Reply To: Paul's Sharpening Method
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I can testify, I too have recently tried Pauls method, and have been totally impressed. I have all the paraphernalia, tormek, various jap water stones etc. After seeing Pauls videos, I dug out an old unused norton combi stone (you would get laughed at on some forums for using one of THOSE…) Anyway I had a set of 5 stanley chisels, which had “average” edges, actually the bevels were to some extent rounded from careless haphazard attempts at honing on waterstones. I used plain white spirit as a lube, and in just a few minutes all 5 chisels came up paring slicing sharp (easing cleanly thru end grain pine) I watched the wire edges just curl off as I stropped them (on solvol autosol polish on leather) I realised all of a sudden that the beauty of this time honoured and traditional method is that it works WITH (not against) the natural motions of a tool relative to a sharpening stone-raised up a little towards the back of the pass across the stone and dropped down a little as it reaches the front. Instantly I was freed from the tiresome need to perfect a stance and motion that mimics a honing guage, to maintain a steady angle at all times…..Not only that, but I suddenly thought wow all I really need is one stone, I no longer need the tormek and a stack of fiddly, fragile and temperamental waterstones and the quasi religious routines required to use them..Anyway the set of 5 chisels are suddenly revitalised and useful (even if they dont stay sharp for long) but I was simply astonished at how fast and efficient this method is, so a quick retouch every now and again is just the thing! LOL the sharpening industry wont like it..!!
Cheers Jonathan