After asking questions and reading some of the old postings, I sharpened and converted my Speedball #1 v-tool.

I purchased two items from Michael's (found in the wood whittling section) made by Walnut Hollow. Honing Compound with a (small) leather strop (about $8.00) and Arkansas Sharpening Stone ($14.99). I had a coupon!!

Kirbert recommend the stone and strop (as did Webfoot). I followed Catbead's instructions. I was able to grind down my blade with the stone and sharpened it, then used the strop to shine it up and add extra sharpness (does that make sense?).

I then heated the blade and pinched it. The only problem, I didn't heat it long enough and I put a small crack in the gouge. All is not lost, because it was a spare blade - perhaps I'll have better luck next time. (Catbead - should I have refrained from heating and pinching?)

Using the strop in-between carvings has been really helpful. It is very easy to cut through the PZ Cut (or I'm just used to it) now. Both the stone and honing compound came with directions for sharpening V-tools. The stone I purchased has a narrow edge just for sharpening the middle of your V-tool.

Thought I would share my results. Thanks for the advice.

T. of
TheThreeCs

Quote

Using the strop in-between carvings has been really helpful. It is very easy to cut through the PZ Cut (or I'm just used to it) now. Both the stone and honing compound came with directions for sharpening V-tools. The stone I purchased has a narrow edge just for sharpening the middle of your V-tool

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Thanks for posting this I was wondering how I was going to keep that little sucker sharp!

This information will be put to good use!

And I thought I had whittled my wish list down to carving medium . . . I guess these two items will have to move up on the list. After about thirty or more stamps, I am beginning to see the need for sharper blades.

Thanks for the quick and clear info.

MC