Jack's Knives

09/11/2024

How to sharpen a knife or tool depends on a lot of things. Skill level, sharpening equipment, blade material and the purpose of the tools edge. Getting it sharp enough to do what you want it to do without damaging the temper or any of the parts is the only real goal. For that reason, some of my knives are sharpened in a fairly traditional manner, knife in my right hand and stone, diamond or ceramic file in my left using a motion like I am trying to shave a piece off the stone. Others however, are sharpened like you see here. What about big knives? When it's easier to hold the blade still and move the sharpening tool I do exactly that. When you try this method you may find that you can more easily maintain the angle, see the material removal happening, apply light or magnification, and stabilize against unwanted wobbly movements that make an uneven bevel. There are a lot of kits and grinder, jigs and clamps that all make knife sharpening easy for the casual user. Those are fine, I'm not knockin that style at all. At least those users aren't throwing away a knife when it gets dull and buying a new one. If you are like me and insist on doing things "the hard way", try this for a bit and see if it steps up your game for larger edges. Stay sharp!

08/17/2024

Woodworking chisels only need to do one thing: cut easily along the grain. These *ahem* just ain't cuttin' it! When the owner told me about how they were lent out and returned in this shape I vowed to bring them back to life. Let's see what I can do to help!

12/12/2023

▶️ Watch this reel https://www.facebook.com/reel/881593056880923?fs=e&s=TIeQ9V&mibextid=0NULKw

12/10/2023

Joining USCCA is worth it if you own fi****ms. Aside from all the benefits it brings and the concealed carry insurance and financial help with legal fees should you have to use your firearm to defend yourself, it also puts money in the hands of the Second Amendment defense that keeps our nation free and our homes and families safe! Join today using this link for all kinds of membership benefits!

The USCCA helps responsible Americans like you prepare for what happens before, during and after an act of lawful self-defense. In addition to offering education and training, the USCCA has purchased an insurance policy that provides the association and its members with self-defense liability insura...

06/17/2023

Not a knife or axe but this is a good example of a restoration of a badly rusted tool. A shovel that I carelessly left out in the rain has been refurbished using sandpaper, naval jelly, and brasso on the metal and sandpaper and a secret oil blend for the handle😳. It's also a good look at the pattern the phosphoric acid (in the naval jelly) leaves on the steel. I like that look, that sort of flat, bead-blasted finish on metal.

04/05/2023

Just finished refurbishing this badly abused thrift store find. It’ll make a great backpacker. 

03/28/2023

Just got done putting a new edge on this thrower. She sticks good now!

03/26/2023

It lives again! This is my tent axe, a small tomahawk-like hatchet that I made from a high carbon RR spike many moons ago. The idea behind this tool is that I can make and pound tent spikes in the woods for a makeshift shelter. It recently broke (I did a poor job hanging it) and has been re-hung and put back into service!