I am not a tool tart just a practical person!

[Leader]

Well, it's a stop gap solution for now. I needed a new one anyway. My longer term plan is one of the fixed blade electricians knives. I'm looking at several that have been suggested in this thread.

What knife did you end up with SC and what did you base your decision on? I'm looking for a decent one just now.

 

[Squid]

.

 

[SparkyChick]

What knife did you end up with SC and what did you base your decision on? I'm looking for a decent one just now.

I haven't made a decision yet, so I'm still using my stop gap Fatmax Folding Stanley. Does the job quite nicely

I guess the issue is if you spend money on a decent knife, you're going to want to keep it which means maintenance (i.e. sharpening)... I struggle to sharpen things. I can only get a decent edge on my wood chisels if I use one of those guide things, and knifes... I've never been able to sharpen a knife properly, so I'm reluctant to spend money on something that will need maintenance that I can't provide. I probably just need to practice, but it's finding the time.

 

[telectrix]

I haven't made a decision yet, so I'm still using my stop gap Fatmax Folding Stanley. Does the job quite nicely

I guess the issue is if you spend money on a decent knife, you're going to want to keep it which means maintenance (i.e. sharpening)... I struggle to sharpen things. I can only get a decent edge on my wood chisels if I use one of those guide things, and knifes... I've never been able to sharpen a knife properly, so I'm reluctant to spend money on something that will need maintenance that I can't provide. I probably just need to practice, but it's finding the time.

 

[SparkyChick]

I know what a whetstone is

But knowing what it is does not unfortunately equate to being able to use it properly. I struggle with the angles and end up with a really naff edge.

 

[Phil Thompson]

If it's naff then it's too steep. Make it shallower. You learn from practice, watch a couple YouTube videos for a handy way to do it.

 

[Leader]

I struggle with sharpening tools too. I did try looking up how to do my chisels it properly but i didn't find much that helped me.

 

[HandySparks]

I struggle with sharpening tools too. I did try looking up how to do my chisels it properly but i didn't find much that helped me.

I recommend this from Trend:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/trend-s-fts-kit-fast-track-sharpening-system/84728

 

[Leader]

Thanks HS, I've added it to my basket for next time I'm feeling flush.

 

[SparkyChick]

I recommend this from Trend:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/trend-s-fts-kit-fast-track-sharpening-system/84728

How long do those sharpening pads last? I've tended to steer clear of them because I'm just not sure of their durability compared with say a decent whetstone.

 

[Squid]

Or get something like this,

Clarke CMPS1 Multipurpose Sharpening Machine - Machine Mart - Machine Mart - https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-cmps1-multipurpose-sharpening-tool/

 

[loulew]

This lansky blade medic is a great addition to the tool box if you use a knife. A few passes every now and again will keep it sharp, will take out minor damage and restore the edge.

Also you can get a honing guide for chisels that will keep the correct angle on a whetstone.

 

[SparkyChick]

This lansky blade medic is a great addition to the tool box if you use a knife. A few passes every now and again will keep it sharp, will take out minor damage and restore the edge.

View attachment 38154

Also you can get a honing guide for chisels that will keep the correct angle on a whetstone.

That was the word I was looking for... honing guide... got one of them and have been able to get a good edge on my wood chisels

 

[telectrix]

what use is a chisel made of wood?

 

[HandySparks]

How long do those sharpening pads last? I've tended to steer clear of them because I'm just not sure of their durability compared with say a decent whetstone.

I don't know, but it took a session to get the angles on five chisels right, then just an occasional touch-up as required. No real signs of wear.