Steel Revival Update: April Week 2
Thanks for following along with the work here at the bench. This week was about the heavy hitters—long butcher blades, shop machinery, and the grit of milling hardwood. It’s good, honest work that reminds you why quality steel matters.
In the Shop This Week
Most of my time this week went into a batch of butcher knives, six of them, all long blades in the 11–12 inch range. Two were the Stirex Swedish ergonomic style, which are always interesting because of their unique shape. The rest were older pieces that needed their profiles brought back to something clean and useful. Nothing rushed, just steady passes until the steel settled into the line it wanted.
I also put the Woods arbor to work again. I’m still running the original grinder wheels it came with to get a feel for the tool as it arrived. It handled a set of tree pruners just fine: slow RPM and a light touch did exactly what was needed.
Outside of the bench, I milled a few boards from the downed black locust. Locust is tough, but when the chain is right, it cuts clean. Freehand milling isn’t glamorous, but it’s rewarding to follow the grain and let the saw do its job.
Tips & Techniques: Chainsaw Sharpening
A chainsaw will usually tell you what it needs. If it’s throwing chips, you’re in good shape. If it starts throwing dust, it’s time to stop and sharpen. Three things make the biggest difference:
- Top-plate angle: This keeps the cut moving forward efficiently.
- Side-plate angle: Crucial for keeping your cut straight and true.
- Depth gauges: These keep the saw from getting "grabby" or jumping in the wood.
Small adjustments add up. A sharp chain makes every other part of the job easier.
Industry Commentary: Toor Knives
Toor sits in an interesting place in the knife world. Their designs lean tactical, but they aren’t chasing trends. They have a confident, distinct identity. What I appreciate about Toor:
- Spine & Grind: Thicker spines and confident grinds built for actual work.
- The Human Element: They rely on modern machining but still finish their edges by hand.
- Consistent Heat Treat: Their steel holds up, proving they've thought about the user, not just the marketing.
Our Take: Toor is part of a new wave of American makers building solid tools with a clear identity. They aren't chasing nostalgia; they're building the next generation of classics.