SHARPENING BY HAND
Sharpening is one of the most important woodworking skills. Sharp tools are safer than dull ones, as they behave predictably and require much less effort. Getting your tools sharp isn’t difficult, and you don’t need much equipment – what you need is an efficient, repeatable method that works well for the tools you use and the way you work. From the vast array of choices available, we’ve put together a selection of tested, dependable sharpening media and equipment. We’ve also put a lot of effort into explaining them clearly and accurately to help you choose the combination that’s best for you. A key to success in the workshop, a good sharpening regimen ensures your tools are always performing at their best.
| VERITAS HONING GUIDES | ||
| SHAPTON SHARPENING STONES | ||
| WATER STONES | ||
| CERAMIC STONES | ||
| OIL STONES | ||
| DIAMOND STONES | ||
| OTHER SHARPENING MEDIA | ||
| TO STROP OR NOT TO STROP? | ||
| GRIT CHARTS |
Regardless of the sharpening media you choose, the easiest way to get quick, consistent, repeatable results when sharpening is to use a guide to hold the blade at the correct angle. The MK.II honing guide system is a versatile choice that works with a wide variety of tools. The side-clamping honing guide offers a simple way to sharpen most chisels and plane irons. For holding small blades reliably, the short-blade honing guide is an effective solution.
Comparing sharpening media can be confusing, as manufacturers around the world follow various grading standards. To help make sense of it all, we compiled grit information for all sharpening stones and sheet abrasives that we sell. In addition to listing their grits according to the specific industrial standard relevant to each, we also listed the grit particle sizes in microns, providing a common frame of reference to compare the relative coarseness/fineness of all sharpening media. We also assigned each item a range code to pinpoint where it belongs in the sharpening process, from shaping and grinding to honing and final polishing.
With several types of abrasive media in an extensive range of grits, this line of premium sharpening equipment lets you develop a sharpening system tailored for a particular steel, application or workflow. Requiring only a quick spray of water before use, these durable stones cut quickly and yield consistent results.
Most water stones are manufactured from abrasive particles bonded by a resin or adhesive binder. In use, they constantly release fresh abrasive, so they sharpen quickly but also tend to wear quickly, requiring more frequent lapping than other stones. Water stones are an economical choice, available from 200x to 8000x, suitable for putting a keen edge on a wide range of hand tools. All must be soaked in water before being used.
Ceramic stones are manufactured from abrasive bonded with adhesive at high heat and pressure to make a hard, durable stone. Like water stones, they require water as a lubricant, but are usually slower-wearing. Our line includes ceramic stones made by Bester, Imanishi, Sigma Power Select II and Pride Abrasive, and are available in much finer grits than water stones, so they can be used to produce extremely refined edges.
Our line of oil stones includes traditional Arkansas stones, which are mined from natural stone and flattened for sharpening, as well as manufactured stones made from aluminum oxide abrasive. All cut more slowly than water stones but also wear more slowly, so they require less frequent lapping. Oil stones require an oil lubricant, so they are a good option to keep in a shed or other locations exposed to freezing temperatures that could damage a saturated water stone.
Diamond stones use manufactured abrasive bonded to a flat substrate. Diamond plates use particles mounted to a steel plate, while diamond bench stones have diamond particles mounted to a plastic substrate with perforations to carry away the filings. Fast cutting and highly durable, both are excellent choices that require virtually no maintenance.
Beyond traditional sharpening stones, many other forms of abrasive sharpening media are available. Film-based and paper-based abrasives can be mounted on glass, granite or another flat substrate and used much like stones. Abrasive film has the added benefit of flexibility, so it can be mounted on a profiled shape, such as a dowel for sharpening the radiused edge of a carving gouge. Powders and pastes come in a range of grits, from very coarse for stone flattening to the ultra-fine grits used to obtain a razor edge.
Stropping typically involves drawing a sharpened blade across a flat wood or leather surface to refine the edge after honing. It can also be used to tune up a dulling edge while you work, so it requires less frequent re-honing. Done with or without honing compound, it’s effective on softer steels or when using medium-grit stones to hone the edge.
While everyone has their own method for sharpening their tools, we have developed a flexible approach to help demystify this vital gateway skill. Whether you are an old hand at sharpening or trying to find your way as a novice, we are sure you will discover some useful tips in our regularly updated videos and written resources.
