Slip Stones
Whilst learning how to sharpen my tools on the bench grinder, I had read about the importance of removing the burr that would be created in the inner edge of the tool. Various shaped slip stones were recommended and I was aware that Tormek also sold a shaped leather wheel to remove the burr and polish up the inner bevel.
Again I had persuaded myself that I should buy a variety of slip stones to accommodate the different shaped gouges, and put these on my shopping list for Harrogate. Unfortunately, none of the traders had brought any of the slip stones that I was looking for, but this turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Whilst talking to the people at the “West Riding Carving club” display, I mentioned my disappointment at not being able to buy the slip stones and was quickly advised not to waste my money. The guys described a variety of cheaper and very practical solutions for removing the inner burr. These included cutting a piece of MDF to the profile I needed and impregnating the edge with honing compound; wrapping the MDF with Emery cloth or “Wet & Dry” sanding paper; cutting a thick piece of leather (an old trouser belt) to fit between a couple of pieces of wood (to help stiffen the edge) and shaping the edge of the leather to the size and profile required on a sanding belt. You then impregnate the edge of the leather with honing compound. Finally of course you can just use a piece of folded emery cloth.
As you can see from the pictures, I have now tried all of the options, and they all seem to work well. However, now that I have a Tormek with narrow shaped honing wheels, I tend to use these all the time. Once again this situation has reinforced the benefit of being able to meet with, and access the experience of other enthusiasts interested in the hobby rather than having to learn all these things from my own experience..