A hair free patch on my arm is the only requirement I have for a sharpening station. I don't think it matters much what the abrasive is as long as it removes material and goes down (up?) to very fine. Heat needs to be avoided. A strop is very helpful. Wet or dry sandpaper on a pice of glass is part of my Kit too. My little Grizzly was bought on a whim. A $99.00 buy one get one free Christmas gift sale at Grizzlys online store. I am slowly making various tool holders for it. Scissors remain a weak point in my sharpening ability. I can get a dull pair to work with a tiny carborundum scissors stone. If I try to use the Grizzly on scissors I can not make any improvement. The scissors tool holder is one that I plan to buy.
I would love to get a peak inside Bob's Sharpening Service shop in NH. He did a batch of antique saws for us. The list of all the items he sharpens is the biggest I have seen.
Bob's Sharp All