New tool and a question

[DC]

I got this for Christmas. It's a quality tool as Lee Valley stuff is. It seems to cut very well, maybe too well. When I make a pass across the workpiece it wants to roll and dig in on the side that's away from me. It may just take some getting used to but it raised a question. I'm kind of ambidextrous. I'm right or left depending on the tool. Fine stuff left, heavy stuff right as a rule. Since the forward handle on this tool is offset a bit I'm wondering if I'm using it wrong handed. If you are a righthander, which handle would you hold in which hand? I'm calling the little knob the secondary handle. I hold it with the main handle in my left hand. It wouldn't be too big a deal to change the tool to "left handed" but I'd rather not mess with it if possible

[osage outlaw]

I've got one without the extra knob.  I would hold the main handle in my right hand

[willie]

Don

I bought one a few years back and really like them. I remember trying to decide if I wanted the fancy model with the extra handle, and read a review that said to just use the blade without any handles, so I passed on buying the knob, and tried it with and without the main handle. the main handle is lost somewhere......

replacement blades are pretty inexpensive for the job they do, I think

[DC]

I'm beginning to think I should have just ordered the replacement blade

[Pat B]

That's a Shinto rasp I think. I got one in a trade like that with a spare blade. I couldn't get used to the handle configuration so I traded that and kept the spare blade. I like it. It removes lots of wood but because of it's width it is easy to control.

[bjrogg]

I don't have one DC, but for what it's worth I'm right handed and just looking at it I'd probably do like Clint and grab ahold of the big handle with my right hand.
Bjrogg

[Bob Barnes]

it is reversible and has smaller teeth on one side... which makes it easier to control.  It is a great tool though.

[osage outlaw]

You have to keep it flat on the wood.  If you get it angled to one side or the other it will cut in and gouge it.

[willie]

If you get it angled to one side or the other it will cut in and gouge it.

I suppose than one could run the corner against a rock, and knock down the kerf on that very outside edge.

I find that most of my hand tools need some sort of adjustment tuning, to be useful for bowmaking

[osage outlaw]

I wouldn't do that.  I'd rather have a sharp tool and just make sure to hold it level with the wood.

[willie]

I wouldn't do that.  I'd rather have a sharp tool

Hope I did not appear to advocate dulling the whole tool, just the "trippiness" of the corner

[bushboy]

Shinto's just like the name implies,love them!

[DC]

I love the way it cuts. I fitted a regular file handle to it a it's a great tool. It just seems that having the handles a couple of inches away from the cutting surface makes it wobbly. I'm thinking I'll return it and get two blades in exchange.

[Stick Bender]

I just ordered a 11 in one from wood craft  that's set up in the standard configuration with a regular rasp handle the one you have would seem strange to me , I just want to use it like a regular rasp or file .

[RBLusthaus]

I have that one also.  I don't use the second handle.  I also don't use the fine side - only the course.  My second hand holds the edges or the tip when using.  That second handle is no good, IMHO.  If I bought again, I'd  get without the second handle.  It just gets in my way. 
Russ.