Thread: universality of sharpening.

I was reading The Handplane Book, by Garrett Hack. He includes a brief discussion of sharpening in chapter four. From my pov sharpening is sharpening-yes some techniques vary, sometimes more or less specialized tools are used. There are differences yes, like driving a stick or automatic transmission-they are different-but you are still driving and more is the same than different.

He says: "Ultimately it is more important how you use and mainatin your stones than which ones you choose. While sharpening keep the surface well flushed with lubricant and use only moderate pressure. Regularly check your stones for flatness and maintain them. Have a range of grits no matter if some are oilstones and others something else, and learn to use them all to get the keenest edge in the shortest time."

The time to get a new stone(beyond the basics) is not when you are having trouble or needing improvement- it's when everything is good.