How SHARP??

[jonnie drake]

free hanging paper test for me at the mo, im using a bodged wet and dry sharpener at 2500 grit which gets it nice and sharp but im considering getting some finer stuff, I've seen some rediculous grits like 1,000,000! I think somewhere like 10,000 grit would make a superbly sharp edge.

 

[zorro]

Edge geometry differs between applications of course, but sharpness and geometry are different things altogether.



In essence, the sharper the tool, the easier the work, and the longer the tool will remain sharp in use.
Just don't be tempted to make edge too thin in order to achieve 'sharpness' as edge damage will become a negative factor in the working efficiency of the tool if you do so. You can achieve a truly sharp edge AND retain enough strength in that edge to prevent undue damage by getting the edge geometry right for the tool in question.

Often overlooked, but very important.

 

[Melonfish]

Now that sounds sharp!
As you say - different amounts of sharp for different tasks...if it does the job it is sharp enough
It sounds like your skinners are rivaling DEATH's sharpening....
Love em - got em all except the latest one ...waiting for the paperbck in charity shops (as ever) or Xmas.... SQUEEK!

Unseen Academicals? was a good read that, still breaks my heart that he can't type it himself tho anymore..
actually sharpened an axe not to long ago, it was an old pitted rusted and chipped thing that had more in common with a hammer then a blade.
had to file the edge right back to take out the nicks, work the shoulders so not to build the angle too much, spent hours working on it but its a good learning process, figuring out what kind of angle will hold an edge and what will go blunt in moments

@poddle: what can i say? we're a rambling bunch, threads rarely stay on topic on this forum m8