SMALL CERAMIC STICKS - where do you get them?

C

coote

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Apr 3, 2006
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I know that these sticks often come in sets, but I want to know if they are available separately....and I'm looking for a cheap source that I can access through the internet from New Zealand.

I've really come to appreciate these things for putting a quick edge on a knife. I have a broken crock stick which I've used with great success, and I find that one of the sticks from the Tri-Angle Sharpmaker kit is excellent to use like a sharpening steel.

So.....if these can be purchased as separate items I'd really appreciate learning what they are called and where I might get them from. Once I know what they are I can have a good look around and maybe find someone willing to ship them to NZ for a reasonable rate.

Many thanks....Coote.
 
You can use the innards of a burnt-out sodium vapor light bulb. These bulbs are the type that are usually used for street lights or parking lot lighting.

The inner tube (arc tube) is made of a very fine Alumina ceramic, and are great for mobile sharpening needs. They are usually about 1/4" diameter and between 4-6 inches long.

Apparently, someone has patented the use of these for knife sharpening (I guess you can't sell them, but you can use them for yourself). Go figure? I've been using these for many years, and they are great for getting that final edge on a blade. You might check the maintenance department at your work (or someone else's).

Here's a place (HERE that manufactures these tubes and provides some specs on them. Apparently, the tubes become a little rougher after undergoing the multiple heating/cooling cycles during the light bulb's life, which makes them even more ideal for our uses.

Mike L.
 
+1 for Ragweed forge, look under sharpening supplies for the two sizes he sells.
 
A diamond coated rod like my Eze-Lap may cost more but it will never break and will last forever.
 
ragweed forge, posted above, sells ceramic rods in a couple of different sizes for what i would consider good prices.
 
I got mine from Spyderco, they work great. Not sure what "cheap" means for you, but they were a little more than I was used to paying for sharpeners. But they work great!
 
Thanks very much for all the helpful response. I've checked out the sites and they look good....and yes, international orders can be done.

I have a cheap diamond rod on order already...I'll be interested to see how durable this particular one looks.

Logem...that is a very interesting tip about the sodium vapour light bulb arc tubes. I've just started work at a big facility where they have an electrician on site most of the time. Needless to say I'll be asking him to save me some old bulbs to play with.

Much appreciated...Coote.
 
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