Trimming tool sharpening

[Nelly]

Dear All,

 

I am just wondering how many people sharpen their trimming tools?? I use the cheap ones called "William" tools. These are the ones with the square and looped end. I have at least 12 of these. I buy a new one when the old one gets dull. I have quite a collection.

 

I do not have a grinder. I do, however, have a man up the road who sharpens knives. Do you think I could take in my collection and have these sharpened by him or am I ahead of the game just continuing to buy one when the others dull.

 

Of course, I do know that there are some great new tools out there that do not require huge up keep and maintain their edge fairly well.

 

What do you do when your trimming tools need sharpening? Do you grind them or simply replace them after a time?

 

Nelly

[Mark C.]

You can use a dremel tool with small grinder bits or jewelers files to sharpen them-

They are just carbon steel and file/grind easy.

 

 

I used to use 6 inch kemper tools -used them up till they broke-bought them at 40% off by the gross-went thru a zillion-about 15 years ago I found Bison tools online.

Now I use a custom made bison tool double ender tool made like I wanted it-I have 3 of them. I send them back every few years for sharpening but usually he(Phil) just puts in a new tips as I wear them out as well.

Mark

[Nelly]

You can use a dremel tool with small grinder bits or jewelers files to sharpen them-

They are just carbon steel and file/grind easy.

 

 

I used to use 6 inch kemper tools -used them up till they broke-bought them at 40% off by the gross-went thru a zillion-about 15 years ago I found Bison tools online.

Now I use a custom made bison tool double ender tool made like I wanted it-I have 3 of them. I send them back every few years for sharpening but usually he(Phil) just puts in a new tips as I wear them out as well.

Mark

 

 

 

Dear Mark,

 

I do have a dremel. I could use that but I will look into the bison ones. These are the ones that under no circumstances can they be dropped. I have heard nothing but incredible things about these tools and the service.

 

Will look into it again to see the prices.

 

I have heard Dolan is also good.

 

Maybe I will buy one of these fancier ones for Christmas.

 

Thank you for your response.

 

Nelly

[Guest JBaymore]

I use the L-shaped Japanese kanna tools about 95 percent of the time for trimming. Compared to most western style trimming tools, they are kept very sharp. They are made of good tool steel and hold an edge pretty well.

 

Until you learn to use them, they are very hard to use....... you cut through everything in sight in an instant. They want to "dive" into the clay wall. The angle of contact is different from most western "loop" type tools; they cut or shave more than scrape. They put very little pressure inward on the clay.... very light touch. Once you pick up the techniques, you'll likely never go back to other styles.

 

They get sharpened before every trimming session. Part of the "ritual" of trimming. I use a wet diamond stone for quick honing. If one is really dull and needs a big re-working, I first use a file and then clean up with the diamond stone.

 

For the western style tools I use small files and then a diamond stone or a round diamond Dremel bit.

 

 

best,

 

............john

[Nelly]

I use the L-shaped Japanese kanna tools about 95 percent of the time for trimming. Compared to most western style trimming tools, they are kept very sharp. They are made of good tool steel and hold an edge pretty well.

 

Until you learn to use them, they are very hard to use....... you cut through everything in sight in an instant. They want to "dive" into the clay wall. The angle of contact is different from most western "loop" type tools; they cut or shave more than scrape. They put very little pressure inward on the clay.... very light touch. Once you pick up the techniques, you'll likely never go back to other styles.

 

They get sharpened before every trimming session. Part of the "ritual" of trimming. I use a wet diamond stone for quick honing. If one is really dull and needs a big re-working, I first use a file and then clean up with the diamond stone.

 

For the western style tools I use small files and then a diamond stone or a round diamond Dremel bit.

 

 

best,

 

............john

 

 

Dear John,

 

I do have some of these triangular type tools if that is what you are referring to?? Some have rounded edges while others have sharp angles. They are made all in one piece. I have used them and they are lovely but as you said, they take time to really figure out how to use them.

 

I tried them with chattering in the summer. They did a good job. I found them also really useful for almost bone dry pots that probably shouldn't have been saved but these tools handled the trimming work without problem.

 

I do, however, return to the old loop and triangle cheap tools. It is not an issue of money as much as it is it skill in using other types of edges on the surface. I have now investigated the Bison's. They look like something I could definitely use. The cost seems okay if they last as long as they say.

 

But do know, I am well aware of those great tools you mention. I have a set. It is just using them that is the issue.

 

Thank you so much,

 

Nancy

[Nelly]

Dear John,

 

Sorry I just looked up Kanna tools and NO, I have not used these ones. They look pretty nice and I am guessing tricky to learn to use. But like anything, you can learn if you have a drive to do it. I do like the look of that big loop tool you more or less grab onto like a mug. I think I also saw a picture of a scraper that has tines that I am guessing even out a surface in a similar manner as a Sure Form.

 

Thank you again. Another great tip.

 

Nelly

[yedrow]

John,

 

I've tried the 'L' shaped tools but I have a problem with my favorite; when I use it for footing a bowl I get a circular spiral cracking radiating from the foot at about 15 deg. angle. Any ideas why this would be. I'm guessing the tool is too dull.

 

Nelly,

 

I use mostly Dolan tools. I never sharpen them, but after the metal gets worn about halfway through I throw them away. I usually have a somewhat brand new tool in use alongside a worn tool. I do most of the work with the worn tool as I break in the new tool on tougher trimming jobs, and so the cycle goes. I think I get at least 4 months out of a main tool, maybe 6.

 

Also, I've found that you get used to the tool. If that's what your used to, you can do a lot with it. When you find a better tool, you change. I can trim a whole pot with a 'D' shaped Dolan tool. But, I do a better job using about 7 other tools for trimming various things.

 

Joel.