12-02-2017, 07:27 AM
Welcome to the forum, Scott.
Life was simpler when I was younger. I had four sharpening stones: a Norton combination India stone which was my grandfather's; an unmarked worn similar stone which had belonged to my other grandfather, a smaller oilstone which had belonged to my father; and a combination carborundum oilstone which Dad gave me for Christmas as a boy. Life was simple, but more limited.
Decades later I added a set of Norton waterstones. Sharpening became quicker, but I always had to mind flatness. Then came a couple small ceramic stones and a Tormek.
I do not have Mark's expertise with sharpening. However, I am glad you asked this very pertinent question. While life presents us with more choices now, it also presents many more opportunities.
I switched from a knife steel to a ceramic rod. I like the feel of the ceramic rod and the edge surface it leaves. I especially appreciate the built in angle locating triangles.
If I was starting over, I would look very seriously at ceramic bench stones. I look forward to reading more replies. Again, excellent question.
Ken
Life was simpler when I was younger. I had four sharpening stones: a Norton combination India stone which was my grandfather's; an unmarked worn similar stone which had belonged to my other grandfather, a smaller oilstone which had belonged to my father; and a combination carborundum oilstone which Dad gave me for Christmas as a boy. Life was simple, but more limited.
Decades later I added a set of Norton waterstones. Sharpening became quicker, but I always had to mind flatness. Then came a couple small ceramic stones and a Tormek.
I do not have Mark's expertise with sharpening. However, I am glad you asked this very pertinent question. While life presents us with more choices now, it also presents many more opportunities.
I switched from a knife steel to a ceramic rod. I like the feel of the ceramic rod and the edge surface it leaves. I especially appreciate the built in angle locating triangles.
If I was starting over, I would look very seriously at ceramic bench stones. I look forward to reading more replies. Again, excellent question.
Ken