I cannot estimate lifetime costs because I don’t know how long the waterstones would remain useful. Mine wore away quickly, especially because I kept them flat. I think two sheets of paper (6-8 hones) might be enough to last a year. So say the annual cost of sandpaper sharpening is $20.00. So, the “break-even” point is about 14 years out. I wonder if waterstones, which need to be flattened after each session, will even last 14 years.
Sometimes in a single day I may hone more than 6-8 blades.
The idea that water stones need to be flattened after each session is a myth.
My water stones are more than 10 years old and will likely last another 10 at least.
If one wants to go an inexpensive route, a few good oilstones might be purchased for less than water stones.
Sandpaper on steel wears rather fast. One of my early attempts to sharpen on the cheap was with abrasive sheets. They can give up their grit rather quickly.
jtk
Last edited by Jim Koepke; 08-20-2017 at 3:22 AM.
Reason: removed untoward comment
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
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