Waterstones - which ones to get??

[woodwalker]

Hi guys,

I have been sharpening stuff (chisels, knives, plane blades) on oil stones and more recently my £5 sharpening kit, and can get them v.sharp. However as my oilstones are ancient, they are starting to become less level than they should be, so I thought its time I bought some waterstones .
However, on axminsters there is a large variety of grits etc and I am unsure which I should get.

Any help here much appreciated,

woodwalker

 

[fred gordon]

I got the combination Japanese Waterstone from Axminster last year. It was a great buy. Thoroughly recommend it.

 

[Voivode]

I am no expert sharpener. I bought a 1000/4000x combination stone and am pretty with it. I can nearly get my knives razor sharp, and I'm pretty sure that's due to lack of skill more than a failing of the stone.

 

[Gailainne]

I just bought the Ice bear kit from Axminster, 800 grit and a 6000 grit, comes with a nagura stone (creates a slurry on the 6000 grit) and a non slip holder, I also bought a 1200 grit stone, from reading up various forums these three stones will serve me well. BTW a leather strop, (belt) isnt a bad addition from all accounts, I'll have to either dig out an old belt or nip down to the charity shop. Hope this helps

 

[woodwalker]

Cheers guys,

I will probably go for the same set up as you Gailainne. I'm fine with the oilstones etc really, but I just would prefer stones which are in good condition to save my £5 kit for the rucksack.

As for strops, I used to use a belt like many here do, but I have since progressed to ablock of wood with buffing compound charged leather stuck to it - much more portable and useable in the field, and I also find I can get better results with it too IMO. For chisels I tend to use cardboard on a flat surface charged with compound to prevent the slight convexing that is formed by stropping on leather

woodwalker