How to Sharpen Farrier Tools

Keeping your farrier tools in good working condition involves making sure that they are properly sharpened. Sharp tools will make the work you are doing to your horse's hooves more exact and precise. Using dull tools can be time consuming and dangerous. Dull tools can injure you, your other tools or your horse. Sharpening your farrier tools only takes a few minutes and can save you time and money down the line.

Things You'll Need

  • Farrier tools
  • Sharpening stick
  • Leather gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean any debris off the tool to be sharpened and off of the sharpening stick.

    • 2

      Hold the tool to be sharpened in your non-dominant hand and against your knee to brace it.

    • 3

      Hold the sharpening stick in your dominant hand.

    • 4

      Find the bevel in the tool to be sharpened and make sure to follow the same angle it creates when you sharpen.

    • 5

      Drag the sharpening stick down the tool with long, firm strokes that move from the handle, away from your hand and toward the end of the tool.

    • 6

      Examine the edge of the tool's blade to see if it is sharp. The edge should be smooth and angled, not rounded.

    • 7

      Test the tool's sharpness by using it on your horse's hoof. A knife, for example, should cut through the frog easily with just a bit of resistance.

    • 8

      Continue sharpening if necessary.