THE SHARPEST TOOLS IN THE SHED

WHETHER it’s on YouTube or elsewhere, the internet is packed full of experts such as Deadly Sharp, Scary Sharp and Magic Sharp and their tool-sharpening systems. The truth is that most of them work well because their basic principles remain the same.

I choose to stay far away from sharpening on belt sanders and bench grinders, simply because the inherent danger of overheating the blade and changing the temper of an expensive edge tool is all too real. I prefer to use the ‘cool method’ instead of the hot one, which gives me infinitely more control over the entire process.

STEP 1: GETTING THE BACK MIRROR-FLAT

The first process is to get the back of the blade absolutely flat. Never assume that if the back of the blade looks flat to the naked eye, it is. And don’t take this stage lightly. Pour yourself a cup of good