How to sharpen woodcut tools with a slip strop

March 8, 2023 • block print • block printing tools • flexcut • Lino art • Linocut • Linocut tools • linoleum • rlh prints • slip strop • woodcut • woodcut tools

Learning to properly sharpen your tools is a skill that with practice will be a natural part of your printmaking practice. It is good to get into the routine of sharpening your tools every 20-30 minutes spent carving. This will vary depending on what surface you are carving into as the harder the surface the more quickly your tools will become dull. Over time you will be able to sense when your gouges are blunt and need sharpening. It is always best to sharpen your tools regularly to prevent having to sharpen an extremely blunt tool from scratch. You can...