Whats the best or standard way to shave reeds properly?

[Demolisher_2000]

Hello I just started shaving my reeds mainly because my reed is 1/4 too strong but I also heard it increases reed life. Can someone tell me how to do this?
thanks

[colibri]

When the reed is nicely balanced, it vibrates evenly and will extend its life.

[singlereed]

See guidance on reed adjustment in Larry Teal's book 'The Art of Saxophone Playing' - this is a book you should have anyway - or Dr Downing's Reed Doctor http://www.drdowningmusic.com/sax_reed.html

You adjust reeds with different tools/materials depending on the need, but the best stuff for minor scraping is Dutch Rush (also known as Reed Rush) which is literally short strips of a natural rush that acts as an abrasive. Most woodwind shops sell it. The other scrapers you would use for more major adjustment are a craft knife or a sanding block.

[FunkySax]

I also think reed rush is the best way to work on a reed.

[colibri]

FunkySax I thought you don't work on reeds.

[FunkySax]

I spend lots of time working reeds. I just don't boil, glue, drill or microwave them. If a reed is really stuffy or hard I will use a reed rush to thin the tip it a little. Also, maybe one ore two just to smooth the surface and help it seal to the mouthpiece. I will also clip a reed that is to soft on occaission, but not often.

[Cameron Wigmore]

The book that covers this subject was mentioned by singlereed. The art of sax playing, by Larry Teal is a great book.