Don't knock the rest of us, RS! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> We might not be to HD's level yet, but we're working on it.

not knockin.... just saying...

i mean cmon... there are only so many RAINWALKERS OF LEATHER. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I know I am a complete novice at sharpening.. I borrowed my Dad's Lansky sharpener and his chef steel.. I'm gonna try to sharpen some knives tonight... Hope I don't ruin anything...

I stopped by my fathers house tonight and he gave me a present--an older barbers strop that has 4 pieces to it. It looks like there was once a black, green, and red rouge compound and a nice piece of leather. The other strops are some kind of canvas. I need to take a pick of it and post it up.

Anyone ever use one of these strops? I need to figure a way to attach it to the wall or desk and use it if you guys think it will work out?

WooHoo!

I just got off the phone with Kalamazoo, and my 1SM belt sander is in the mail to me tomorrow, DIRECT FROM THE COMPANY! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

She said they normally don't sell directly to individuals, only companies, but I had mentioned I was military, and she said she'd waive that rule this time! AWESOME! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I cannot wait to get this thing and throw on some of the micron belts I bought off of the Lee Valley site for it.

Nice one Tyger....I always like the way the US and Canada respect you for your service...over here they are more likely to ask for your guarantee cheque card number or proof of address LOL...

I have used wet stones and everything but for me the thing that works the best for me is the DMT Dia Sharp line, the course is really nice for changing the angle of your grind because it takes off a lot of metal. You can also use them with out water which can be good if you are camping where there is not water. But like tyger75 said get a strop mine is from www.knivesshipfree.com it really helps put that final razors edge on it.

Glad to hear the strop helped you out.

Did you pick up some of the honing compound as well? You'll have to upload some pics of your success.

Tyger - I got my Kalamazoo about 3 weeks ago and I can tell you it is a very nice belt grinder. I'm still getting the hang of the sharpening but I've made a kit knife on mine and it worked great with the horizontal attachment. For sharpening it should be awesome once I get in enough practice. Good luck to you! Let me know how it works out...What belts do you plan on getting? I highly recommend the leather belt.

I'm planning to pickup a few more of the 15 Micron belts, plus several different grades of the Blue Zirconia and Aluminum Oxide, and probably two or three of the leather belts. I figure I'll use one leather belt for black compound and another one for the green, with a spare in case one of them breaks.

I bought a couple cheap Cold Steel Machetes to practice with on the belt sander when it shows up. I even have a couple old lawnmower blades to play with, so I'm not hurting for steel to get my experience on.

Good idea. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

yea i have black and green compound i have taken pictures and everything i just need to get an accout at photobucket and upload them in fact let me give it a try right now