SHARPENING KNIVES. 17 



ground corundum. These are kept in stock by dealers in mechanics' 

 supplies of great variety in size and fineness. For razors a "00" 

 corundum slip will best answer. This will very rapidly remove the 

 inequalities from an exceedingly dull razor. A Turkish hone will be 

 best for finishing. For my large knives I use a third, very soft and 

 fine stone, known as water-of-Ayr. 



Let the corundum slip be placed on a level support (mine are fitted 

 into blocks like the carpenter's oil-stone), and cover the surface liber- 

 ally with water.* The hones should always be worked wet. Place the 

 knife flat on the stone near the right hand as at A, Fig. 9. Draw 

 steadily in the direction of the curved dotted line, i. e., from right 

 to left holding the blade firmly on the stone B with slight pressure 



FIG. 9. 



FIG. 10. 



FIGS. 9 AND 10. METHOD OF HONING. 



The knife is first brought with its heel in the position shown at A, Fig. 9. It is then drawn 

 forward as indicated by the curved dotted line until, at the end of the stroke, the position C is 

 attained. Fig. 10 indicates the method of turning the blade before reversing and between 

 each stroke. 



until the position C is attained. Eotate the razor on its back vide 

 Fig. 10 so as to bring the other side on the stone; and draw from 

 left to right. Observe that as the knife is drawn from side to 

 side (the edge invariably looking to ward the draw) it is always worked 

 from heel to point. The amount of pressure may be proportioned to 

 the condition of the edge. If it be badly nicked, considerable pres- 

 sure may be employed; while, as it approaches keenness, the pressure 



* A few drops of glycerin added to the water retards evaporation and 

 appears to keep the surface of the hone in good condition. 



