leather "strop" and some techniques on how to use it properly.Any resources for this type stuff?

[Jeremy]

Do a google search for The Museum of Woodworking Tools.  They have lots of info on sharpening and a store.  The biggest natural stones I've seen are 8" x 3", so getting a longer stone might be a problem, but you can sharpen nearly everything on an 8" stone.  KME sharpeners has great prices on good stones (and is a sponsor here).

As for a strop, lots of guys put some sort of rubbing compound on leather.  I kind of think that defeats the purpose.  In many cases the compounds guys are using are coarser than the final stone they honed with!  IMO a strop should just be some untreated oil tanned leather on a flat hard surface and used to take off whatever remains of the burr after the final honing.  It doesn't have to be real thick leather b/c you back it up with something, but it should be a firm temper.  You can pick up work chap scraps for a few $$ a pound and have enough for a lifetime of strops.

[Ray Hammond]

there are some huge japanese water stones on the market. Just do a google to find them.

[charlie brown]

Doeboy try  www.kmesharp.com    


Charley Brown.


8

[theunluckyhunter]

lansky makes decent enough sharpening systems, i like arkansas stones (hook it up lin) lol.


when i use a strop i have a piece of leather that my leather guy sent my (heavy veg tan)that i will just tack to my bench with spray adhesive.

[Soilarch]

Welcome to the jackpot.  Just decide how much you want to spend.
   Lee Valley\\'s Sharpening Supplies  

If money is no object they have a 10X4 diamond stone.  They have a variety of belt sanders setup for sharpening as well.

For mere mortals they have a 11.5X2.5 aluminum oxide oil stones.  A whole mess of water stones as well.  However, If you've never priced "good" water stone brace yourself for sticker shock.

There's strop equipment too, I believe they have some books/videos as well.
There are some other sites that are equally impressive but I can't recall them at this time.

[Lin Rhea]

I recommend the KME sharpening system, but some want to use the large stones. I do both depending on the situation.
     
    There are two places I get my large stone and I have them both linked on my knife site. I get the 1 X 3 X 12 inch in medium, fine white translucent, and sugical black. They can be pricey, but ask if they have seconds. They can be a lot less and do as well.

   Holler if I can help. Lin