Dull Drawknives

[Et_tu_brute]

Hi All,

I've seen quite a few posts on here with people saying that they don't sharpen some of their drawknives and leave them dull, what is the advantage in this? It doesn't make a lot of sense to be but I'm sure there's a sound reason for it.

Thanks in advance.
Dave

[Dano]

I think a lot of it depends on the knife it's self and the user's methods. I like my knife sharp, but I have used other knives that were either too light or too thin and when sharp they dig or chatter too much. I say what ever works, go for it.

[George Tsoukalas]

My knives are sharp and I mean sharp but those who like dull knives use them to wedge and pry off rings. Jim Hamm likes a dull knife so that says something. No dull tools on my shop though. Jawge

[nugget]

What is the best way to sharpen them??

[El Destructo]

I sharpen mine on an old Beltsander Belt that I have fastened to a Board....then I clamp the Board in my Vise and just draw my knife down the Belt...and believe Me it gets like a Razor really fast

[nugget]

You draw it like you are cutting wood, or with the bevel on the sand paper?

[El Destructo]

You draw it like you are cutting wood, or with the bevel on the sand paper?

Yep with the Bevel down....but on a slight angle to the Belt...no truly straight....just cant it a bit....like you would work a File....

[nugget]

Sonds like a plan to me. I have tried to sharpen mine with a file, but that didn't work to well. I will definitely try an old belt. Thanks.
TJ

[El Destructo]

TJ...use a good worn Belt when you do...or a 220 or finer...they will put a fine edge on one...just be careful with it when you are done.....

[nugget]

Ok I understand.

[The Gopher]

I use a dull draw knife for chasing a ring, but keep in mind that when you use this method it is no longer being used as a knife, as mentioned, it is a wedge. I am a true believer in "scary sharp" for all cutting tools, so don't try to use your dull knife for the same applications you would a sharp one.

just to repeat, if someone talks about using a dull drawknife for bow building, i am sure they are referreing to chasing rings and they are not using it for cutting, they are using it for wedging. When chasing a ring the dull knife will find the earlywood and pry off big sections without cutting into the next layer.

the only proper tool for cutting wood fibers is a very sharp blade.

I have two drawknives that i commonly use, one is dull and i have never sharpened it, this is used for chasing rings. the other is kept very sharp for all other stave reduction stuff.

[nugget]

I agree. I chase rings with a dull knife, but the one I like to keep sharp has lost it's edge due to flopping around in a tool box. A dull one does like to find the crunchy layers in osage.
TJ

[Dano]

You guys that like dull knives oughta roll the edge like a scraper, then you have the tool.

[George Tsoukalas]

I use a medium stone to sharpen my knife. I keep the same bevel. The  flip it and sharpen the back. Keep it flat against the blade. No grinder and no beltsander. Jawge

[El Destructo]

I don't use a Beltsander either...Just the Belt...And I use it like a Stone