John, I really don't think you'll be disapointed with kirschens, I really like them, hence i'm finding it hard to justify using a Japanese chisel in favour of them as it would mean changing my technique in quite a few ways, but i've orded a dovetail chisel to test out though.
If it helps, my personal sharpening technique for the kirschens was this:
1. Flatten the backs, I was lucky and most of them had a very slight hollow which made flattening them very quick and easy.
2. I used an 800 grit Japanese water stone to flatten the back and then to hone the bevel
3. Moved it onto a 6000 grit waterstone to polish both sides, and then used a leather strop inpregnated with fine talcum powder to get a mirror finish.
I did find however that it took about two or three sharpenings to get them razor sharp, but since then they've held their edge really well.
PeterPan - am I right in thinking that you are condemning all of sheffield laminated steel as 'english industrial junk' or have I mis-read you?
First I'm not entitled to my opinion, now everyone is. Make up your mind.
To be fair peter, i've never said at anytime nor do I believe anyone else has said you aren't entitled to your opinion. AND we are all passionate about hand-tools, but you do sometimes come across with a sense of self imposed superiority that can make it seem others aren't 'qualified' enough to argue with you as we aren't all artisan tool-makers.
But saying all that, I want you to realise this is just a discussion forum, and i've enjoyed reading your posts greatly whether i've agreed with them or not and I want to re-iterate what I said in another thread, and that I appreciate your contribution, and somewhere in there, there is information that is both interesting and useful. :lol: :lol:
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