Reddit reviews Kershaw Ultra-Tek Blade Sharpener (2535); 4-Inch Sharpening Steel; 600-Grit Diamond-Coated Oval Shaft; Lightweight 6061-T6 Anodized Aluminum Handle; Compact, Portable Design; 2.1 oz.
We found 5 Reddit comments about Kershaw Ultra-Tek Blade Sharpener (2535); 4-Inch Sharpening Steel; 600-Grit Diamond-Coated Oval Shaft; Lightweight 6061-T6 Anodized Aluminum Handle; Compact, Portable Design; 2.1 oz.. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
4-inch sharpening steel stores in the handle when not in use, and features a 600-grit diamond coated oval shaftA handy, lightweight, portable knife sharpener requiring no water or oil, stores compactly and is easily taken anywhereLightweight 6061-T6 anodized aluminum with knurled texture for a secure grip during useA great companion for any knife enthusiast such as backpackers, hunters, hikers, hobbyists, anglers, home cooks, contractors, and carpentersPerfect for sharpening and realigning any Kershaw blade such as any Leek, Scallion, Clearwater Fillet series, Shuffle, Link, CQC series, and any favorite fixed blade or pocket folder
It all depends on what type of builder/crafter you want to get into. Buying all the "machines" and tools for someone that would be a foamsmith but you're really a needlework kind of person makes it a potential waste of money and time (and vice versa).
IF you want to get into an overall crafting/building in general, here are the tools and materials I've gathered for my workshop:
I'm gonna put the word **Optional** for the items that are not completely necessary for first time builders, but definitely worth while down the road.
Here are some helpful options for your search for EVA foam. Hopefully one of the stores I list here will be some-what local for you. Home Depot, Lowes, 5 Below, BJ's, Costco, Walmart, & Harbor Freight all carry the EVA (floor mat) foam. I have personally purchased and used foam from all of these locations.
Helpful links from the masters: Evil Ted Smith , Punished Props , Odin Makes , KamuiCosplay.
Hope this helps.
*note some prices are subject to change*
Thanks! That Power Fist is sweet.
To get clean cuts, you just need a really sharp knife. I prefer an exteding utility knife/box cutter like this one. Then once it starts to get dull I sharpen it with this sharpener (along with some wd-40 for lubrication). Any cuts that aren't ideal can always be cleaned up with a dremel/rotary tool though.
I want to toss up a few helpful youtube channels before putting in any of my own learned experiences.
Punished Props, EvilTed, and Kamui Cosplay all have really good videos on tools, what they are good for, good techniques, how to make and use patterns, etc. I've watched tons of these videos and have learned so much from them.
I do my best to digitally size patterns to my height or arm length, or whatever the template is for.
Beveled edges in foam aren't too difficult. Just take a really sharp knife and cut. You can take a pen and mark where you want it to be hold your knife at the right angle, and maintain the angle while you cut. Please, feel free to practice bevels on scrap foam. You'll get better as you do it.
https://youtu.be/FnVdDso3E1I
On the top of cutting foam! Get a good sharpener to save on blades!
I don't know how familiar you are with foam work yet, but after a few cuts your blade will begin to dull, and your cuts won't be as smooth.
I can't recommend this enough.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WALUV6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SMALDbKXB5112
This Kershaw sharpener has made my utility knife (the kind with the snap away segments) last YEARS. 100% worth the $12.
I thought the same thing.
Usually, my blade just needs to be honed a bit and I do that by running the edge on anything else metal that I have. While not the best method, it works when you're somewhere remote.
I own something similar to this and it does travel with me to other countries, but I I probably won't be carrying a sharpening stone with my anytime soon when I'm out in the field.
Yes! I thought my utility knife was still sharp, but after using the Kershaw sharpener Ted recommends, my foam cuts came out so much cleaner.