I have been working on a simple project, and cutting my first dovetails. I'm a new guy to planes and chisels, and I thought that my edges were good; they were very sharp, shaving arm hair effortlessly.
But my project is in pine, and cutting dovetails, paring end grain, proved the lie. End grain fibers in the pin area are crushed, not cut. 400/1000/pasted strop is not enough.
Today, I went back to basics, dug out my jig, 400/1k plate, 6k King and 1um and .3um lapping film. Set a 25* bevel, went through the grits to 1k, and reset the jig for a 30* micro bevel, then 6k/1um/.3um. No strop.
THAT is an edge. Night and day difference. Not only can I push the chisel through end grain and get beautiful shavings I can see through, but I can slice sideways in a sweeping motion, like cutting with a knife, and it slices thin, see through shavings off like butter. Gorgeous.
Working on my #4 now. Can't wait to hit the bench as soon as I can squeeze out some time.
Thanks, Sawmill Creek, and everyone here who encouraged me to push for a better edge.