Recommended Tool:
Did you know most manufacturers ship their cutting tools without keen
edges to avoid damage in transit? The blades need a good sharpening to
realize their full potential.
For your sharpening needs,
(Norton) has a variety of Diamond Stones
made of monocrystalline rather than polycrystalline diamonds. Mono
diamonds resist fragmentation so they remain securely in place for extended
life. These diamonds also maintain precision flatness longer.
Norton standard bench stones, INDIA® and CRYSTOLON®,
may be used wet or dry. All other stones should be used with water or
preferably, with Norton sharpening stone oil. Proper stone lubrication floats
away metal and abrasive dust particles that would clog up the
stone and ultimately render it useless.
INDIA stones are orange in color; CRYSTOLON stones are gray.
Combination stones have different grit sizes on each side.
Generally, the largest stone affordable is best for straight-edge
sharpening as it allows use of the full surface for wider tools. For tools
with curves or angles, there are specific products with special shapes for
sharpening.
Sharpening Knives
With these simple steps you can restore sharpness to your household
knives and cutlery.
Step 1
Place knife blade diagonally across stone and tilt heal of blade 15 - 35
degrees to meet factory bevel angle.
Step 2
Holding wrists rigid, draw across and down from heel to tip of knife blade.
Step3
Alternate blade sides until sharp. Do not be overly concerned about the
grinding angle, but do control the consistency of the angle throughout the
sharpening.
Sharpening Chisels
Step 1
First flatten the face by guiding blade across stone length using long, oval
strokes until you have a uniform surface and finish.
Step 2
Establish angle of bevel. Holding wrists rigid, move the blade forward down
the length of the stone using the whole stone width, applying pressure only
in the forward motion.
Step 3
Remove wire edge by lightly stroking the chisel face flat against stone
against the cutting edge of the chisel.
Sharpening Scissors
Step 1
Hold the shears near the middle with one blade hanging clear and place bevel
cutting edge on stone in a slight diagonal position.
Step 2
Carefully, firmly draw across and down from heel to tip diagonally across
stone, in one direction.
Step 3
Never sharpen the inside face of shears.
