Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Tool Sharpening

"If I had eight hours to cut down a tree, I'd spend six hours sharpening the axe" Abraham Lincoln

 "If you are the big tree, We are the small axe. Sharpened to cut you down" Bob Marley (was a Delaware resident at various times)


I was taught as a child to "measure twice, and cut once." Such a calculated action as a cut, in a tree, board, or between rows of plants, demands for a honed edge to deftly slice into the target. Woodworkers know the most dangerous tools are blunt and dull, which will "glance off" rather than "biting in" with a deep incision. As I cut damaged trees to salvage for woodcrafts, the rhythm of the axe hitting the wood is fluid with a sharp blade. In the garden, a sharpened tool makes a strenuous jobs just a bit easier. A razor sharp scythe becomes almost a joy to use in taking out tall grass and a honed shovel and hoe can cut through tangles of roots with movements that makes one optimistic in finishing one's planned chores. By far the most useful product I have found for sharpening in the field is the Lansky Puck, with dual sides of coarse and fine grits for taking out burs and finishing the blade. Taking the time to sharpen shovels, hoes and scythes can be the difference between a grueling, tedious day and swift, gratifying work out. No weak heart shall prosper!
Lansky Puck 
Hopefully we can invest in  Hans Karlsson Klensmide AB sloyd axe when we sell enough arugula! or help us: buy from Bottle Gourd Herbs





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