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Post by armando on May 20, 2021 18:44:45 GMT -7
So i have strops and stones I use at home but what would the 18th century longhunter have had his kit for sharpening his scapler or his axe/tomahawk?
I've never been able to find a historical reference. Maybe because something like this is so commonsense? Or did they use "found materials" to sharpen their knives? A file for their axe?
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Post by brokennock on May 20, 2021 19:53:11 GMT -7
If they had stones used for sharpening their scythes while "mowing" or "haying," carried in a horn on the belt, why not take it with on a hunt, trek, or scout?
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Post by Sicilianhunter on May 21, 2021 3:47:35 GMT -7
Mark Baker mentions using flat river stones and Gerry Barker has suggested to me use two stones abraded against each other to make a flat stone for sharpening.
I have yet to investigate the historical reference on such an item myself but both of those suggestions seem plausible.
I would also suppose that your belt or an equipment strap could double as a strop in the field
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Post by brokennock on May 21, 2021 4:23:37 GMT -7
I've mentioned this possibility before in other threads on the subject elsewhere.
I have not tested the theory.
The flint in our gun works by shaving metal off the hammer/frizzen. It is of a fine grain and often fairly flat on one side. Could one not at least touch up an edge on a flint?
Also wondering, depending on one's sharpening technique, how flat does the stone really need to be?
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Post by hawkeyes on May 21, 2021 5:17:12 GMT -7
I personally have no documentation on the subject but can speak of first hand experience using smooth river stones. They work very well for dressing an edge and maintaining it. Sheets of bark also make an excellent strop if the need arises. In the case of sharpening a wise man once told me, "You sharpen a knife once, but strop it for life". I've found this to be true in most regards from my experiences.
I do carry a small Arkansas stone within my kit but can honestly say it rarely if ever gets used. With good steel and a good edge your really have no need to do a full blown stone sharpening session. A good quick strop job is usually is all that's required.
I'm interested to see what period references we can get here on this topic.
Also worth noting. I try and utilize my tomahawk for all tasks and save my knife for jobs that ultimately require it were a hawk just won't do. You can almost dress out most game with nothing but a tomahawk.
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Post by Black Hand on May 21, 2021 10:26:45 GMT -7
I carry a small flat file (chainsaw) and a small stone in a case. We know they had files, and used judiciously and lightly, can be used to sharpen a knife....
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Post by hawkeyes on May 21, 2021 19:00:55 GMT -7
I carry a small flat file (chainsaw) and a small stone in a case. We know they had files, and used judiciously and lightly, can be used to sharpen a knife.... Oh yes, that file indeed comes in handy and is used often, always carried in the haversack. |
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Keith
City-dweller
Bushfire close but safe now. Getting some good rain.
Posts: 990 
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Post by Keith on May 21, 2021 22:06:51 GMT -7
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Post by hawkeyes on May 22, 2021 5:04:32 GMT -7
That whetting machine looks like one interesting contraption... Very intriguing to say the least.
Concerning the file one should stop and think about the tedious process of making that simple tool that often gets taken for granted. The thought of making them in a period manner makes my eyes go cross. File cutting by hand had to be absolutely arduous. Exceptional content Keith thanks for sharing.
I have a whetting stone holder just like the one pictured, fits the small stone I carry, very old and looks to be made of white oak. First image I've seen of one.
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