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View Full Version : Hand Tool Sharpening Options; my take



Mike Baker 2
02-06-2018, 7:52 PM
Hi, folks. I haven't been on in a while. I work outside and the weather hasn't been the best.
Here is a video on my woodworking channel. It is my experience, my opinion. Feel free to disagree.
It is almost 30 minutes, so also feel free to skip through it, or skip it entirely. :P

https://youtu.be/oa3JzA37Adc<a href="https://youtu.be/oa3JzA37Adc" target="_blank">
https://youtu.be/oa3JzA37Adc (https://youtu.be/oa3JzA37Adc)

John C Cox
02-06-2018, 9:55 PM
Mike,

Thanks for the video. It's a great video that goes over a lot of different topics and equipment.

I think it also includes an accurate commentary on Scary Sharp.. I moved on to stones for exactly the reason you mention... $25/week worth of sand paper... Yep - been there too...

One thing if you can add something...

I would offer your opinion in the video about which type of steel is best sharpened with each of your sharpening methods and which don't.. A lot of beginners get caught up chasing the dream of super steels - and don't realize that these super steels require different (and expensive) sharpening equipment.... For example - you will go insane trying to sharpen a fancy pants HSS and super steel chisels and irons on Arkansas and India stones... And before you know it - you burn through $200 worth of sandpaper and wake up one morning looking at $500 worth of diamond stones along with all the kit you previously bought....

Thanks

Mike Baker 2
02-06-2018, 10:00 PM
John, thanks.
Yes, I realized I'd forgotten to mention that shortly after I uploaded the video, and since I generally use vintage carbon steel tools, it slipped my mind.
I can't add to the video, but I will put a note in the comments section to cover this. Thank you for bringing it up.

John C Cox
02-07-2018, 8:51 AM
Or even better.... Make another video! Mmmm. We love videos.

Mike Baker 2
02-07-2018, 9:49 AM
Yes, considering an addendum video. It would basically be a restating of what you brought up, so don't know if anyone would be too interested here, but...

David Eisenhauer
02-07-2018, 9:59 AM
It would be nice to have something to point new-to-sharpening folks to when they ask "which is the best way to sharpen?", so thanks for the video. I will confess that, once past an initial run through the options/methods, the whole sharpening thing can be a weary subject to me.

Mike Baker 2
02-07-2018, 10:32 AM
Thanks David.
As to "weariness" I can see that.
There are conflicting philosophies, and everyone is passionate. I learned early to weigh the options, look at as much as I could, and just pick an approach and get on with woodworking.
But my channel is geared toward a beginner's approach, so yes, info like this is something fundamental to that approach, and I'll be presenting basic ideas over and over with new guys in mind. That is my focus.

David Eisenhauer
02-07-2018, 5:28 PM
"Hi, my name is Mike Baker 2 and I have a problem with shaving brushes". And I thought my three were two more than I needed. Lordy Mike, where does it stop?

Mike Baker 2
02-07-2018, 6:10 PM
"Hi, my name is Mike Baker 2 and I have a problem with shaving brushes". And I thought my three were two more than I needed. Lordy Mike, where does it stop?

Stop? I will thank you not to use such filthy four letter words around me!:p

Actually, i have ceased acquisition of brushes and straights. For as long as I can resist. :D

Matt Lau
02-07-2018, 9:27 PM
Stop? I will thank you not to use such filthy four letter words around me!:p

Actually, i have ceased acquisition of brushes and straights. For as long as I can resist. :D


Stop? That's what you use to hold wood in place when you plane it, right?

Mike Baker 2
02-07-2018, 9:58 PM
I see what you did there.
Bravo!