Whittling Tools That Hold an Edge

(Page 2 of 2)

May/June 1985
By Glenn Jacobs 
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If you haven't already affixed a handle, cut a few inches off an old broomstick, drill a hole in it, and epoxy the blade into the hole. (You may also want to shape your handle.)

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When you test out this new tool, those big, curly shavings should just zip right off. If they don't, you'll have to sharpen the blade again—this time with a large whetstone. For this task, make sure you have a genuine Carborundum stone. [EDITOR'S NOTE: We've found that Arkansas oilstones work well too.] Simply pretend you're scraping an invisible decal off with the steel. Then, when you think you're close to achieving the edge you want, use the fine side of the stone (or a harder Arkansas), and if you're forming a flat tool, at the very last you can tom the blade over after each rub.

When you can shave with the blade, you have the sharpness you need for some fine whittling. [EDITOR'S NOTE: We've found ceramic stick sharpeners to work well in finishing dished gouges.]

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Using this technique, I've made a large knife and a small one . . . big and little gouges . . . and a V-shaped gouge for making t'shaped notches. And you know what? I've had more fun carving with these tools than I ever did with store-bought ones! What's more, counting my time and the gas, I guess they cost me about a dime apiece!

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