This is the ultimate guide to sharpening with traditional waterstones for all owners of Japanese knives. Provided are step-by-step instructions on proper knife sharpening accompanied by over 120 color photos, plus black and white graphics for clarity. Details on the care for all major blade types are also provided, along with expert advice on the use of solid, abrasive materials, and steel. Important information on care for the waterstones is also provided to keep your sharpening stones useful for many years. Readers learn how to make knives sharp and obtain their very best performance. The expert, Dr. Rudolf Dick, explains special Japanese knives, helps you choose the correct sharpening stones, and provides a detailed guide for sharpening practice. A chapter on the pinnacle of sharpening, polishing Japanese swords, completes the standard work for all users and friends of Japanese knives.

There is much discussion among artisans when it comes to improving the cutting behavior of tools quickly and permanently, but the debate is settled here, where expert engineers and master craftsmen prove the benefits of sharpening blades and tools using methods based on time-tested Japanese water stone grinding techniques. Learn through detailed instructions how to get perfect edges on your chisels, planes, axes and hatchets, woodcarving and woodturning tools, drill bits, and handsaws in a tool-conserving and-in the best sense of the word-sustainable way, using stones, files, and specially designed machines. Manual sharpening has the added advantage that only as much material as absolutely necessary is taken off the steel. Founded on a scientific understanding of steel types and sharpening means and filled with valuable tips, this guide is a standard-setting volume and the ideal companion on the path to acquiring sharper and better edges on all your hand tools.