Reply To: Sharpening Milestone
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I have round heels when it comes to sharpening systems. I Have most of the systems; many of the honing jigs, including Eclipse and most of the Veritas jigs, along with oil stones, water stones, ceramic stones, diamond plates, granite plate and sandpaper, machines include Worksharp and Tormek T-7 with both standard stone and 3000 grit Japanese water stone, and for my way of working (that is the key phrase) a freehand convex bevel on diamond plates and a strop charged with Herb’s yellowstone works best.
I also maintain a stropped convex bevel will give a better working edge than any other type or method. This based on many experiments using all the different methods and bevel types. Over the years when I’ve run into difficult wood I will dig out many of the systems to see if I can get a sharper edge and/or one that is more durable. I keep hoping but it never happens.Sometimes the machine or jig sharpened edge with a micro bevel will feel a little sharper the first cut (debatable) but by the second and third there will be little or no difference after that the micro bevel edge will begin to break down and fracture. The stropped convex bevel will remain sharp and working much longer. This result is the same for any of the major tool irons and brands, O1, A2, PM-11,Japanese White Steel, it makes no never mind. YMMV