Lee Valley silicone sharpening mat, 12" × 18". Designed to contain the mess when using sharpening stones, it can also be used as a non-stick, stain-resistant work surface on your bench when gluing, painting or finishing.
Lee Valley silicone sharpening mat, 12" × 18". Designed to contain the mess when using sharpening stones, it can also be used as a non-stick, stain-resistant work surface on your bench when gluing, painting or finishing.
Only 0.07" thick, it has a 3/8" high by 5/16" wide moulded rim, with hang holes at each corner. It lies completely flat and contains the water, swarf and overspray from even the longest sharpening session.
There are several good ways to sharpen chisels and plane irons: water stones, diamond stones, oil stones and sharpening machines such as Tormek. All give sharp edges, but they differ in speed, maintenance and price.
A honing guide makes it easier to keep the same angle every time. The most important thing is to find a method you enjoy and use often. The guide helps you choose.
A honing guide holds the tool at the right angle to the stone. A side-clamping honing guide grips the tool from the sides and suits chisels and narrow plane irons well. A top-clamping honing guide holds from the top and also handles blades with bevelled sides and unusual shapes.
Both work well, and the choice depends on the tools you have. The guide compares the types.