Sharpening with Waterstones: A Perfect Edge in 60 Seconds

Interesting to read the differing opinions - and I can see the point of some of the low scores, especially since I'm not a Kirby fan either, however I must vote near the top. For those people - the Leonard Lee or Thomas Lie Nielsen book would probably be a better choice. I just happen to prefer simple if given a choice. The type of reference book I like is just like this one - its contents are laid out well on different subjects and it's very easy and quick to go back and review anything. As to the content, there isn't any fluff here - it is straight and to the point and answers quick questions such as "How do I know when it's sharp?", "When do I have to regrind?". Each subject doesn't seem to be anymore than a paragraph and is easy to remember. He does spend allot of time on the grinder and sharpening bench he likes but in his defense, it looks like a great design that would produce repeatable results and is easy on the wallet. I appreciate the simplicity because the sharpening industry seems to thrive on selling you the newest gizmo and making it far more complicated than necessary. While I do use a honing guide for consistency, it still applies well to this simply style. Edit as of 05/10: I changed the review from four to five stars as this system definately works for me. I think I've tried all kinds of dodads over the years but now I get them razor sharp in far less time than I invested in other methods. The ironic thing is this is the most simple system I've used. I'm convinced the key is consistency. I also built his sharpening system (not the bench, just the system) and it works perfect every time and cut my grinding time way down. I feel bad watching people struggle with sharpening as I did knowing the answer is so simple.

One of the unfortunate facts about cutting tools is that they need to have a sharp edge to work well but using them takes away that edge. This is a wonderful little book by an expert woodworker explaining how he puts back the edge quickly so he can go back to work right away. It describes every detail including inconvertible facts as well as the author's many opinions. It's a complete system; it doesn't leave out any steps. Even though not every technique is useful to me I wouldn't leave anything out because that would inevitably leave out techniques that were useful. With the help of this book I learned to hand sharpen chisels and plane irons. (I didn't try setting up a grinder the way he suggests.) Rather than trust my skill completely I used a honing guide from Lee Valley. I spent a very pleasant summer afternoon in the backyard learning how to sharpen with waterstones, a stack of dull chisels and plane irons, a bucket of water and a yapping puppy. I got wet and the yard got messy but I don't think anybody minded. A very rewarding afternoon, except when the puppy ran off with one of the pages. I don't know if the chisels came out sharp enough to shave with but they slice softwood like butter. This book does an excellent job as a teacher for three reasons: It is written by somebody who knows what he is doing. It explains all the steps clearly and it doesn't leave out any. And I came out of the process fairly skillful at something I didn't know how to do before.

This book will disappoint you if you don't buy it with the right frame of reference. It isn't a chatty book that starts out with pictures of a trip to a Japanese quarry, etc... Nor is it a dithering book that gives you every method know to man to do something. Nor is it a book by a master Japanese woodworker with a real understanding of waterstones. This series of books is designed to give in-depth coverage of one person's way of doing one thing. So if you have no interest in taking a master's advice, and just want to be entertained, not the best read. But if you want a practical and fast way of getting your tools to the level of a master studio craftsman and teacher, then this is a possible path. A lot of top craftsmen, at least those who write etc... actually do a lot of tool reviewing, promoting and such. So it is natural to fall into the assumption that expert craftsman have a thousand opinions about tools with no fixed technical adress. Really good workers, find something that works, and then get on with the work. Kirby mostly wrote for Fine Woodworking when it wasn't a magazine that catered to beginers

I have bought several books in an effort to sharpen my chisel and plane blades. I now don't know where they are. I know where this one is. Its in my shop. This book can be read in one hour, and remembered for a lifetime. It's simplicity is magnificant. I now know the basic elements of sharpening woodworking tools, and thoes basic elements permit me to put a razor edge on my tools. It will let you do the same.

Kirby gives a lot of insight into sharpening woodworking blades. The work station options that he includes in this book are simple and functional. I was able to put together the sharpening station in just an afternoon. Even after a few modification it works out perfectly. The control that he talks about having on the tool while sharpening was very helpful. By following the steps outlined in this book, it give you a good start with developing your sharpening skills. I can easily see how the use of the waterstones are superior to my old oil stones. The blades become sharper faster and retain their edges longer. Overall I think it is an excellent reference for both the novice and the experienced woodworker. Let's face it, you can only enjoy woodworking when you have finely sharpened and adjusted tools.