Thread: We Have Skills Too !!

Originally Posted by RezDog

A good steel with a poor operator is no further ahead than no steel at all. Here at work the kitchen knives go to a Chef's Choice grinder at the start of every shift, and I have no idea what those other guys must have done with the steels. For people that cannot operate a steel a draw through with ceramic discs seems to be a good alternative. I cannot stand to watch someone slap a knife against a steel and make erratic movements, it is like nails on a chalk board.

Properly Using a Steel is no different than learning how to properly do anything else. It takes time and practice. I know that I wasn't perfect at first but once I caught on and the muscle memory kicked in then it's been a very rewarding skill one that I've taught all of my kids.

As far as the 'ceramic discs' and such go, I'd rather listen to the nails on the chalk board.

I guess I would compare it to seeing someone take a straight razor that just needs a good stropping and watch them take it back to the 1K and then call it shave ready. But that's just 'ME'.

Apprenticed to a butcher at 14; I learned to hone and steel a blade. I was told that it set the wire edge in line with the blade centerline. Boning out two front quarters every day, a sharp blade was a lifesaver, mine! Didn't hurt my stock as a sous chef summers. I have a piece of 3/8's inch diameter by six inch long hard round hardened steel in a handle for similar use. And I use it to set a wire edge on my assorted scrapers.
I used a long round hardened tool blank.
~Richard

Originally Posted by RezDog

A good steel with a poor operator is no further ahead than no steel at all. Here at work the kitchen knives go to a Chef's Choice grinder at the start of every shift, and I have no idea what those other guys must have done with the steels. For people that cannot operate a steel a draw through with ceramic discs seems to be a good alternative. I cannot stand to watch someone slap a knife against a steel and make erratic movements, it is like nails on a chalk board.

I actually waited until nobody in the kitchen was looking, grabbed the little steel wheel thingy, and "ooops"ed it into the trash can. I'll explain why in 2 words....

STEEL SHAVINGS!

Thanks for your work on this for me Roy. Sense the wife has complained about not having sharp knifes for years i bought her some good ones for christmas and now with a good steel i should have no problem keeping them sharp. Thanks.
BTW, i may be sending the knifes to you once they go dull to get rid of the factory edge and have a real edge put on them. Now as long as she dont cut a finger off! At least it will be a clean straight cut.

Originally Posted by Magpie

I actually waited until nobody in the kitchen was looking, grabbed the little steel wheel thingy, and "ooops"ed it into the trash can. I'll explain why in 2 words....

STEEL SHAVINGS!

Good For You! Your secret is safe with me!

Originally Posted by Gasman

Thanks for your work on this for me Roy. Sense the wife has complained about not having sharp knifes for years i bought her some good ones for christmas and now with a good steel i should have no problem keeping them sharp. Thanks.
BTW, i may be sending the knifes to you once they go dull to get rid of the factory edge and have a real edge put on them. Now as long as she dont cut a finger off! At least it will be a clean straight cut.

Actually Jerry your wife is more likely to cut herself with a dull knife rather than a sharp one as with a dull one she'll be using far more force which will cause the knife to slip.

If you wanted to you can send a couple of knives at a time.

So I thought that I would change it up a little. The other day was able to get some premium leather at a great price. Needed a tactical quick draw for my 45 that I carry. The stores selections and quality just weren't making it. So, I decided to make my own to military standards that I remembered. Made my own patterns and the holster and dual mag pouch turned out beyond my expectations.

Here are the patterns on the leather. Getting ready to trace and cut


Here are the blanks once that I have cut them


Finished holster - hand stitched and dyed USMC black


Dual mag pouch - Cheated here a little! I had a Fobus paddle type pouch that was uncomfortable. Cut the paddle off, stitched it to the leather carrier, and dyed it USMC black


Holster and Mag Pouch together


And finally - Fully stocked, locked and loaded!

nice job! do you mold it around the actual gun ?

Really nice, I'm going to have to tackle a holster soon.

I did. Wrapped the gun in plastic cling wrap then soaked the holster with water. Put the gun in the holster and just started rubbing and kneading the leather until the pattern developed (inside and outside). Left the gun in overnight and let the leather dry. The gun fits like a glove. Once the leather dries, you will have to make some adjustments. The leather is real stiff. However, once you make the adjustments, the gun comes out really quick.

Originally Posted by tintin

nice job! do you mold it around the actual gun ?

I have a blue rubber G-19 trainer, so I will start with a holster for that.