Replies

1. 
   _mj_ | Oct 22, 2021 12:04pm | #1

   If they are not damaged you should not have to back 3 stones. Try to hone one with your finest stone. If it works, you're all set. If it feels like it is taking forever go back one more stone. If it works you're all set. If it feels like it is taking forever...

   I can't speak to the ruler thing, I don't use it.

2. 
   john_c2 | Oct 22, 2021 12:10pm | #2

   Ruler trick is on the final polish only. Half a dozen strokes is usually more than sufficient.

   Do you use a secondary bevel on the bevel side? If you do, and it's pretty narrow, and you haven't dinged the edge, 4000 and 8000 on the secondary bevel and 8000 with the ruler trick is what I do.

   When the secondary bevel gets too wide, I regain the primary on 220, but I NEVER let 220 touch the edge. As soon as I have just a tiny secondary bevel left, I go back to 400 and 8000 on the secondary. The 220 can be replaced by a bench grinder or belt sander -- again, never touching the actual edge. I don't find regular use for 1000.

   The above is for routine sharpening. Damaged edges are different.

1. 
   chuckvandyck | Oct 22, 2021 06:12pm | #5

   That’s smart! I’ll have to keep that in mind next time I reestablish my primary. Leaving a small amount of the secondary makes a lot of sense. Never even considered it.

3. 
   DRBWWing | Oct 22, 2021 02:10pm | #3

   I only do a few strokes. I hollow grind primary bevel but I sharpen free hand.

4. 
   user-7859814 | Oct 22, 2021 02:32pm | #4

   whatever you do, dont use the ruler trick on chisels, ONLY on plane irons

1. 
   stevieray | Oct 23, 2021 07:58am | #6

   I was taught to hollow grind on a bench grinder and then use water stones, starting with the coarsest grit you have and working up to 8000, doing it free-hand. It's not hard to learn and gives great results.

   However, I bought a Tormek recently and get great results. I sometimes go to the 8000 water stone after Tormek sharpening. I highly recommend the Tormek -- get the 10-inch model. It is 2 inches wide and includes all the jigs. The 8-inch model is narrower and you have to buy the jigs separately, so you don't really save money.