I have attended dozens of hoof-care clinics throughout my career. And as much as I’ve learned from the presentations and demonstrations, I have found the time standing around an open truck or trailer with other farriers yields unexpected education. We attend to learn from the clinician, but we also share our ideas with each other and leave better for it.

This previous fall, I presented at Yoder Blacksmith Supplies open house and clinic. After the clinic at the Fredericksburg, Ohio, store wrapped up, several farriers and I stood around my truck, sharing ideas and swapping stories. Among the hand and power tools filling this truck body, it was a simple sharpening vise that I made that caught the others’ eyes.

Hardy Hole Knife Vise

We all have our preferred way of sharpening our knives. Manufacturers have provided us with a variety of options. Still, many of us prefer to keep their knives sharp by hand filing — particularly loop knives. The problem is when we try to hold it with one hand and file with the other. This is slippery and dangerous because we just can’t secure the knife and file efficiently. Or we just can’t find the best angle. If you don’t have a vise on your truck, try this inexpensive do-it-yourself solution.

I like this system because you can place it any direction in the…