Should I use 4000 or 8000 grit?

Question

I bought a wood carving set from Lee Valley. The set is ground, it just needs final honing. Which grit stone should I buy, or would a combo stone be better? Also, where is a good place to purchase quality stones from besides Lee Valley? Thank you.

Answer 1

Lee Valley is a very good outfit, but also shop at Woodcraft, to price compare or see if they don't have something different to offer. But really, the two companies offer much the same products.

Both the 4000 and 8000 grit Japanese style water stones are finer than a black Arkansas stone, which is what a lot of people consider the final step in their sharpening. If you can afford both of those stones, get them, or just get the 4000 if you can only afford one. But, I would tell you to try stropping and/or buffing, which is by far the best way to finish your edges. Please take a moment to read this question and answer linked below, from a previous post of mine in which I wrote at great length about sharpening carving tools.

Personally, I like all my edge tools to be literally razor sharp, but for carving tools it is an absolute must. Most good carving work does not get sanded afterwards. The final finish of your carving tool is the final finish indeed, so if your carving tools are not as sharp as they should be, you won't be leaving as nice and smooth a surface as you could be with properly sharpened carving tools.

Please read this previous post of mine (linked below), I really tried to spell out the best - as in, the most thorough and also the most efficient - method for sharpening, as you want to spend your time carving, hopefully, and not sharpening.

Answer 2

4000 grit will put a good hone on the edge.  Use the 8000 if you want a 'mirror' finish.

Ive found WoodCraft Supply to be a pretty good source for hand carving tools, of all kinds.  You can order online, find a retail store, or ask for a catalog (my preference, because I like to browse, hehehe)

http://www.woodcraft.com/depts.aspx?Dept...

Rockler is another excellent woodworking supply company, but they lean more towards the 'wood shop' rather than the carver.  They have introduced a few things recently, and it will be interesting to see if they broaden their inventory.

http://www.rockler.com/index.cfm

Have Fun