Sharpening with Waterstones

Book excerpt: Learn to sharpen with waterstones -- a quick, simple, and straightforward skill. The introduction of waterstones has made it possible for woodworkers to achieve sharper edges, with less effort, than ever before -- a skill that anyone can learn. Readers will learn how to put a perfect edge on chisels, plane irons, and knives. The author advocates using Japanese waterstones in conjunction with the ordinary electric grinder as the best route to a sharp edge, yet he also shows how to get excellent results from traditional oil stones. Kirby includes the use of diamond hones to prepare new tools for sharpening, and to recondition old ones.