I switched to a new hoof knife after my old one got dull, and the difference in my trim speed is crazy

I mean, I was using the same hoof knife for like five years, just sharpening it when I could. Last month, I finally bought a new one from a supplier in Spokane. The first horse I did after that, a big draft cross, took me maybe 15 minutes less per foot. The blade just bites in and follows the sole so much cleaner. I'm not fighting the tool anymore. It's not even a fancy brand, just a fresh, properly sharp piece of steel. I used to think a knife was a knife, but now I get why the old guys are so picky. How often do you all actually replace your main knives instead of just grinding them down?

3 comments

3 Comments

oliviajenkins2d ago

Wow, five years? I'm surprised you didn't just start using a spoon.

the_dylan2d ago

Ever read that article about how a sharp knife is actually safer because it needs less force? That's what you're feeling. You're not pushing as hard, so you have more control and your hand gets less tired. I keep a cheap diamond file in my kit and hit the edge every few horses, but the steel only lasts so long. Once it stops holding that easy edge after a touch up, it's just a worn out tool.

jesse_coleman782d ago

Man, that makes so much sense now. I've been using this one old pocket knife for years that basically needs me to lean my whole body weight into it. No wonder my hand cramps up after five minutes. I guess I'm the guy still trying to carve a turkey with a butter knife, complaining about how sore my arm is. Time to finally learn how to actually sharpen something.