they work well for making tinder.I know you can shave a stick with your knife but this seems faster and the shavings skinnier.They are small and lightweight and some might choose to carry one after seein how fast the shavings catch.
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they work well for making tinder.I know you can shave a stick with your knife but this seems faster and the shavings skinnier.They are small and lightweight and some might choose to carry one after seein how fast the shavings catch.
One thing you might look for, when i was third grade I had a pencil sharpener that was shaped like a circle. It was empty inside so it would hold you shavings. When you wanted to empty it you just popped up the little lid and dump out the contents. I think i can still get one a walmart. I'll check for you if you want.
I have a pencil sharpener that I keep in my BOB. I have had it in there for quite a while. It isn't round like the one mentioned above, it's rectangle shaped and it catches the shavings in the container below it.
I think that it is a really good idea to carry them and they don't cost hardly anything. The shavings catch real good whenever you use a firesteel to start your fire with. That is another item that I wouldn't get caught dead without.
You know I never thought of that, I carry a pencil and paper to jot down ideas and such,so why not? What a good idea.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stairman
I too never would have thought of that. Thanks.
One goes in the kit as of now.
Mmmm,, thanks,, excellent
I think a knife or razor would get the job done with much less bulk and a greater multitude of uses.
While the pencil sharpener may not be as versatile as a knife, it is yet another tool possibility if the need arises.
I really wouldnt call it bulky.They shave a stick in a spiral,against the grain.While whittling goes with the grain.Kinda like slicing meat for jerky,if you go against the grain it will be softer.Its not a mainstay but a better way of producing shavings if thats what you want.
The pencil sharpener also reduces the risk of cutting yourself making shavings.
If your hands are cold and shaking it would save you a possible cut to deal with.
-Sam
I have little square metal pencil sharpener that I use with Candeia wood for making tinder. The shavings just fall into my hand. They light very well. Mac
And they are exactly that, a sharpener. you could sharpen field tip arrows and other wood objects with it.
O.K. I admit, it does seem like a good idea. Now for the 1st grade sharpeners. Those log pencil sharpeners have gotta be good for something.
Interesting point, it would give improvised arrows a much nicer tip. I just wonder if it will give it the right point for maximum effectiveness.Quote:
Originally Posted by flandersander
After you fire harden the tip, Im sure it would work just fine.Quote:
Originally Posted by Austin Barlow
that is a good idea for making arrows or frog gigs
When I was a kid I had a solid brass pencil sharpener. It had a stainless steel blade held in place with a screw. It was made in Germany. I've never come across one like it again.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pict
Very good point. Sharpeners with a screw to remove and replace the blade are now hard to find. I think you would have to go to an art store to get one of those, like Michael's. Go to the art department, not school supply dept.Quote:
Originally Posted by pgvoutdoors
Somewhere around 1999 I bought an electric pencil sharpener at a dollar store. It has a screw to replace the blade, but it still has the original blade. Just goes to show that not all the stuff in a dollar store is crap, just most of it.
Thanks, I never thought of that.
The ones with the blade held in place with a screw are common in nearly all supermarkets up here. But, ive never seen any replacement blades for them. I think it would be easier just to replace the whole thing.