09-08-2017, 12:05 PM
Good points, Steve.
I do a lot of testing for another forum. I wanted to keep the sharpening process as simple as possible. I realized that the key to this quest is to start with the most basic tool. For me, that tool is a 3/4" Irwin Blue Chip chisel. With some looking around, I have been able to locate them (new) for $8.00 US each. I don't remember how many I have. Last memory was eight. Incidentally, I only use them for sharpening tests. They are reasonably good carbon steel. The 3/4" single bevel is easy to shape, sharpen, and examine. The backs flatten easily. I find them a great learning tool, much better than inexpensive knives. Having several allows me to compare different grits or sharpening techniques.
When I was testing 180 and 80 grit CBN wheels, I found I could go from the 80 grit wheel (BESS just under 500) to a BESS 130 reading by just following the 80 grit with the Tormek leather honing wheel and compound. Not quite as good as the traditional Tormek technique, which read around 100, but quite respectable for a quick job.
Incidentally, I never use secondary bevels with the Tormek.
Ken
Ken
I do a lot of testing for another forum. I wanted to keep the sharpening process as simple as possible. I realized that the key to this quest is to start with the most basic tool. For me, that tool is a 3/4" Irwin Blue Chip chisel. With some looking around, I have been able to locate them (new) for $8.00 US each. I don't remember how many I have. Last memory was eight. Incidentally, I only use them for sharpening tests. They are reasonably good carbon steel. The 3/4" single bevel is easy to shape, sharpen, and examine. The backs flatten easily. I find them a great learning tool, much better than inexpensive knives. Having several allows me to compare different grits or sharpening techniques.
When I was testing 180 and 80 grit CBN wheels, I found I could go from the 80 grit wheel (BESS just under 500) to a BESS 130 reading by just following the 80 grit with the Tormek leather honing wheel and compound. Not quite as good as the traditional Tormek technique, which read around 100, but quite respectable for a quick job.
Incidentally, I never use secondary bevels with the Tormek.
Ken
Ken