I have recently come into possession of an English paring knife and a leather spokeshave. The knife will need sharpening and the spokeshave blade needs to be reshaped a bit. Do we have the tools to do that? And can anyone just use them?
Assuming you know how to sharpen and/or reshape a blade on a vertical belt grinder, blacksmithing has an excellent 2x72. Last I knew, it’s training required and you’ll need to supply you own belt(s). The training is generally one on one as needed. @Team_Blacksmithing @jbrown885
That said, if you’re not familiar with sharpening and/or profiling on a vertical belt grinder, the tool is highly effective at turning great knives into powder/dull metal sticks.
Here is link to metal shop committee wiki:
https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Category:Metal_Shop
And one to the tools available there:
Thank you very much. I am not terribly familiar with sharpening beyond using lapping paper on chisels, but I will reach out for help.
EDIT: Though if the relevant person happens to see this, I will be in on the 1st for the leatherworking class and I would appreciate learning how to use the grinder.
We used to have a Lansky sharpening system with a set of four or five stones. I use something similar at home for my own pocket and kitchen knives. Good for sharpening - but not reshaping.
Since the closing of Hatchers, I’m not sure where it ended up.
Looks like this:
I second @brsims recommendation for using the KMG grinder for reshaping. Make sure to cool the blade more often than you think so as not to lose the blade’s temper. Holding a finger on the back of the blade will help to avoid overheating. Dip early - dip often.