It may look simple in the diagrams and videos but sharpening is a tough skill to learn and then to master. One thing I learned through multiple woodworking cla

It may look simple in the diagrams and videos but sharpening is a tough skill to learn and then to master. One thing I learned through multiple woodworking classes is to avoid Japanese waterstones. They are beyond fiddly requiring regular reflattening in swarfy water every couple of dozen strokes of the tool. I spent more time doinking with the stones than actually sharpening. My diamond stones at least let me focus on developing the skill vs. fettling the tool AND then developing the skill. Maybe someday I'll shave the hair on my arms. As with so many things, Paul Sellers makes it look Bob Ross easy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN4yr7vp4I4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN4yr7vp4I4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki8tt-VjwqI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki8tt-VjwqI Edits for clarity and links.