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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000063.txt from 2003/12

From: "Lacy, Edwin" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: [DR-L] Landwell Knife
Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2003 14:45:45 -0500

<<<I just bought a Landwell knife (right handed). and i'm not very sure
how I should sharpen it.>>>

There are many methods. Here is one which I was taught about 50 years
ago, and which has always served me well. It is very similar to the
method that Landwell recommend in their booklet on knife sharpening.

Since you are right-handed, first place the knife flat on the stone with
the sharp edge toward you, and move it back and forth or in circular
motions, never lifting it from the stone. The purpose is to make a
perfectly flat surface on the part of the blade nearest the scraping
edge, on the blade that is to be turned away from you when the knife is
in use.

Then, turn the knife over, and hold it with the scraping edge turned
away from you, at about a 15 to 20 degree angle to the stone, or use
your sharpening guide. Move the knife back and forth several times,
making sure never to change the angle at which the knife is held. If
not using the sharpening guide, make sure to hold your wrists rigid.
Finally, lift the blade about 5 degrees higher, and finish with about
two or three strokes, pulling the knife only toward you.

After the blade has once been sharpened well, you may need to do the
complete sharpening job only once a week or so, unless you are making
many reeds. Between those times, just touch up the edge by repeating
only the last step in the process.

This is all a little difficult to explain without being able to
demonstrate it. I hope it makes sense to you.

Ed Lacy
University of Evansville