Any Way to Sharpen Tools?

[shford]

I've been using many different tools, but have found a love for a needle mounted in a dowel, an exacto knife, and the classic scratchboard knife in the red holders. Now the needle and exacto knife blade are easy and cheap to replace but so far I haven't found that to be the case with the scratchboard knives and the sets of them on Dick Blick have poor reviews. So is there a way to sharpen them? I've had some success just using the knife sharpener in the kitchen but it's not doing a spectacular job. Can anyone who likes this tool tell me what you do when the blade gets dull?

[VENKAT]

I also use the same types of toosl as you do. But I sharpen them when they lose sharpness. I use a small carborundum stick They are available in hardware stores in varying sizes.I use a portable one 4 x 1 x1/3 " smooth grain
you should hold the tool at certain angle while dragging on the stone . This comes with practice . I get excellent results and I use the tools for a long stretch of time. . I hope this helps .

Venkat

[pinups]

I lay a sheet of sandpaper on the table and sharpen my needles with it. I just drag them away from point and roll it as I do so and that works well.

[shford]

Thanks for the advice!

[fire angel]

When looking for the scratchboard knives search for the Speedball brand, I have much better luck with those.