Do-It-Yourself Project
Did you know that most manufacturers ship their cutting tools without keen edges to avoid damage in transit? The blades will need a good sharpening to realize their full potential. To accomplish this Norton has a variety of Diamond Stones made of monocrystalline rather than polycrystalline diamonds. Mono diamonds resist fragmentation so they remain securely in place for extended life. As well, mono diamonds maintain precision flatness longer than poly diamonds. Norton standard bench stones - INDIA® and CRYSTOLON® are considered to be the mainstays of the marketplace and are priced accordingly. Norton INDIA stones are orange in color. CRYSTOLON stones are gray. Combination stones have different grit sizes on each side of stone (ie. fine/coarse). Generally, the largest stone affordable is the best option for straight edge sharpening as it allows use of full surface for wider tools. For tools with curves or angles, there are specific products with special shapes for sharpening. Diamond stones may be used wet or dry. All other stones should be used with water or, preferably, Norton sharpening stone oil. Proper stone lubrication floats away metal and abrasive dust particles during sharpening that would otherwise clog up the stone & ultimately render it useless.
Sharpening Knives
There is nothing more undesirable than a dull knife. With these simple steps you can restore the sharpness to your household knives and cutlery.
Step 1
Place knife blade diagonally across stone and tilt heal of blade 15 - 35 degrees to meet factory bevel angle.
Step 2
Holding wrists rigid, draw across and down from heel to tip of knife blade.
Step3
Alternate blade sides until sharp. Do not be overly concerned about the grinding angle, but do control the consistency of the angle throughout the sharpening.
Sharpening Chisels
Step 1
First flatten the face by guiding blade across stone length using long, oval strokes until you have a uniform surface and finish.
Step 2
Establish angle of bevel. Holding wrists rigid, move the blade forward down the length of the stone using the whole stone width, applying pressure only in the forward motion.
Step 3
Remove wire edge by lightly stroking the chisel face flat against stone against the cutting edge of the chisel.
Sharpening Farm & Garden Tools
Step 1
Clamp tool handle in vice or hold upright on handle.
Step 2
Apply stone at an angle parallel with bevel edge.
Step 3
Stroke in small circular motions on one side of the blade and then the other.
Sharpening Scissors
Step 1
Hold the shears near the middle with one blade hanging clear and place bevel cutting edge on stone in a slight diagonal position.
Step 2
Carefully, firmly draw across and down from heel to tip diagonally across stone, in one direction.
Step 3
Never sharpen the inside face of shears.
Norton Project Planning Form