Understanding Sharpening Tools and Equipment 
A four-part primer on the tools you really need to keep your woodworking edge.

Article Contents:
     Part 1 - Introduction 
     Part 2 - Power Sharpening Equipment
     Part 3 - Hand Sharpening Tools - Coming Soon
     Part 4 - Sharpening Jigs - Coming Soon
     Part 5 - Books on Sharpening - Coming Soon

Introduction
You've probably heard the age old saying, "A sharp tool is a safe tool". When your tools are sharp, they require less force to make the cut. They also cut straighter and with more control thus reducing the chance of accidentally slipping.

The challenge is in getting your tools sharp in the first place. Sharpening woodworking tools is as much of a skill as woodworking is. There are thousands of tools available to assist you in achieving a sharp edge. And this can be confusing to most woodworkers. We hope to clarify much of the confusion and help you learn which sharpening tools you need and which ones are optional.

When you look at the broad selection of sharpening tools, it is pretty intimidating. Chances are good that you are specializing in one area of woodworking such as woodturning, woodcarving, furniture construction, etc. If this is the case, your sharpening tool requirements are reduced dramatically. The following sections are intended to help unravel much of the mystery concerning the selection of sharpening tools and equipment.

Our articles on sharpening tools and accessories are broken down into the following categories: 
     Part 1 - Introduction 
     Part 2 - Power Sharpening Equipment
     Part 3 - Hand Sharpening Tools - Coming Soon
     Part 4 - Sharpening Jigs - Coming Soon
     Part 5 - Books on Sharpening - Coming Soon

For sharpening tools and equipment mentioned in this article, please visit our online store.