The Most Important Skill In Woodworking

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Published 2023-03-18

Sharpening is not only a fundamental skill to the woodworker, but it is perhaps the most important skill in woodworking. It allows your tools to function at their fullest capacity. Sharp hand tools give you the option to step away from the machine and embrace a quieter approach. And so, I'm showing you how I sharpen my tools. Because sharpening isn't as hard as it seems. It just takes a little practice.

Ohishi Waterstones: amzn.to/3TkoZhP
1,000/8,000 Combo (great budget option): amzn.to/3Lqj7Sh
Angle Setting Jig Plans: www.lie-nielsen.com/pages/downloads

Inexpensive Honing Guide: amzn.to/3Jo2Uub
Lie-Nieslen Honing Guide: www.lie-nielsen.com/nodes/4239/honing guide
Sandpaper for Flattening: amzn.to/3Jor73F

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All Comments (21)

@erichargrove2287 6 months ago

"8 to 12 strokes and I'm done" Me too buddy, me too 😢
@dekim631 1 year ago

That little bit when u said "listen, they sound the same." The importance of listening to your tools I don't think is said enough. Great vid
@robohippy 6 months ago

There was a guy, maybe 30 years ago, who wrote for American Woodworker. Can't remember his name. He had a unique sense of humor.... How do I know when my table saw blade is dull? If you are setting off the smoke alarms, that is a pretty good indicator!
@buddywilson104 3 hours ago

I have been woodworking and hence sharpening for years; have found the water stones work best for me.
@georgetumillo446 5 months ago

Guess what tomorrow is? It’s sharpening day! I purchased stones a few months ago, but they’re still in the bags that I brought them home in but watching this just gave me the confidence to go into my shop and get it done. Thank you!
@robynbazlen-weglarz7836 1 year ago

Thanks for putting out a simple explanation of how to sharpen tools.
@PeterCook-gp6lc 1 year ago

Quality advice and a very nice presentation…agreed, no BS
@stevecunningham936 1 year ago

You are becoming my new favorite woodworker. Your video production is excellent and your teaching method is great!
@derjunge8224 1 month ago

This video has been the most helpful thus far. Thank you.
@m.altonplummer9736 9 months ago

On your example I purchases a 10000 Ohishi stone and I LOVE IT!!! Thanks for the guidance.
@diegoribotto161 1 year ago

Grazie. Consigli veramente preziosi ed illustrati benissimo!
@malcolmhiho359 11 months ago

Another great Vid. Advice is honest and relatable.Which means you get more buy in. Thank you.
@williamshaffer2562 1 year ago

Eric a great explanation of your process. Enjoy your video's. Thanks again
@BlackHawk295 3 months ago

Followed this and was finally able to get my planes cutting real well, super good feeling!
@kreech68 1 year ago

Fantastic video - thank you
@buddhalovechild 1 year ago

Good instruction. Thank you.
@j.r.tidwell3318 1 year ago

THIS HAPPENS TO BE THE BEST SHARPENING VIDEO I’VE EVER SEEN. I HAVE WATER STONES, DIAMOND FLAT STEEL AND EVEN A ELECTRIC SHARPENING MACHINE. THEY ALL WORK GREAT. YOUR APPROACH TO SHARPENING IS THE ONE I WILL USE FROM NOW ON. THANKS FRIEND
@graynanuuq 5 months ago

This is the video I've needed for years.
@Sadowsky46 4 months ago

You are an excellent teacher ❤
@JohnMcGuire-gz3ms 10 months ago

This was very informative. great presentation style.