Synopsis: Brian T. Derber and his students evaluate a variety of benchstones to see how they measure up to Derber’s experience sharpening on razor hones. They looked at five types and explain why each is best for a particular type of job. Arkansas benchstones are good for high-carbon steel; Japanese waterstones can sharpen the hardest steels. Norton waterstones are an improvement over Japanese in some ways; ceramic stones are narrow but cut well; and diamond lapping plates are best for initial honing. A chart shows how the benchstones compare, listing their uses, pros, cons, and cost. A side article discusses how to know when your tool is sharp enough.

From Fine Woodworking #127

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Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Bahco 6-Inch Card Scraper

The size and thickness are what matter here. A consistent performer, this Bahco scraper is found in many shops we visit.

Buy at Amazon

Starrett 12-in. combination square

This accurate, robust, well-machined, easy-to-read combo square is as great as ever.

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Norton Water Stones

This kit includes everything you need to sharpen all of your blades, with water stones in four grits and a separate stone to keep them flat.

Buy at Amazon

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