Possible Clues:

• Use a whetstone
• Make a point
• Strop made by part of fractious harp ensemble
• Prepare to use, as a pencil
• Dog's tail docked, and indefinite number get into strop
• Give more of a point to
• Give a point to clever men without marks
• Give a good tip?
• Make pointy, as a pencil
• Fine-tune