Sharpening
There is no better woodworking experience than working with
a
truly sharp tool — and no more frustrating experience than
working
with a dull one. Dull tools require more work and produce
poor
results. They are unsafe and difficult to control.
Consequently,
sharpening a cutting edge and keeping it sharp has always
been an
essential woodworking skill.
For this reason, sharpening woodworking tools is among the
first
things I teach new craftsmen. And I don't explain just how
to do
it. For many woodworkers who have only been taught how to
sharpen,
sharpening remains a mysterious ritual in which you anoint
the
sharpening stone with honing oil and implore whatever minor
deity
handles such details to please, please, please, let it be
right
this time. So what I teach is the why of sharpening – how a
tool
cuts the wood. Once you understand this, sharpening becomes
a
simple matter of geometry: Hone a keen edge to the proper
angle
and shape and you can achieve wondrous things.
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