"Sharpen This" by Christopher Schwarz is a concise and practical guide to sharpening woodworking tools, focusing on efficiency and results rather than elaborate techniques or equipment.
Key Features:
- Author: Christopher Schwarz
- Publisher: Lost Art Press
- 120 pages
- Pocket-sized: 4" x 6-1/2"
- Printed on heavy #80 coated paper
- Sewn signatures, glued and reinforced with fiber tape
- Hardcover with cloth-covered boards
- Produced and printed entirely in the United States
Content Highlights:
- Emphasis on practical sharpening for better woodworking
- Covers the entire lifecycle of edge tools
- Focuses on creating sharp edges quickly with minimal equipment
- Decodes sharpening media based on particle size (microns)
- Guidance on setting up new tools, repairing chipped edges, grinding, honing, and polishing
Philosophy:
- Sharpening is a means to an end, not a goal in itself
- Encourages focus on woodworking results rather than sharpening techniques
- Promotes efficiency in sharpening to maximize time spent woodworking
Ideal for:
- Beginner woodworkers looking for practical sharpening advice
- Experienced woodworkers seeking to streamline their sharpening process
- Anyone interested in a no-nonsense approach to tool maintenance
"Sharpen This" stands out for its pragmatic approach to sharpening, emphasizing the importance of achieving good results in woodworking rather than becoming a sharpening expert. Schwarz's book aims to demystify the sharpening process, cutting through the noise of marketing and forum discussions to focus on what truly matters: getting back to woodworking with sharp tools.
The book's compact size and durable construction make it a handy reference for the workshop, designed to withstand frequent use. Its straightforward approach and focus on practical results make it an valuable resource for woodworkers at all skill levels who want to improve their sharpening skills without getting bogged down in unnecessary complexity.
