Sharpening A Plane Blade 2020 

Hey Rob, former engineer here. The break in process of the diamond stones has nothing to do with some “grits” being too long. What it is, is the “glue” that holds the diamonds to the surface is a little temperamental, so they actually put significantly more diamonds on than necessary, so when many of them fail, you’re left with a stone that is accurate to the design. If you have a 1000 grit diamond plate/stone, it’ll have the equivalent of 1500-2000 grit to start with, but many of them will be sticking up higher than others as they didn’t get proper glue seat depth, making the 1500-2000 grits per inch feel as rough as a 4-600. The break in process is simply removing the diamonds that were not properly attached. It’s very predictable what you will be left with after they fall off so once it’s broken in, the grit rating should be very close to accurate. This is why many people think that their diamond stones have “failed” as their first cut might’ve cut faster than they expected, but quickly began to stop cutting as well. That’s simply because it was cutting at lower than rated grit and now as at properly rated, and should last a very long time. It doesn’t really matter to know, I just thought you might find it interesting. Cheers

This is my favorite, "How to sharpen a plane blade in 32 seconds", 38 minutes long. I really do like Rob Cosman.

Rob I suffered through many years of the same frustrations you did in spending hours grinding king waterstones and Norton stones to polish complete plane backs and chisel backs to mirror finishes trying to get really sharp blades. I gave up and embraced sand paper and quit using my nice hand planes. I was never satisfied with my finished results. I now own several of the planes, and of all the sharpening equipment you suggest in your videos. I have been able to obtain the exact sharpening results you suggested I might. It is so refreshing to follow a fine craftsman’s hard thought out and proven concepts and be able to duplicate his technique. Thank you so much. It’s made me re-embrace wood working with great pleasure. Sincerely Steve Girod

it's really encouraging to see and hear someone speak about the "full body" ergonomics of seemingly small and simple tasks. Great tutorial - thank you.

Rob...thank you for the offer. I'll appreciate using it on the plane blades. I have some General and Starrett rulers but they are either too thin or thick or too short. You commented on one of your videos the thickness of the ruler you used in your teaching videos is .025. I carried to Lowe's recently my Verner caliper to mike out flat sheet metal and learned that hack saw blades are within a .001 of an inch of .025. I ground off all the saw teeth and was going to use that until your gracious offer was made. I am a retired Industrial Arts Teacher, but you know something....there is always another method that has been learned and then taught in woodworking and the tools associated wiith the need. And as a teacher, you learn what know and practice from your former teachers or what you have experienced with your own failures and success. I appreciate your videos and the things you are passing off to your students. Thanks again Rob.

Incredibly helpful information! I have a cheap #4 bench plane that I've always gotten frustrated with, but I took the time to address the chip breaker and followed this technique for sharpening the blade...I was getting perfect shavings on highly figured red oak all weekend! I stopped getting tear-out, produced full thin ribbons, and it created square edges on my boards that actually broke the skin when I ran my hand along them. Thanks for the lessons, Rob! These techniques will last a lifetime!

I've spent many many hours working on 150+ year old plane irons. I've picked up on many nuances and tricks in that time. However, this video is teaching me SO much more. Thank you, sir.

Rob this is absolutely the finest video for sharpening I've ever seen. I am fairly new to woodworking and watch a lot of videos on RU-vid and have never had someone explain so thoroughly so that even I can understand it. I'll always remember it .Thanks so much , Ben Clark

I particularly appreciate showing all the "doing it again" parts and sticking with it. Shows integrity, teaches how to fix the problem and shows the reality of woodworking. When I get the money, I'm getting this plane.

After 20 years of sharpening, starting with Krenov's hand-cranked wheel stone, then wet paper, followed by the Tormek machine, I finally landed here with Rob's method. I saw an earlier video by him about this method some time ago and followed his recommended way of sharpening. It is by far the quickest and best way of keeping your irons sharp. So easy and fast, that since then I do not let my irons (and I do a lot of planing; I don't even have a sander) get any dull. As soon as the iron does not cut anymore as fine as it could, just invest half a minute to sharpen like shown here, and planing the wood for all your furniture will be fun and a trademark of your work.

Just checking in to say that I've watched this video like 30 times and obtained the same core sharpening gear and have finally gotten the hang of it. the results are phenomenal. thank you Rob!

Absolute awesome detail. Much easier to learn from this man. He, unlike some others, does not try to cover up situations and explains the possibilities of reason for the plane blade to respond to the area of error.

Way to go, Mr. Cosman! My late father was a World Class Carpenter, carver, cabinet and furniture maker. In 1966, I got my first formal lesson, and my first set of carving tools from his teacher of nineteen years, the late Charlse Marshal Sayers. Since then, I have spent thousands of hours honing tools, and I was convinced of your ability to hone a perfect cutting edge, when you began polishing the flat side of the iron before honing the bevel. Your edge was confirmed in the shavings. Nice job! My dad always told me, that it didn't matter, whether gouge, chisel, plane iron, etc., "It's not ready to sharpen, until the opposite side of the edge is polished. If you fail to polish the smallest of scratches from the opposite side, of that being honed, they will absolutely become worse, and eventually chip." Thirty years or so later, he told me, "Here, you watch this video. This guy knows his stuff! His name is Rob Cosman." My dad thought a lot of you, and he really enjoyed your dovetail video! He was good at them also. Thank you, for a job well done. Keep em coming! Sean Manwill, Sr. Cusick, Washington

Absolutely fantastic tutorial. I might even start using hand tools again. Thank you.

So glad I found Rob. Looking forward to learning so much more.

Rob Cosman... I have watched this video at least 20 times. It would often come onto my YT feed while I was working on my 1st workbench. Well this week I finally decided to go all in with your method. I am happy to say that I just got all 6 of my planes up and running! (5 of them were out of commission before just now) Good stuff Cosman!! Thanks for being such a good dude and a great teacher!! Any noobs reading this, Do not wait to start this sharpening method. if anything buy a cheap $15 harbor freight plane and spend a few hours getting the hang of this! Its not as difficult as it first seems.. Cheers!!!

A great free hand sharpening tutorial. I was admiring my father when he was sharpening his jointer’s blade free hand too and then taking a full length shaving of a three meter long beam. Thank you for passing the knowledge to the next generation. This is a sign of a real master.

For someone new to working with wood I like how you cut to the chase from your experience. Your tutorial here is nothing short of excellent. Thank you Rob.

Excellent instruction on the importance of the sharpness of the blade and complete set up of making a superior plane. Thank you so much for all your patience and excellent classes.

I watched whole thing bearly blinking my eyes. If i blink I rewind. This is b.a/phd/master degree/engineer of sharpening which bundeled together makes you Professor of sharpening at highiest University level. Thank you Rob

Really appreciated seeing that you had to go through the process several times before you got results you were happy with, rather than editing the process down. Thanks for including everything!

Wow. I love the fact you had to do this three times before perfecting it, because it is exactly what I would expect if I ever get to try this myself. It is comforting to see that it might take few trials even when you certainly know what the heck you are doing.

Got my first shavings today! Thanks for the sharpening video. I had bought a woodriver 5. 1/2 and your instructions were great. When my first efforts sucked, you’d given enough detail that I successfully corrected the problem and plane worked great after that. Thanks!

Fascinating tutorial, and wonderful teaching method. Thank you.

So Today I received my Sharpening kit from You and followed the steps on this video . This set up is a game changer and worth every penny I spent . Thanks so much for making my wood working even more enjoyable . Jim Pittner

Really Excellent Rob. Its great to hear from a true and dedicated professional with an obvious wealth of perfection targeting experience. I learned this in school over 40 years ago (with those old Stanley planes), but never mastered it, or properly understood it. I do now. You just made my day. Thanks for sharing. Schaun

I just today discovered and subscribed to your website. Thanks so much for your presentation and knowledge. Hmmm - 72 yrs old and continuing to discover why my dad did some of the things he did and tried to teach me. Wish now I had paid more attention. But I continue to learn. Thanks again !

Just did this for the first time. It works so well and has immediately improved my enjoyment using the plane and the results. Thank you, Rob! What a fantastic video!

Without a doubt, the most useful tutorial I have ever seen for improving woodworking skills. Thanks Rob

Many thanks Rob, You really do possess a gift with your superb style of relatable and easy to follow teaching you were totally correct when you stated this would change the way you do woodwork it sure has. I just sharpened my Grandfathers Number 7 Stanley jointer following your methods and it cuts better than it probably has in Its entire history. BTW I estimate Its over a century old now to sharpen the Number 8C beast and the rest of the fleet. Our very hard native woods here challenge even the best blades. Best regards Alan Australia "Downunder"

That is the best demonstration on how to sharpen I have seen on youtube so far and have watched alot of them. Thanks so very much.

Fantastic tutorial! Highly recommended! Thanks Rob!!

I was just about to flattening a new plane blade, saw this and decided to watch for the heck of it. I wish someone told me this decades ago... Thanks!

Wow! That was most impressive. Going to order your trainer just to pay you for that lesson in sharpening and the lesson in teaching. Camera operator deserves a cold one, too.

Rob. Forgive the wordiness, but I have to write to say THANK YOU! I am a beginning wood worker (3 years). My first major plane purchase was a Lie Neilsen low-angle jack plane, which I have been using infrequently right out of box. It was time for a sharpening. I watched your presentation two times, then applied everything I learned from standing to sharpening. Long-story-short, my plane works like a dream. I can't believe how even and thin the shavings are. Amazing. I taught high school art and computer for 25 years; I recognize a good teacher. You are one! Thank you for posting and sharing your knowledge. Much appreciated. I'm super excited to get started on my next project: two night stands for the guest bed room. THANK YOU!

I always learn a ton from your videos. And thank you for the kind words of encouragement at the end Rob!

Thanks Rob, love watching these “how to videos “

Watching Rob struggle with those thin shavings clinging on his hand and apron all through this video made me laugh so hard. Thank you Rob for this informative and funny video!

I just received my Trend and Shapton stones from Rob's online store and putting the sharpening station down low like he has his in this video is THE TRICK to getting this down. Pivot on your feet vs elbow, and wrists. That part is so important. Thank you Rob, for all the instruction and your work with the PHP. Your youtube channel has been a blessing for me in this crazy world we are now living in.

Thank you Rob. I purchased a new plane iron recently and was putting off using it because I knew I’d probably spend hours getting the back ground flat. Having watched this video last night, I spent less than 20 minutes putting it to work today. First time sharpening by hand, room for improvement. Defiantly the way forward. Thanks again.

This guy is a great teacher. Probably one of the best I've seen on RU-vid.

My goodness that was terribly thorough!! Great tutorial, thx.

Mastering the grip and movement, and detecting the proper angle is the answer. Practice is the method. Proper tools are a necessity! Great video and worth watching several times!

Thank you Rob Cosman A great, concise teacher in all you convey. These videos of yours, I believe, set the benchmarks. Very much appreciated.

Rob you're a bloody genius! I've been woodworking 15 years and couldn't get the shaving you do after sharpening. So I bought the Trend and Shapton stones and added the sharpening station to the end of my work bench. After watching you video a million times I took a deep breath and had a go myself. I couldn't believe the results. I am now getting the same shavings that you get after my first attempt!! I don't mind admitting I danced around my workshop with a big smile on my face for a while. Thank you.

Just bought my first hand plane so this is a great video for us newbies!! Question...what is the thickness of the steel rule you use to give a little angle when doing your first pass on the 1000 grit??

Rob - Incredibly detailed video - thank you very much! Looking forward to receiving my sharpening stones.

This is a nearly foolproof way to make your plane work like a champ, I love the style of teaching and the results afterward, Thanks Rob!!!

Hi Rob, here is my experience. When I started sharpening I got a cheap jig and realized very quickly that it was awful. Then I decided to invest in a veritas MKII jig. While this definitely improved the sharpness of my plane and chisel blades, I found myself having to dedícate a significant amount of time to sharpen all my blades (Setting them properly on the jig). Some time later I came across your sharpening videos. I had the trend plate, but decided to invest in a Shapton 16000 glass. I struggled a bit a the beginning, Until it finally clicked. The thing that made the difference was all about the pressure I was applying. Once I eased off and just let the blade glide over the 1000 grit stone with just the slightest pressure I started getting amazing results. For the angle the way I went about it at the beginning, was to raise to the secondary bevel angle a few degrees on the 1000 grit, and then to the secondary angle on the 16000, and finally to the tertiary angle of the 16000 grit (this extra step gave me lots of extra practice identifying the secondary bevel angle) Now like you said, it takes about 1-1.5mins from the moment I remove the blade until I’m back to planing. Thank you so much for changing this aspect of woodworking for me. It has made such a huge impact on my enjoyment of using hand tools.

Just wondering how you prep the chip breaker on the older plane, with the slight hump?

Hi there Rob, It’s taken a long time to get your sharpening system to work properly. I have invested in the Shapton 16,000 grit stone and also bought the 300 and thousand grit diamond stone. I have in my box of tricks, a steel ruler, so I can use the Charlesworth trick. In my case, it all boiled down to patience and getting the various steps into the right order. It helps to feel and understand what you are doing, as well. So , finally, I am happy and have that strong sense of achievement. Thanks Rob for your help and the professional way you teach. Best regards from John Baker from Australia. Ps please pass on to Jake my apologies for being a little sharp with him. Put in down to the fact that I am 74. That means that I am old and sometimes , grumpy.

Great information. Thanks for being so thorough!

Amazing. I've been hand sharpening for 50 years yet I have now seen the light... Next time in shop I'm going to resharpen all my blades..

Rob, great video. As a professional straight razor restorer and honer we hone razor edges to a much higher level. We often see the same edge issues with new razors and ones that have had a lot of the edge removed as in chip repair. The edge will test fine, (thumb nail test) but will micro chip when put under stress of use or on a straight razor, stropping. I suspect this is caused because the edge is weakened during the angle grinding process, (overheated) by aggressive grinding, or edge impact damage beneath the chip. Once a bit more steel is removed, (it does not take much) and good solid steel is reached, the edge will hold, Also, be careful recommending the use of dish soap, it can damage, (pit) the binder of some stones, particularly Naniwia and Norton. I believe Norton recommends against it. I have never had an issue with Shapton stones and soap. Additionally, a micro bevel will make a stronger, longer lasting edge, and boost performance.

Your guidance is so clearly stated, I have learned more from the video than any of my previous sharpening videos.

I adopted this method. Just by listening to Rob's advices and trying a few times, sharpen a plane blade became easy. This allows me to go straight to my sharpening station every time I'm not satisfied how my plane runs on lumber. And I can see the results, it's worth.

I’m simply aw’d by Rob’s video on sharpening chisel’s and planer blades. The difference between his method and what I was doing is like the difference between day and night.

I've been using Rob's technique for a year now and it's a real time saver and a game changer. I think it's the best method for sharpening a plane blade because when you master this, your arms become the best jig given by nature. I admire Rob's approach of woodworking as a R&D lab. Great buying tips, i bought a CBN grinding wheal too and it also changed my life, no risk of burning expansive tools. Thank you for all you've done for us, greatings from France and i will defenitly buy one of your saws when my wallet agrees.

Thank You. With this blade back polishing routine, will save lot of time.

Thank you Rob. First of all I am a 12 year Marine and want to thank you for what you do for our wounded warriors. Secondly, I was having a hard time sharpening free hand until I watched this about 3 or 4 times and copied you techniques and how you hold the iron and place your fingers now I am getting fantastic shaving and I am delighted so thank you for your instruction. You are a detailed and easy to learn from teacher and thank you.

just something i found to be helpful while using the ''Charlesworth" ruler trick. while holding the blade in the three finger position, use the bottom of your palm to help push the blade through each stroke. in the beginning, it was hard to control the motion with just using my fingers. thanks rob. i enjoy watching and learning from you. i appreciate woodworking so much more!!!!

28:20 Amazingly, the shavings you got from after your first unsatisfactory sharpening are about 5 times better than those I currently get. I'm looking forward to trying your sharpening techniques in the coming weekends. Thank you!!!

For years I was very frustrated by hand planes. I never could get them to work the way they were supposed to. Then I purchased a set of stones from Rob, studied his videos, and practiced (both the sharpening and the tuning) and it totally changed everything. Now, planing is a pleasure! If you're a serious woodworker, this is the way to up your game. Buy Rob's stuff, and follow his teachings. You will not be disappointed.

Such a great instructor!

After years of using one jig or another, I am finally getting into your method of hand sharpening. Getting better, got some to go. Thanks for this tutorial, and for keeping in the pieces where it didn't work perfectly the first time. It's always nice to know even the best can have a bit of trouble sometimes. Also, I've got to mention it's so nice to see someone constantly give credit where it's due. So many videos out there showing David C.'s ruler trick without mentioning where it came from. You always mention his name every single time, as it should be. (I don't know Mr.' Charlesworth, I just like to see when someone gets credit for their work.)

The shavings are so thin, Rob keeps fighting to get them off of his hand, makes me laugh every time :D

It was nice to see you go back twice to get the blade correct. I just unpacked my new Lie Nielsen 5 1/2 and had to do the same thing except it was cutting heavier on the sides than in the middle even after the feathering technique you showed us on this video. It took four trips to the sharpening station but it is finally dialed in prefect now. Thank you Rob, for another great shop lesson.

What a legendary woodworker and teacher. Thank you!

He speaks so well. Ive been listening for one break in his speech, or a studder, and there isnt one.

And here I was thinking "I know how to sharpen..." No. I didn't. Thanks Rob. I do now.

Doesn't miss a beat! I love to see a master working his craft, even if it's just teaching routine tasks

I've been trying to work your method with the equipment I already own with limited success. I finally broke down and purchased the Shapton 16000 and wouldn't you know, three blades in a row with 0.001" shavings. What a blast! I finally get the type of shavings I've been watching you get for years. Thank you Mr. Cosman!

Remember the Star Trek episode where Data plays poker with Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein where they bantered about physics and space/time? Wouldn't it be cool if there was a similar one of Rob Cosman, Paul Sellers, David Charlesworth, Alan Peters, and other elite woodworkers and they banter about sharpening and wood working techniques?

When I did woodwork at school you got your arse kicked if you put the plane face down on the bench. Rules are funny things, some people keep to them, some people break them and others say they don't matter. Them Brothers taught me other things too, like honesty, respect, dedication and tolerance. When I think about it ....they never taught me anything that wasn't useful or relevant .................except perhaps differential calculus. Stavros

Rob, further to some comments I made 11 days ago, I have a few more. Sharpening is, as you say, the foundation of any kind of accurate work. It is THE most important skill to master and yet there is more BS talked about this subject than possibly anything else on YT. 95% of what I watch is filled with errors and downright garbage. I am really grateful for the time and effort you have devoted to this subject and you have provided some real insights into the basic, essential truths about sharpening. 1) Your comments about correct position (including height of the table) and posture are invaluable. 2) The need for a flat stone is frequently understated but is so important. 3) The need to cover as much of the stone as possible when working it. 4) You have provided a fast way to attain a fine edge, nobody wants to spend hours sharpening when they could be making things. I imagine that many of your subscribers are, like me, part-time woodworkers. What you do here is great for the aspiring joiner and I truly admire your tenacious and uncompromising quest for excellence. I simply don't do enough sharpening to go freehand so I use a jig. Being the skinflint that I am, I hate wasting money on "fad" purchases that will just sit in the cupboard, so I strop. This is not a subject for here but for the most part I get a superb polish with the exception of the tool edge, the most important bit! What you call the fluorescent light effect. (It's there on the sides of the bevel too). I can mitigate this by v gentle stropping on MDF or a very thin leather substrate. Be that as it may, you've talked me into buying a 6kHR! Q1. Does the miniscule fluorescent tube effect matter on the sides of the primary bevel or the underside of the chisel? Q.2. How can you be sure that flattening the 16k stone with the 300 diamond plate is not burying 300 grit diamonds into the highly expensive Shapton? Something you might consider, I've bought a Plugable 250x microscope (£50/ Can$80) to learn where I'm going wrong, a great investment as I can take photos with it for reference as well. Again, many thanks for your prodigious and generous contribution to the craft. Paul

Fantastic Tutor, explained and demonstrated perfectly. No guess work required. Thank you.

I just learned a lot about something I last did 50 years ago. Great tips. I was expecting to polish the back of the blade, not just the tip. Makes me want to start hand planing again. How beautiful is a super fine shaving. Thanks, Rob.

Simple, precise, important detail that most tutorials miss out and assume that those new to woodwork would be able to work out for themselves. No sloppy speech, no one trying to be a comedian, clear speech, excellent quality video. Interesting procedures. Sharpening is the bane of my 60 years working life. Simply a brilliant video. Thank you

Rob. I saw you in Ottawa some long time ago when we had a woodworking show. I was already very impressed with the way you communicate. But now. wow the clear description of tools, tecknique, reason why etc... you are way ahead.

This is a gem of a video. Between you and Paul Sellers you have covered just about everything. I have invested in a Trend 300/1000 diamond plate and broke it in on a seriously thin, old Naniwa Chosera 400 stone using the Trend lapping fluid for lubrication. I found that the Trend plate went dark near each end with a wider dark strip parallel across the middle. I suspect that the diamond coating was applied on a rolled plate which had not been finish ground. Also, once completely flat and washing in water, the green Chosera 400 twinkled all over with tiny diamond fragments, which I expected. In all, I spent about 4 or 5 minutes gently flattening the Chosera. I hope this doesn't irritate you but one technique that Paul Sellers uses to flatten convex blade irons is to lay it on the bench, convex side up and twat it hard with a heavy soft-faced hammer. It works! Every now and again I chance upon a treasure of a channel. Yours is one such, Rob. Thank you for enriching us all. Paul

Excellent tutorial, easy to follow and very logical. I love the idea that you you don't have to flatten the whole back of blade. Thankyou from UK.

Excellent video Rob. Thank you for your time. Time is a precious thing you know.

No nonsense, no voodoo. Best video on sharpening a blade. Thanks!

Terrific methodology, by a great teacher. Thank you.

Spot on. The most comprehensive sharpening Video I have seen. Well done!

Amazing. Thank you for a truly excellent tutorial. Much learned by this little brown duck.

So satisfying to see and hear a thin ribbon of wood being shaved off. Nicely done. Time to step up my planing game. Thank you.

It's wonderful to watch a master at work!

Thanks Rob. You gave the best explanation for the ruler trick I've heard. I use a similar finger nail test, but I pull the back of the edge the nail along the cutting edge rather than pushing the nail, seems safer to me. Since you just need light pressure, you can feel the irregularities either way.

Number one best video EVER in all respects. Camera man was ON POINT. Man, you're amazing. THANK YOU!!

Thanks Rob for your time. I've been sharpening for years getting ok results, i tried your method and wow what a difference. Simple and effective, thanks heaps mate...

Always a joy to watch your sharpening technique. I hated sharpening and would always struggle until watching your technique. Thanks again!

Thank you for this wonderful tutorial. So honest, so clear. You give me confidence to work the wood. Appreciate so much.

Honestly I thank you for your videos . They make me a better woodworker. If I can master your sharpening technique then I absolutely see what you mean how that will be a game changer. You have me collecting the Woodriver Planes which are amazing. I’m a tube student so keep them coming. Rob, Much thanks from Pittsburgh, Sincerely ERIC

Great video. Have never sharpened a plane blade or chisel but I'm definitely going to try your method on new chisels purchased. Very informative. Thank you.

So many points regarding bevel up and down planes. Seems like the # 5 had many advantages. You certainly are a masters Woodcrafter !

Very nice job of teaching thoroughly. Time to get out in the shop and play with my planes. thanks

Thanks Rob. Enjoy your videos a great deal.

I don't even own a hand planer and have watched thw full eight minutes. Great stuff and told in a way that cough my attention and kept hold of it all the way through. Big thumbs up and I'll remeber where to come for advice once I've bought myself a nice planer.

I have used Rob's sharpening technique for years. I can actually plane stain off of plywood veneer without removing the veneer. Thanks Rob.