How To Sharpen Your Spoon Carving Hook Knife “Scary Sharp” Tutorial

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

If you’d like further information, pricing and wait times on my sharpening products, please email me at: [e-mail] Warm regards, Tom

[@kevinkerins4305]

I would like more info on your products

[@YenAmity]

I can attest to this sharpening system and Tom’s techniques. Over the years, I’ve made many variations of my own strops. I’ve tried cow, buffalo, natural and rolled, horse butt, you name it. Without ever being able to fully eliminate micro convection on my carving tools and would have to resharpen after every 3-4 times stropping. After years of skepticism over Tom’s his strops, I finally doubled down and purchased a set. Since I’ve switched to Tom’s kangaroo, I’ve stropped dozens of times without the need to resharpen. I only wish I listened to Tom sooner. Nothing compares to the density of kangaroo. Saves time and saves steel. Good on ya, Tom. Cheers!

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

You are very kind Casey mate ☺️👍 thank you for your kind and generous review and thoughts on my products, I’m glad you love them as much as I do ☺️ thanks again champ really made me smile!!!

[@YenAmity]

Spoon Carving With Tom You’re welcome, Tom. My only regret is not buying a couple glass blocks!

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Casey Kraemer oh no! When ever you’re ready to order again just drop me pm champ :)

[@mikehiggins71]

Hi there - fantastic video - at around 9:50 you mentioned vertias/lee valley as being an American company. As a Canadian, having worked at the company for a a couple years, I am compelled to correct you. Lee Valley is indeed a Canadian company, family owned and operated since the early 70s. Again, thank you for such an informative video - one of the best I've seen. Mike Higgins, Vancouver, BC Canada

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Hi Mike! Thank you for the correction :) much appreciated!

[@klm8156]

Haha as a fellow Canadian I was also compelled to do the same thing. We don't have much for quality tool manufacturers so we have to defend what we've got.

[@EsmereldaPea]

This is really helpful! Wish I would have watched it before attempting to sharpen my knife on the outside!

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

That’s great :) glad you enjoyed it!!

[@DG-mv6zw]

Great clear, concise and extremely well-presented tutorial. This guy definitely knows his stuff. Many thanks

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Thank you!

[@skipragsdale3565]

Thanks, you validated the method that I finally ended up stumbling on myself. I use machinist's bluing (sharpie works as well) on a new blade to mark the edge until the blue is removed and the wire edge forms then strop. I came up with a double ended round strop suede / leather to do the inside of the hook, not quite as pretty as yours but they work. Once you get it sharp, it never goes off. I have also found that the ceramic sharpening rods work a treat when it's time for a major tune up then move to the strops tuning until there is a chrome like cutting edge.

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

That’s great, glad you have a method you enjoy and that gives you the desired results!!

[@justinhuitema1007]

You did such an incredible job with this video, thank you!

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Thanks!

[@monsieurroussel1]

Superb that is exactly what I was looking for, thank you and btw Lee Valley is Canadian.

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

denis roussel oh is it really!! Awesome stuff :)

[@chriswoods3188]

Best video on KZbin. Excellent job.

[@curiousgeorge555]

Excellebt vid! You should do a short one with a differnt kind of bent spoon knife. The kind that you can't sharpen both concave surfaces simaltaneously.

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Hey, I’m not too sure what hook you are referring to, do you have a link?

[@curiousgeorge555]

@@spooncarvingwithtom KZbin removed the link. It's North Bay forge, general bent knife.

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

@@curiousgeorge555 ah yes I have just had a look! It’s not a tool I’d personally use as it restricts me from squeezing the spine of the knife with my other hand, however each person carves differently and there is no right on wrong. As you say, it makes it much trickier to sharpen too.

[@curiousgeorge555]

@@spooncarvingwithtom I'm used to it. Works great for me. I have two sizes of the same tool. Hard to sharpen.

[@arosefortes6507]

Great tutorial and very informative in explanation of details. Thanks so much

[@JM09APR]

Another fantastic video sir!

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Joshua Cameron thanks buddy!!

[@TWC6724]

I saved all your sharpening videos in my favorites folder. Quick question, I’m in the states and was wondering where do you find adhesive backed sandpaper rolls? Seems most of them are aluminum oxide and you are probably using silicon carbide correct? Plus I can’t find higher grits like that with adhesive back.

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

That’s awesome :) I’m glad you enjoy my videos! Yes I use silicone carbide adhesive backed, but you can use aluminium oxide which will cut carbon steel just fine!! I buy mine online.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Gréât vidéo. We don’t have roo leather around here. I did eat it once, we cooked it over a campfire, but did not have spices. Eh, so so. The roo needed spices and hot sauce. Thanks and take care.

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Quinn The Eskimo oh no!! I love kangaroo just as is! No spices! Must be what we are all use to! It’s delicious be it a little expensive!!

[@isaacschannel]

Great video what grit paper is it

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

1200, 3,000 7,000 :)

[@NathanMaingard]

This just made me realise how much I have to learn 😅

[@user-uw8qo7gs2r]

Great instructural video 👌. I like the " birds eye view ", makes everything good visible, especially against the white background. Thank you mate 👍

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Maurice Westerlaan awesome Thanks mate I really appreciate the kind words ☺️👍😂

[@traceymammen2049]

Thank you 🙏

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

You’re welcome

[@CrisAnderson27]

Was Nic Westermann first? Or Northbay Forge?? That looks like a bent knife from Northbay.

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Hooked knives have been around for hundreds of years :) as has the tramline design - see scythes which are well known for that design. Nick was the first person to use that concept recently, others have followed :)

[@muhlisbey3818]

Hi Tom, thanks for the video. A couple of months ago you had posted a live video for sharpening new mora 164 hook knife on your instagram channel. Will you upload this video to your youtube channel?

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

muhlis bey hey! My pleasure :) no I won’t be, but I may cover it in the near future for sure!! 👍☺️

[@muhlisbey3818]

Thanks again

[@guillaum.g]

Very nice tutorial! I own a Robin Wood compound hook knife which is pretty thin compared to your hook knife. Would you sharp it from the inside anyway? 🤔

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Correct, yes. I have sharpened his hooks for customers before no worries :)

[@mnbluesboy]

Again Tom, you make some darned good vids. Thank you so much for your time and help here. I'm even gettin' used to that accent :)) You're good, really good!! Studying all of your most recent vids now per your recent IG post which I totally appreciate tiger!! This spoon carving has taken me by storm. It's getting in the way of my wood shop in a most unexpected and totally marvelous manner!! I'm just loving this stuff and that's a huge surprise... Thank YOU for all you've given me Tom!- Jeremy.

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Thank you for the kind words!! Cheers Jeremy :) Warm regards, Tom.

[@padrevalerian]

Great! I have a beavercraft hook knife, I will use this tutorial for :)

[@sirmegallot3276]

how do you like it? I read mixed reviews and reviews that they break. For my budget 15 is way better than the competing 30 dollar ones

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

They’re not for me, mora offer a better tool in my opinion :)

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Great!

[@RexMcTavish]

I've just gotten a beavercraft hook knife, and find that it's tight curve is difficult to sharpen. Any advice? It tends to chatter and rip at the bottom of the spoon bowl (Cross grain)

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Hi, Sure, the best tip is to work in small sections, rather than trying to do the whole bevel in a single pass :) slow, small steps along the blades length. Use a sharpie pen too!

[@bigredbullion3883]

Awsome video bro

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Thanks mate!

[@baconsoda]

Good video Tom. May I ask please... does that spoon knife have just one cutting edge and the other side of the tramline is basically a guide? Best Wishes, Brendan.

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

baconsoda you are spot on champ :) that’s right! I knew I remembered your name! I use to be an avid wood turner and enjoyed Brendan Stemps videos, am I correct in saying you connected with him too?

[@baconsoda]

You are bang on Tom... I was an avid watcher of Brendan and even had a video dedicated to my efforts to help him expand his channel... The 5 Minute Bowl... which I display proudly in my living room. Carl Jacobson got the big grinder that Brendan was giving to the person who got him the most subs because he got so many of his followers to join Brendan but neither Carl or myself were competing for the grinder because we just wanted to help Brendan. As it turned out Carl (who I'm friendly with from long, long, ago) send me the grinder as a thoughtful gesture after I had a family tragedy at about the time Brendan was winding up the subs effort. I was very touched by that and it is a good talking point in my kitchen when a visitor notices it because I get to tell people about Carls very considerate gesture towards me. I am loving your videos because I started trying to carve a few years ago but gave up because, I realise now, I was too ambitious and couldn't match the masters I saw on here. So, I discovered your channel and your beautiful spoons and decided to have another go and try a spoon because you have made it so interesting. Best Wishes, Brendan.

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

baconsoda it’s such a small world isn’t it! How interesting! That 5 minute bowl was one of my favourite videos! It’s a shame Brendan is no longer on KZbin but from what I have heard he has retired and was annoyed at people taking his content (I saw this from him on a forum). He had such a lovely way about him on camera and his skill was incredible! Yes Carl is another great turner! He left me a message at one point on one of my posts which surprised me as spoon carving is a big step from wood turning! Anyway he’s another great personality and skilled turner! Well if I can help you with your carving don’t hesitate to message me, it’s a little daunting to start with but you’ll pick it up before you know it! If you have Instagram I’m always doing live videos which I welcome you to pop into and watch :) warmest regards, Tom

[@baconsoda]

Thanks Tom, that's very kind of you. I don't do Instagram because I got my account absolutely flooded with spam and had major problems afterwards so decided it wasn't worth the bother (for me). However, I'll be watching here. Brendan.

[@arosefortes6507]

Great tutorial and explanation to details. Thanks

[@onztorres7139]

Hi there what grit should be used if there are minor chips?

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

400 - 600 :)

[@maurolimaok]

Nice!

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Thank you :)

[@psiris09]

Great videos

[@hundertd]

Hey Tom, I just found your channel. Great tutorial. Sorry to ask you a question that you've probably heard a thousand times, but where can you buy Kangaroo leather? Here in the states, it's hard to find and when you do, it's usually already made into a wallet... Thanks!

[@ljcd1197]

tom acctually sells them on his Instagram page "spoon carving with tom" just drop him a dm

[@hundertd]

@@ljcd1197 Thank you! Now, all I have to do is sign up for Instagram, and I'll be all set... 🤦‍♂️ Lol!

[@hundertd]

@@ljcd1197 I appreciate that. I've tried to get decent cow leather as well, and I wind up with stuff that isn't much better than compressed cardboard. That is why I was considering trying Kangaroo. Besides, Kangaroo might just help my carvings... "jump" out at you... (Sorry, couldn't resist...)

[@ljcd1197]

@@hundertd haha I like the pun! with the cow leather you have to use the rough side otherwise it's useless- what I do is wrap a bit around a dowel and apply a bit of autosol and rub it down the inside of my spoon knife . I've never actually used Tom's sharpening tools but theve got a great reputation but apparently quite pricey ( not surprising really ) and that'll be the best way to get a mirror sharp finish on a spoon/ hook knife .

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

@@hundertd Send me an email :) I'll forward all the info! [e-mail]

[@josephkerley363]

Good to know info, thanks!

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Joseph Kerley my pleasure 👍☺️

[@tonyb83]

For a novice like myself a 'how to' video like this would be much better if it included some diagrames showing the crossection of the blade, including the bevels, and the angle at which the stick is held relative to the bevel for sharpening. Without that critical info it is not much help for novices.

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Thanks for the feedback Tony! So sorry for such a late reply, I missed it!! I highly recommend visiting my instagram (same name) where I do exactly that! There is only so much I can get into a video, always a balance, but I’m sure you’ll find the content there on instagram very useful in answering exactly that :) thanks again!

[@tomaszjaschke631]

thank you so much!!!! best regards from Uckermark !:)))

[@hantimau]

Just love to hear your accent, beutifull, so you are scottish or english?

[@col8179]

He’s English you wanker

[@hantimau]

@@col8179 cool!!

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Hi, I'm English, from the south of England. :) Thank you!

[@АнатолийСтудентов-т5д]

Извените,язык не знаю,но понимаю,у Вас золотые руки.

[@Deathrun.collective]

where do you get your initial hook knives?

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Hi Matt, I recommend a norakniv 164 for beginners. The one in this video is a custom 1 off knife :)

[@bobfraser1145]

Tom how much pressure do you use on the strop?

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

hey Bob, moderate pressure, don't go too crazy or you'll lose control :)

[@pauljarine]

It seems from the information I can gather (from internet sources so, grain of salt and what not) that kangaroos are often harvested unethically. Does anyone know of a more ethical source for kangaroo leather?

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Kangaroo leather is the most ethical leather there is, they’re only killed to manage numbers and maintain a healthy population, we don’t farm them, they’re all wild and in absolute abundance! There are strict laws, rules and regulations and the shooters require licensing to do so. It’s a highly regulated affair, but like anything, vegans, activists and other people who have no understanding on the essential importance of animal mitigation and management will try and use tactics to ruin an essential undertaking. Just like deer population in the Uk, kangaroos have to be managed, without they’ll cause untold damage to the ecosystem and environment here in Australia. Their health as a species will be affected and so will other species. Kangaroos are NOT killed for meat, skin etc, that’s all a byproduct of managing them and thus using kangaroo is using a material that would otherwise simply go to waste!

[@josephfsantomauro]

Where do you get adhesive backed abrasive paper in grits of 1200 and over. I have been searching with really no results.

[@bogus_not_me]

Joseph, I found mine in an auto parts store. The really fine grits are usually used in prep for painting a car.. make sure the item says wet/dry sandpaper - water will mess it up it's not.

[@bushratbeachbum]

Use contact glue to stick it to things

[@dennisleadbetter7721]

Tom, is your hook l knife single or double edged?

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Hey :) Single!

[@jeffstanley4593]

Have you ever heard of Mora Knife? They have made a few of these and they sharpen on the outside. Maybe you should tell them they are doing it wrong.

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Hey Jeff, absolutely! in fact they have sent me one to test! Their new version of the 164 with leather sheath. They are good for what they are. The outer bevel on those are because it's easier to manufacture via machine. This is where the real beauty of hand made tools excels. Warm regards

[@laciihasz4734]

is this the hook knife that u designed?

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Laci Ihasz yes :) I sent the design to Matt white to forge who did a lovely job :)

[@deirdresmith1264]

Great. Can you show your technique doing the other side? More awkward. Thanks.

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Hi! This is the whole process for hook knives. You should not sharpen the other side. As explained in the video, the key is to leave the outside and just strop it so you don't adjust the profile, of which sharpening it will more often than not change the profile and thus chatter in the cut. Warm regards, Tom.

[@furchaser]

how much is your sharpening system shipped to the us i live in iowa

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Hey :) as in the description above, please email me for a price list and to get on the waiting list for these and other products I sell - [e-mail]

[@paulskystoneadventures]

👍👍

[@billhamilton3687]

Lee Valley is a Canadian company, not American

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Yes quite right! Thanks for the correction :)

[@vitali6950]

Most people will have the cheaper hook knives with flat blades. So the tutorial is kind of hard to adept for beginners.

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

You can use this technique on them too 👍🏻

[@dcapodestria]

could you send me prices and how to order info on the sharpening system.

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Hey :) as in the description above, please email me for a price list and to get on the waiting list for these and other products I sell - [e-mail]

[@timrodriguez1]

🤠👍

[@sethwarner2540]

Sorry, cant see what you are trying to show; bring the knife closer, please. And what is the deal with this or that kind of leather? After all, what removes metal is the SHARPENING compound!

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Hi seth the issue is that the leather on other strops compresses as the blade is drawn over it, this causes micro convexion. This creates all sorts of issues and is the reason I use kangaroo which is 0.6mm thick rather than cow hide which is often 4mm.

[@stepitup5409]

Im not sure why the secrecy on where to buy the sharpening tools?????????????????

[@spooncarvingwithtom]

Hey :) as in the description above, please email me for a price list and to get on the waiting list for these and other products I sell - [e-mail]