ANNOUNCEMENT: 7/14/08 The Perfect Edge has become a Certified Shapton Dealer and is carrying the full line of Shapton Japanese Ceramic Glass stones, holders, ponds, and lapping stone. For ordering information, contact Howard at 508-842-7132 9am - 5pm M - F eastern time or email at hschechter@theperfectedge.com.
***NEW PRODUCT*** 7/14/08 STROPS. In response to inquiries for less costly strops, we have developed the QuickStrop which is a cowhide strop about 22" long and 2" wide with a hook on one end and a handle on the other end. At $12 per strop, these can be used as natural leather strops (hanging) or pasted strops. Custom sizes can be ordered. Talk to Howard at 508-842-7132 9am - 5pm eastern time or email at hschechter@theperfectedge.com
***NEW PRODUCT*** Sharpening curved steel requires a tapered cone. This wooden boxed set of 3 tapered honing cones (Fine, 600 grit) will cover a wide range of curves on recurve knives, gouges, woodturning tools, etc. $75.00
***NEW PRODUCT*** We are now carrying DMT Diamond Shim Stock which is in 2"x3" sheets. It is in 325, 600, and 1200 grit and the stock is about .008" thick. It is flexible so you can make curved grinding tools for specific applications such as inside corners or shoulders. Use it freehand or by mounting on a stick or other tool. $18 per sheet.
***NEW SERVICE*** Sharpening stones often do not come flat enough from the manufacturer and this can interfere with one's desire to hone on a flat surface. We will flatten your hones for $5 per surface and they will be flat enough for straight razor honing. Remember to mention this to us when ordering if desired.
We are devoted to sharpening and honing anything made of metal. Our background is in the metal and woodworking crafts and we sell what we use for our own projects. We carry only the finest sharpening products that will help you in your quest for The Perfect Edge.
Our Belgian whetstones are the finest natural stones in the world due to a unique geological makeup. The secret is the garnet content. The yellow coticule stones contain from 30% - 40% garnet and the blue stones contain 20% - 30% garnet. Garnet is harder than any steel and will sharpen high speed steels, stainless steels, and tool steels equally well. They cut steel fast!
Use these stones by applying water and raising an "abrasive milk" or slurry. A slurry stone or "cotigura" is helpful when raising the slurry. The slurry does the sharpening. The stones do not have to be soaked like Japanese waterstones – simply wet the stone and start honing; add water as needed to keep the slurry the consistency of milk. The blue stones are 4000 grit and the yellow stones are 8000 grit.
The Belgian Hones are not porous like Norton, King, or Arkansas stones. They do not soak up water and do not load. "Loading" occurs when oil, metal, and stone particles fill up the surface of the stone and prevent further use. When you finish using a Belgian stone, just rinse and dry. That’s all there is to it! No special oils or cutting compounds, and no mess. Reactivate the dried slurry with water next time you hone.
If you wish to sell our stones and become a dealer, contact us for information.
We carry the full line of DMT® diamond stones. The large, continuous diamond Coarse 325 grit stones are recommended to flatten the Belgian Hones. If you need to re-establish an edge, use the DMT Extra Fine 1200 grit stone. DMT® stones are the flattest (+ or - .001") and highest quality monocrystalline diamond stones on the market.
We carry a selection of Norton abrasive products which include the 8000/4000 waterstone, 1000/4000 waterstone, Norton Lapping Stone, and Norton Prep Stone, as well as a kit for honing engraver's tools.
Check out our "Honing How To" for instruction on honing and web resources about hones and honing.
Check out our "Stuff for Sale" page for equipment of interest to those who work with metal.
