Scary Sharp Revelation

[wizer]

Well I finally got around to ordering my Scary Sharp Kit from Workshop Heaven. I just got the PSA papers, camellia oil and block of float glass. It came a couple of days ago and I've been itching to try it.

I'm Daddy Daycare today as we couldn't arrange childcare. So after baby's (and Daddy's) nap, I sat down at the dining table and had a play. I sharpened my Veritas BUS and my Boggs 'shaves. I'm not suggesting that the papers are better than the diamond stones that I had, far from it. But I got results that I've never achieved previously. Probably because I took my time with it and followed Matthew's well written instructions (that come with the kit).

I took the tools back out to the shop and quickly slung a piece of beech in the vice. The BUS worked amazingly. Lovely wispy shaving that I'd not seen since the first time I used it. The shaves were very good also, but they'd kept their edge fairly well with good use (is that the steel type?).

Anyway. I just wanted to blab about it. I'm very happy and the cost is much less than what I've used in the past.

Chisels next.

 

[head clansman]

hi tom

good aint it . hc :wink:

 

[OPJ]

I'm not suggesting that the papers are better than the diamond stones that I had, far from it. But I got results that I've never achieved previously. Probably because I took my time with it and followed Matthew's well written instructions (that come with the kit).

Interesting, Tom. What do really feel makes the difference? Does it cut faster than your diamond stones? Is it the comfort of working on a larger surface area?

Are you still using your Veritas jig with this or have you bought one of those Kell guides as well...? :roll: :twisted: :wink:

 

[wizer]

I'm using the Veritas guide and I'm really not sure what the difference is. I'm not sure that there is a difference with the sharpening medium. It's more my frame of mind. By simplifying the whole process, using just three papers instead of 7 stones, it keeps my attention on what I'm doing. It's fair to say that I thought the bling bling diamond kit would make sharpening a breeze. In any case, the main reason for the change of direction was cost. The outlay for scary sharp was £45, less than one of the diamond stones alone. The kit comes with 5 of each paper and I've cut the first three grades in to thirds. It appears to me that, for a hobbiest of my caliber, I won't be buying paper for a long time.

 

[Mr Ed]

Interesting. I tried scary sharp years ago with wet and dry and whilst it worked I found it a ball ache. That said, my general woodworking mojo is probably better refined now so I may have a different view if trying again.

Since I need to add some additional sharpening media for the workshop, in addition to the diamond stones I have, I may give the psa lapping sheets a go.

Ed

 

[Dave S]

By simplifying the whole process, using just three papers instead of 7 stones, it keeps my attention on what I'm doing.

7 stones :shock: That's enough to blow anyone's mind!

Interesting - you got shot of your waterstones because of the mess (as I recall), went to diamond stones and now to scary sharp.

I started with scary sharp and then moved to waterstones and don't really find the waterstones significantly messier than scary sharp.

I found the cost of scary sharp could start to build because of the paper, but even so, £40 seems a lot of money for some abrasive paper and a can of spraymount! (Bearing in mind float glass that size can easily be got for free).

Dave

 

[OPJ]

...using just three papers instead of 7 stones...

Blimey! :shock: Only seven?!? Is that one for each tool or something?!

 

[wizer]

I don't find scary sharp messy at all. I bought the PSA backed stuff and I use the tiniest dab of camelia on the first paper and none on the others. It was tidy enough to do it on the dining table. Fair enough I might have got the glass free from somewhere but I'm lazy (hence being on my third sharpening medium). I do agree that Wet and Dry would be cheaper, I haven't got a decent answer for that other than that I like the convenience of the PSA backing. When I get some time I'll make it into a board that I can store the necessary stuff on. In the long run, yes, it'll work out more expensive. But we're talking years and years to spend what I did on the bling. I reckon it'll take me a year to use up these paper. You have to remember that I do very little hand tool work, by choice. (tho having said that I feel the urge to have another go with the shooting board situation).

 

[mickthetree]

Hey Wizer

Really pleased you found a method that sits right in your head. I guess thats really. There are many techniques out there, but when you find one that suits you and your situation, then it makes sense that it is the method for you.

I watched Alfs method on youtube today and I have to say it looks a darn site quicker and less messy than my combination waterstone.

Love that hand cranked wheel too!

 

[Alf]

I've been soundly beaten to the "Seven stones?!" cry of incredulity, I see. :lol: I think everyone goes down the Scary Sharp route at some point - and virtually everyone ends up giving it the elbow. Be interesting to see how you fair, Tom. And that's from genuine interest, not sarcasm. I've gone through pretty much all the sharpening medium possiblities and can't afford to throw any sarcastic stones.

Cheers, Alf

 

[Doug B]

(Bearing in mind float glass that size can easily be got for free).

Dave

I agree you can get an off cut free, but i doubt you will get the edges ground for nothing, & i wouldn`t want to use a rough cut piece of glass when sharpening.

 

[Doug B]

I think everyone goes down the Scary Sharp route at some point - and virtually everyone ends up giving it the elbow.

Cheers, Alf

Out of interest, why do you say this. I`ve looked at most ways of sharpening & the system Matthew is selling seems the least hassle & minimal mess.

 

[mickthetree]

noticed a friends TV stand the other day. measured it up and the glass shelf is the same thickness as my piece of float glass, 40cm wide and 90cm long. Beveled edges too.

Not sure this is the same thing I bought, but looked ruddy flat to me.

So maybe one could pick up a piece from the local tip or similar?

Having said that, our local tip seem to have a policy of not allowing anything to be purchased or taken these days.

Probably a H&S thing I imagine.

 

[Doug B]

noticed a friends TV stand the other day. measured it up and the glass shelf is the same thickness as my piece of float glass, 40cm wide and 90cm long. Beveled edges too.

Chances are Mick the glass shelf would be toughened, which means it wouldn`t be a flat as float glass, due to its re-heating during the toughening process.

 

[Alf]

I think everyone goes down the Scary Sharp route at some point - and virtually everyone ends up giving it the elbow.

Cheers, Alf

Out of interest, why do you say this. I`ve looked at most ways of sharpening & the system Matthew is selling seems the least hassle & minimal mess.

Expense, mess, fuss, unhappy about have a piece of glass skulling about the workshop - all sorts of reasons. It tends to be a real limiting factor if you want to go freehand too, 'cos the paper tears. I'm not familiar with Matthew's kit, but I imagine many of the same problems occur. Scary Sharp is one of those wonder solutions that gets rediscovered every few years - I know I'm getting old as this is probably the third time I've witnessed its re-discovery. Don't get me wrong; it does suit some people very well, but it's worth keeping in mind that those ancient old methods like oil and waterstones - and the much less ancient diamond stones - still survive and it's not just for their novelty value. I absolutely don't want to say to folks that they should ignore it, 'cos whatever suits the individual and makes sharp tools is a Good Thing, just, you know, don't assume it's the holy grail. Back in the mists of time I was arrogant enough to say the solution to sharpening was to "Pick a system and stick with it" - still arrogant, but still, I believe, true. The medium doesn't make the sharp edge; the practice and experience does. It's a constant source of frustration to all us amateurs that you can't buy those things with a credit card.

Cheers, Alf

 

[Mr Ed]

Back in the mists of time I was arrogant enough to say the solution to sharpening was to "Pick a system and stick with it" - still arrogant, but still, I believe, true. The medium doesn't make the sharp edge; the practice and experience does.

I think thats very true - whichever system works for the individual, thats the one to go for.

My 2 cents;

Waterstones - too messy and a PITA to keep flat
Oilstones - never used any good ones, the ones I have tried seemed slow
Diamond - my current method and one I can see no obvious fault with other than start up cost
Scary Sharp - used to be a PITA due to ripping wet and dry and having to spraymount it down, but the new plastic based sheets with adhesive on may remove those issues. In the interests of giving it a go I've ordered some from Matthew.

Cheers, Ed

 

[wizer]

Well, 6 Diamond plates and one Spyderco Ceramic, Not pictured:

Plus leather strop. :lol:

I'm not knocking that method, it's just I couldn't justify the massive outlay for the minuscule amount of handwork I do. Thankfully I made my money back on them so I can justify my reasons (tho I'm not tellin' what I spent the money on [-X ) Still, let's not get into another debate about expensive toys (cos that's all they are, for me).

As I said above. This particular flavour of scary sharp is no messier than the diamonds and is more compact. I have a place to store the paraphanalia, so I'm not sure if that'll ever become a problem. Again, no more of a problem than any other medium. With my track record, I'm not going to say I won't change my mind again. But I think this is a keeper. 8)

 

[Karl]

In fairness Tom, I don't really see that anybody could possibly need 7 stones to sharpen blades. Its complete overkill (says the man with too many planes despite selling half of them :lol: ).

One double sided diamond stone, a couple of honing soaps and a scrap of MDF - perfect!

Cheers

Karl

 

[wizer]

Yes I agree Karl, now. I can't explain it. I get these ideas...

 

[wizer]

I might as well ask here rather than post a new thread.

Before I go back to watch DC's dvd's, can someone please tell me if spokeshave blades benefit from the 'ruler trick' and indeed is it worth doing it on my LV BUS?

I know you don't do it on chisels. Just wondering if there is any benefit over what I've already got?