13 votes

What is the proper way to sharpen a pencil?

The word "proper" is in quotations for a reason: many artists share that opinion, but it's opinion. The proper way depends on you. The reason for knife sharpening of pencils is so that you're able to ...
Joanne C's user avatar
  • 3,433
13 votes

How can I safely sharpen a small craft knife?

If the knife is really that blunt, I recommend taking it to be professionally sharpened. Many craft stores offer this service either as part of their regular services or on a part-time basis (once or ...
Catija's user avatar
  • 3,496
6 votes
Accepted

How can I sharpen a round leather punch?

The approach is the same. You remove metal from the outside of the periphery of the punch end, at an angle roughly the same as it was originally. The contour of the round punch adjacent to the ...
scanny's user avatar
  • 775
5 votes
Accepted

Does rust matter on my wood carving knives if I sharpen them?

Depends on how deep the rust is. Rust weakens the bonds in the metal, but unless it is rusted right through, it's probably recoverable. Basically, you want to: Remove the rust, likely a soak in ...
Joanne C's user avatar
  • 3,433
4 votes
Accepted

Is there an easy way to sharpen a wire loop carving tool?

This answer is not based on first-hand knowledge of sharpening wire loops, but is based on extrapolating what works for paint scrapers. Many years ago while performing one of those early-marriage ...
Ast Pace's user avatar
  • 653
4 votes

What is the proper way to sharpen a pencil?

I prefer a mixture of knife ( /blade) and sharpener (instead only sharpener) mainly for economy purpose. (For safety and better-grip, visitors could use knife, not blade) for the following causes: ...
Always Confused's user avatar
3 votes

How do I keep from breaking charcoal pencil leads when I sharpen them with a knife?

Sandpaper. Really, IMHO the best way to sharpen charcoal pencils is by using sandpaper (100 grit). Works really, really well and the result is perfect. I start by just rough-shaping it slowly and with ...
Tony Delaney's user avatar
3 votes

How can I safely sharpen a small craft knife?

With a so small blade the best is to use a grinding stone. If it is very blunt you will have to start with a coarse grain and finish with a fine one. It will take a long time... Blades generally ...
Xiiryo's user avatar
  • 256
2 votes

What is the proper way to sharpen a pencil?

I use any kind of sharpener to get some of the outer wood off and expose the graphite. I create the tip with sandpaper.
Tommy's user avatar
  • 21
1 vote

How can I sharpen a round leather punch?

the drill press is a good idea for being able to get the same angular cut or grind on the tool in question I would also suggest getting some needle files. you can usually pick them up at Harbor ...
Rich Whacker's user avatar
1 vote

Does rust matter on my wood carving knives if I sharpen them?

Rust implies they are carbon steel. Although rust removes very little metal ,it will quickly dull a sharp edge. Many modern knifes are stainless steel ( 13 % chrome ) and resist rust well. If you use ...
blacksmith37's user avatar
  • 1,233
1 vote

How can I safely sharpen a small craft knife?

Note that craft knifes of this size are generally reckoned to be disposable, and new are really sharp, but don't hold their edge well. I prefer a proper scalpel (or second best an X-Acto type) where ...
Chris H's user avatar
  • 6,194

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