I've been diving into sharpening techniques and came across Christopher Schwarz's book. He seems to be a big advocate for using secondary bevels, but I've also read that they aren't essential. I'm not questioning his expertise, but I'm unsure if it's worth my effort to add one since I don't have much confidence in my skills. Also, I'm using a honing guide and a digital angle gauge, trying to maintain a 27° angle on my plane blade. However, I consistently end up a few tenths of a degree off. Should I be worried about that, or am I overthinking it?
3 Answers
Honestly, I'd say let go of the pressure to be exactly at 27°. Most people can’t measure that precisely on such small surfaces! A variation of a few degrees isn’t going to significantly alter your results. Scharwz’s emphasis on secondary bevels is more about making it easier and faster to sharpen, especially for beginners. Just stick with a system that feels good to you, and practice it until you're confident!
Good advice! Just pick a method and get comfortable with it. Don’t make it too complicated!
You don't necessarily need a secondary bevel, but it can make your sharpening routine quicker since you would only touch up the secondary bevel after the primary has been set. It really comes down to whether you find that approach makes sharpening more efficient for you. As for that 27° angle, don't stress over minor deviations. Even experienced sharpeners don’t worry about slight angles in the grand scheme!) Just keep practicing and find what feels right for you!
Well said! Consistency is key, not stress over exact numbers.
Yeah, measuring down to a tenth of a degree isn’t practical for these small tools. You’ll be fine!
Secondary bevels are really a matter of personal preference. They can save you time since you’re only sharpening the very tip, and they allow you to maintain a more robust edge that lasts longer. That said, they aren't necessary if you're fine sharpening the primary bevel every time. As for the angle, just focus on being consistent. Angles don’t have to be exact; being in the ballpark—say between 23° and 28°—is typically good enough. Just make sure you can hit the same spot consistently to avoid re-grinding too much each time you sharpen.
Totally agree! The key is consistency, not perfection.
Exactly! I've been sharpening for years and a few tenths off has never made much difference in performance.
Absolutely! It’s more about developing your own style than following a specific rule.