The Reasons I use Sandpaper to Sharpen Handtools

[@nicktease0687]

Thanks kevin! Have some great advice. I also use the sandpaper method and it has worked great. I hear some big names put it down like it's the devil's advice or something but I'm pretty sure they're probably just chilling for the companies that make the diamond Stones and waterstones. I see no practical reason why the sandpaper method isn't effective and more than acceptable. I just decided to start learning how to do woodworking a couple years ago, maybe three and I have been teaching myself through videos on KZbin the same as you and that means a lot of trial and error which may irritate some people but is my preferred method of learning. I get very familiar with the tools and the wood in a way that most people don't if they learn from their father or class and I learn much quicker that way. You also get insight that is unteachable doing it this way. I was considering making a KZbin channel adventure in this learning process but quickly realized that creating content for youtube, especially if you want it monetized is a full-time job in itself and decided to reap the benefits of others who have done this before me lol. So it is much appreciated. I look forward to seeing more of your videos. Thanks again!

[@JR-zv6qm]

I've been using the sandpaper method with 7 different grits on my K-Bar that I was issued 23 years ago. Sharp as hell.

[@AnonymousGuy-ij3xi]

Nice and simple thanks. This is a major time-saver on picking out which sharpening tool is the best.

[@mm9773]

Sandpaper definitely does sharpen your edges really well, and another advantage is that you can use large sheets: you’re not restricted to a small surface of a stone or a diamond plate. However, I don’t like the fact that I can only pull the material, I prefer to go back and forth. And, most importantly, sandpaper is too expensive: it has to be replaced all the time, good sandpaper (the car body stuff) is not cheap, in the long run it’s the most expensive solution by far. Water stones are the cheapest option, but you need something to flatten them regularly, so I prefer diamond plates. They stay flat forever, no need to peel off and re-glue, less garbage, and they last for years. Sandpaper is a good option when you start out: if you decide that woodworking/carving/whatever isn’t your thing after all, you’ll only have spent a few bucks on sandpaper. But if you stick with it, the money for the sandpaper business will add up quickly.

[@mfreeman313]

Good point. I have no experience with diamond plates and don't know how to think about their longevity. Lapping whetstones with sandpaper seems like a good short-term solution as I learn more.

[@shawnpepin7890]

You can definitely do push strokes on sandpaper, you just can't push hard while doing so... Even on a stone its possible to gouge it.. Just be careful and take your time

[@Kashif121472]

I have subscribed because the approach you have. As you said, it i am talking to me 12 years ago. Very well said.

[@ChemicalChrisOttawa]

I use aluminium oxide for coarse grit, then silicone carbide or zirconium oxide for the fine grits, which does require a bit of water. But its not an issue, and I've actually used that water spray bottle to put out a fire on occasion....I ain't perfect, lol

[@DraganIlich-r1s]

Thank you Sir.🎉

[@pterafirma]

Great system, but tempered glass often has a slight wave to it created by the thermal tempering. Best to use float glass, because it's much flatter.

[@FreqBand]

Yes...."dead-flat float glass".....less than $20 on Amazon....or at your local glass supplier.

[@mfreeman313]

@@FreqBandThanks, never heard of such a thing. I want to use this technique for lapping whetstones, and if we're trying to make things flat the things we flatten them on should be flat, I'm a-thinkin'.

[@stefanopassiglia]

Great video. Any tips on how to remove the sandpaper off the glass and especially the glue? Is that a permanent glue? Doesn't it leave a film behind? Just wanted to understand if it is easy and practical to clean the glass when you change the sheet of paper. Thanks

[@kevinjeffreys5075]

Use sandpaper intended for wet use. I doesn't have a normal paper backing. I learned the hard way and had to scrape the paper off with a razor blade the first time. Now the sandpaper I use just peels right off. Then I use a solvent like Naphtha or denatured Alcohol to clean off the residue. then some glass cleaner to finish up. Hope that answered your question.

[@stefanopassiglia]

Perfect, thanks!

[@stefanopassiglia]

One more question: do you wet the paper with any liquid like glass cleaner while sharpening? I saw may do this and many don't. What is your opinion?

[@kevinjeffreys5075]

Yes. Mineral oil works great.

[@stefanopassiglia]

Thanks again.

[@badactor3323]

Nice woodworking channel. I wish you woulda had more videos.

[@jcrabtree472]

awesome 👍👍👍👍

[@mfreeman313]

Very helpful, Kevin. I want to use this method for lapping my whetstones. Keep it simple, right? Oh and pretty kitty!

[@Kooshad1]

I know this was about reasons. demonstration of usage would be good. I'm new to sharpening

[@kevinjeffreys5075]

Matthew Kooshad You are right. Stay tuned, I plan to make that video soon.

[@isithotmama]

I agree. Need demonstrations

[@arturhakobyan6850]

I sharpen everything from kitchen knife to plane blades on laminate MDF just holding the sand paper with my left hand and the blade in my right hand. I did not change the papers 600, 1000, 2500 grit (I had more variety of grits, but now use only these 3) for around 1,5 year and they are still sharpening. The 2500 grit paper gives a fantastic mirror polish even to my HSS tools, I never strap them...

[@andreabussotti8116]

Hi Kevin, great video. I would use the Veritas Honing Guide but I have a question. Could the roller be damage if used on the aluminium sanding paper (grit 220) instead on the Honing stone? Thanks.

[@meradu2]

Nice 👍

[@kenbrown5474]

Nice presentation

[@couerleroi1]

Why glass?

[@43au]

Simple, I like it.

[@greaser5691]

... and the star of the show? Kitty, of course!

[@ginochipchip]

show us how you do a knife thanks g

[@tamerahmed3957]

Hallo what about router bits

[@FreqBand]

In a pinch, you can sorta sharpen router and drill bits with wet sandpaper. But getting the proper angle is very difficult. Machine sharpening is the best. Some router and drill bits have multiple sharpened angles...it's very difficult. Put the bits a slow drill press, and give it a try. Adhere a strip of 600 wet sandpaper to a scrap of hardwood. Use water to keep the tip cool. If the router bit has curved edges (cove, edge, ogee), use a piece of scrap that already has that profile, and adhere the fine sandpaper to the scrap. It will likely ruin the bit's profile a bit.....but it may get you through the night.....in an emergency. Be careful !!

[@s0nnyburnett]

Its scary how good of a job using glass or tile with sandpaper will do. Really puts all those expensive steel diamond stones to shame for how cheaply and effectively it can be done.

[@kevinjefferson885]

s0nnyburnett In addition to sharpening just as well as stones, you know exactly when it's time to change out the sandpaper. no guessing if the stone is still perfectly flat or not.

[@bigscreenbird8198]

s0nnyburnett well that's what I initially thought also until I used DMT diasharp stones. Yes, they are more of an initial upfront cost but, if you sharpen or have a good variety of blades then they are invaluable. A good set of diamond stones are $150 and used with a strop the results are unbelievable. Also the cost of buying sandpaper over time will easily be way more than getting diamond stones. I will say for the weekend warrior sandpaper is a great choice and has minimal cost upfront. Diamond stones with a strop are for people who do woodworking for a living. Just my thoughts.

[@cameronwilliams4149]

bigscreen bird not even just woodworking, it's invaluable for anyone who needs a good edge

[@Peteru69]

On the flipside I have 2 sharpening stones and after 20 years of use they're not really showing any significant wear. A file for really raw work and a single sharpening stone that cost 25-40 bucks and you'll never have to think about it again. If you still haven't bought a decent stone you can use the sandpaper, but I really don't think it's superior. It's nice to work with and that's about it.

[@bubblehead7680]

Sandpaper works well but overall it is more expensive.

[@AndrewMorgan666]

I use PSA, out of interest what spray adhesive are you using, and do you use a spray cleaner. Have you tried the 3M PSA lapping paper, they are quite economical, they are far more hard wearing then emery cloth/wet and dry.

[@FreqBand]

Typical "3M spray adhesive" (from a spray can) goes on bubbly/lumpy and is not 100% flat. Some lapping sandpaper comes with a sticky-back PSA already (like Andrew said). Otherwise, just use the hydrostatic suction where the water helps the paper adhere to the glass, temporarily, without slippage. I believe you can add something to the water like corn starch under the paper, that will inhibit slippage on the glass. Don't quote me on this part, I have never tried it....it's just a theory...ha.

[@FreqBand]

Just thought of another way to keep the sandpaper from moving on the glass....glue down only one thin edge of the paper, and leave the other edges free. If you need to "push AND pull" then possibly adhere two edges. Try waterproof tape or double-stick tape only on one edge.. A third way would be to adhere the side (long edge) of the paper, but still making use of the gripping power of water under the paper. (I know it's not "paper", but you get what I mean.)

[@ronalddavis]

@@FreqBand i found elmers craft glue. comes in a stick and cleans up with water

[@forrest1979g]

Thanks

[@vaishalim7777]

Ur cat is cute :-)