A complete sharpening system, the Firestone sharpener is made from a high grade industrial ceramic [aluminum silica ] which offers an exceptional sharpening surface, the ceramic stones are slightly less hard than diamonds. This creates their polishing property, so the knife edge is polished as it is sharpened. Each set of 4 sharpening stones are permanently set in the handle to create a 23 degree hollow ground edge. Each Firestone knife sharpener is one complete unit, durable, compact and convenient. FireStone hand held sharpeners are even guaranteed for life. Easy operation, the first stage is the tan stones. Use medium pressure when drawing the blade through the tan stones to set a new edge , after a few strokes ,the pressure should decrease, less metal cutting occurs and a greater degree of polishing takes place.

The second stage white stones continue the polishing process to a high level of sharpness. The white stone may be the only sharpening required for the knives that are sharp but have a rolled dull edge, much like using steel for sharpening. I have used the firestone sharpener for several years for my hunting and camping knives and I'm very pleased with it ,so when I met Mark Hubley at the SHOT show in Las Vegas this year I was real familiar with the firestone products, they offer several other sharpening tools like a broadhead sharpener,- fillet and fish hook sharpener, pocket knife sharpener and also electric sharpeners.

The second item from the McGowan Company is the Belt Axe, this a very unique item. The design of the belt axe looks like the viking beard axe of ancient times. The blade is dramatically curved and follows a compound curve from tip to tip . The handle is ergonomically designed with 13 layers of cross grain laminated birch wood from England. There is a 1/4 hole drilled in the end of the handle for a leather wrist wrap. The head of the belt axe is made of cast 440C stainless steel which is heat treated and then bead blasted and the cutting edge is hand polished to a mirror finish.

The belt axe head is attached to the handle by two attachments a 3/8'' stainless steel set screw that is screwed in the back of the head and a 1/4'' spring steel roll pin which is inserted all the way through the head of the and handle. The swivel sheath is custom made by DeSantis Holster & leather in New Hyde Park, NY. DeSantis is well known in the sporting goods industry as a maker of fine holsters and accessories. This belt axe worked exceptionally well for me cutting brush and small timber for a camp fire and it did not affect the sharp cutting edge. This belt axe is a high end quality product but is, without a doubt, worth the money because it will last a life time with the quality design.

Visit their web site at www.mcgowanmfg.com
To order call 1-800-342-4810 Fax 320-587-7966

By: Ken Menge