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How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges

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  1. How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges, How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 1, afbeelding 1 van 3 How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges, How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 1, afbeelding 2 van 3 How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges, How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 1, afbeelding 3 van 3
    • Soak then set up Whetstone

    • Submerge the whetstone in water for 5 to 10 minutes until air bubbles stop rising.

    • Place the whetstone on a rubber mat or holder so it stays still while sharpening.

    • Keep bowl of water nearby to re-wet the whetstone again if it dries.

    • A fully soaked stone gives a smoother sharpening surface and prevents friction burns.

  2. How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 2, afbeelding 1 van 3 How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 2, afbeelding 2 van 3 How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 2, afbeelding 3 van 3
    • Sharpen the U-Gouge

    • Place the gouge on the section of stone that matches its curve.

    • Hold the blade at about a 15-degree angle.

    • Move the tool back and forth lightly about 100 times while keeping even pressure.

    • Wet the whetstone again if it starts to feel dry or gritty.

    • Keep your fingers behind the cutting edge at all times.

    • Light, even pressure keeps the edge uniform and reduces metal fatigue.

  3. How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 3, afbeelding 1 van 3 How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 3, afbeelding 2 van 3 How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 3, afbeelding 3 van 3
    • Sharpen the V-Gouge

    • Use the flat side of the whetstone for V-shaped gouges.

    • Lay one side of the V flat against the stone so it’s fully flat.

    • Slide the tool back and forth 50 to 100 times using light, even pressure.

    • Turn the tool over and repeat on the opposite side.

    • Re-wet the stone whenever it starts to dry.

    • Keep your hands behind the cutting edge. The tip of a V-gouge can catch quickly if pushed too hard.

    • Alternating sides while sharpening keeps both bevels even and prevents one side from widening, helping the gouge track straight while carving.

  4. How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 4, afbeelding 1 van 2 How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 4, afbeelding 2 van 2
    • Clean and Dry the Tools

    • Rinse each blade in clean water to remove metal dust and residue.

    • Wipe dry completely with a soft towel.

  5. How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 5, afbeelding 1 van 3 How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 5, afbeelding 2 van 3 How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 5, afbeelding 3 van 3
    • Polish the U-Gouge

    • Find the matching curved section on the slipstrop.

    • Rub a small amount of polishing wax or compound onto that section.

    • Pull the blade backward five to six times, never push forward.

    • Pushing forward can dig into the leather and dull the edge.

    • Polishing after sharpening strengthens the cutting edge and extends the tool’s lifespan by reducing tiny stress fractures along the blade.

  6. How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 6, afbeelding 1 van 3 How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 6, afbeelding 2 van 3 How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 6, afbeelding 3 van 3
    • Remove the burrs for U-Gouge

    • Find the matching pointed section on the slipstrop.

    • Rub a small amount of polishing wax or compound onto that section.

    • Pull the blade backward five to six times, never push forward.

    • Pushing forward can dig into the leather and dull the edge.

    • Burrs are thin, rough metal curls that form along the cutting edge during sharpening. Removing them ensures both sides of the edge meet evenly, preventing the tool from tearing or dragging while carving.

  7. How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 7, afbeelding 1 van 3 How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 7, afbeelding 2 van 3 How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 7, afbeelding 3 van 3
    • Polish the V-Gouge

    • Use the flat side of the slipstrop instead of a curved profile.

    • Add a light coat of wax or compound.

    • Pull each side of the V backward five to ten times. Do not push forward.

  8. How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 8, afbeelding 1 van 3 How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 8, afbeelding 2 van 3 How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 8, afbeelding 3 van 3
    • Remove the burrs for the V-Gouge

    • Find the matching pointed section on the slipstrop.

    • Rub a small amount of polishing wax or compound onto that section.

    • Pull backwards five to ten times. Do not push forward.

    • Check the cutting edge, it should look even and shiny.

  9. How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 9, afbeelding 1 van 2 How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 9, afbeelding 2 van 2
    • Wipe the tools

    • Wipe clean completely with a soft towel.

  10. How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 10, afbeelding 1 van 2 How to Sharpen Linocutters/Gouges: stap 10, afbeelding 2 van 2
    • Test and Maintain

    • Test each gouge on a scrap piece of linoleum. It should glide smoothly and cut clean lines.

    • Strop your gouges briefly after every few carving sessions to maintain a sharp edge.

Conclusie

Your linocut gouges should now have a clean, sharp edge ready for smooth carving. Remember to strop your tools briefly after every few sessions to keep them sharp and safe to use. Regular maintenance will make future sharpening much faster and help prevent tool damage.

Axel Boyles

Lid sinds: 10/15/25

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