Can we talk about the difference a proper hoof knife sharpening makes

I was working on a draft horse with a really tough sole last week, and my usual pass with the knife was just skidding. I spent 20 minutes putting a proper edge on it with a fine stone, and the next cut went through like butter. How often do you guys stop to sharpen during a full day of trimming?

3 comments

3 Comments

nelson.cameron1mo ago

My buddy learned that lesson the hard way.

tara7451mo ago

My cousin lost $500 that exact same way.

paule5322d ago

Man that is the truth. I had the exact same thing happen with a belgian draft last spring, sole was like hard plastic and my knife just bounced off it. Once I took the time to get a real edge on there with a wet stone it was night and day. I try to sharpen after every three or four horses now, keeps the edge consistent and saves my wrist from fighting. @tara745 is right, losing money on a deal like that stings, but for me it was the time wasted fighting with a dull tool that really burned me up. A sharp knife makes the whole job go smoother and keeps the horse calmer too.