Monthly Archives: November 2009

I’m working on a couple of new entries: one on “alternative” saw-tooth geometry and another about why natural and manufactured waterstones leave different surfaces behind. Until I get those ready, don’t miss these from Tom Fidgen: A Dedicated Sharpening Bench- … Continue reading →

Al Navas (Sandal Woods) tells a tale of tearout — terrible tearout — that deserves repeating (especially in a sharpening blog – hint.) Al begins this thriller thus: “I was on a roll, milling stock for drawers, when disaster struck. … Continue reading →

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but some would call them a woodworker’s best buddy. It’s been over a century since DeBeers cornered the diamond market creating an artificial shortage of gem-quality diamonds that exists today. But that shortage … Continue reading →

Oilstones are still favored by many for their hard, stay-flat-ness and general reduced maintenance. Oil helps prevent rust but it can interfere with some finishes; so, like water, it’s best contained. The oil of choice can be many things; there … Continue reading →

Honing film is the least expensive way to get started with a sharpening system. For very few dollars you can have an enormous range of grit sizes, a flat thing or two to stick the film to (glass, granite, etc.) … Continue reading →

The range of sharpening media for hand-honing applications is fairly well covered by oilstones, waterstones, diamond plates and honing film. Each of which has its own pros and cons, adherents and detractors (this is interesting: http://blogs.popularwoodworking.com/editorsblog/Tool+Review+WorkSharp+To+Sharpen+Wide+Tools.aspx or http://tinyurl.com/yggz25a). You may, … Continue reading →