Shopsmith Forums

Those who post here probably have, as a group, every hand tool ever made. So I know one or more can answer my question about this "Crock Stick" I acquired yesterday. The directions show it with only the 2 9-inch rods. It has two smaller diameter holes in the base. The picture has chopsticks I inserted to show the angle. What are these for? The instructions will show you how old this thing is. It looks as if it was seldom if ever used.

I have (or have had) one of these that my father used to use. This link will show best what I think I know about using one. You need abrasive rods to replace those chop sticks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7beX_EKXkmA

My mom had one of those as well. Hers had diamond (industrial) impregnated ceramic rods to sharpen the knives. I always did better (and faster) with a stone and so used that, but they did work.

I believe to answer your question, you put two of the sharpening rods into those holes (making them verticle) and then draw the knife through them creating an edge without worrying about a "correct" angle as that happens automatically. It has been a few years, but that is what I remember ....

The two smaller holes were probably for a shield or guard that covered the hand that was holding the base. Some of the vintage ones had a couple of dowels or a plastic shield that would cover the back of the hand in case the knife that was being sharpened slipped. It you do a search for vintage crock sticks there pictures that show the different guards.