Calling the resident Chip Carving expert!

[vinht]

KenH,

I purchased a pair of carving knives today and gave my first "stab" at chip carving. Unfortunately, my results were less than desirable. I purchased the nice WB knives and honed them on sandpaper instead of ceramic stones. I tried it out on a piece of scrap poplar and the results were horrible. It was very difficult to work the wood.

I'm assuming I need to better sharpen the blade. I was wondering if you have any advice. Did you find it difficult at first too? Is it mostly the need for a very sharp blade or does technique play a larger part? The first and second positions described in WB's book is incredibly awkward.

Please help,
Vinh

[RLonning]

I know people are getting excellent results sharpening chisels and plane irons with sand paper. I don't know about chip carving knives. I use the ceramic stones followed by a leather strop and have gotten good results. I believe your "scrap poplar" might cause some problems. If the wood is too dry it may not cut well. There is a bit of a learning curve involved, my first efforts weren't great. I assume you are starting with simple triangle shaped chips? Keep at it and good luck.

[vinht]

You were right about the poplar. I pulled out some pine and had much more success. I guess now it's a matter of practice, practice, practice.

Thanks,
Vinh

[WoodPirate]

Hi Vinh,

You might want to look into the Lansky sharpening kits. I don't do chipcarving, but have used this system to sharpen all kinds of blades. I always get a razor edge and it's pretty stupid-proof.

Most sporting good stores carry them. Also, the way the system works your stones are always at at whatever angle you choose, so you don't get scratches on the side of the blade. Here's what it looks like...
http://store.yahoo.com/bradystools/shkitdesylal.html

<')))>{

[Jim-Iowa]

Am by no means an expert, and my work in no way compares to Ken`s.
But it seems I went down the same road as you.
After trying many, many methods of sharpening, I pretty well got that down, and believe it is the "Secret" to woodcarving.
There is nothing wrong with using sandpaper, but you need to get into the finer grades to finish your edge. An auto parts store carrys down to 2000 grit. I use down to 600 grit sandpaper and then a 1000/6000 grit Japanese waterstone and then lap with tripoli.
I always keep the lap handy and lap often, so I have little need to hone.
The hardest part for me to learn was to hold the angle right while sharpening.

I too started out with Poplar & Pine. Pine can be problematic.
The hard and soft bands make it nearly impssible to control your knife. You will find at least untill you get some experience you will have better luck with a wood without prominent grain like Basswood.
Hope this helps?