Replies

1. 
   pzgren | Feb 28, 2006 07:52pm | #1

   Assuming decent technique, just about any method you use will get you a sharp knife:  water or oil stones, diamond stones, sand paper on glass, MDF with diamond paste/buffing compound, high/low speed grinding stone, etc. The end result is what's important, not how you get there. I'd speculate that ceramic stones are recommended because that's what the author uses....

   Good luck with your carving...it's a lot of fun!!

   James

2. 
   jhounshell | Mar 01, 2006 04:16pm | #2

   I recently purchased several Pfeil gouges, chisels and knives for carving and chip carving. The sharpening process is a bit overwhelming at first. I think it's important to remember that once a tool is sharp, unless you damage the blade in some way, it's not very difficult to keep them sharp. I have not carved much, but a good strop has kept my tools nice and sharp. One of the best things about buying the Pfeil tools is they are razor sharp when delivered, I didn't have to worry about sharpening.

   That being said, I have used the "scary sharp" sandpaper method to sharpen my bench chisels and plane irons, and it works extremely well.