Your videos are brilliant. You are talking to pro here. You're direct, clearly spoken and competent. My one observation is that you should not concern yourself with the critics that don't know half of what you do. Future videos....... know that you are much more competent than your audience. Tell your subscribers what they are going to hear. Tell them what they want to hear, them tell them that you told them. Your videos are clear, concise and useful. Keep it up. If there is any MINOR criticism, don't apologize, just teach. Great job.

Fantastic depth of your video. You’ve covered nearly all of the kinds of questions I’ve experienced in my exploration of sharpening art and science.

Great video. Thanks for the practical recommendation and tips without trying to push $200+ stones. You've earned a lot of trust by being honest and helpful.

Haven't seen you on KZfaq for a minute, I hope all is well with you and your family. You inspired me to create some amazing pieces and I am truly grateful for what you do. I finally picked up the sharpening from Tay tools. I will be sharpening my first plane after I get it cleaned up. Again, thank you for being such an inspiration.

I bought the System and was looking for videos on how to properly set it up and fortunately I found your video. Perfect by giving me all the info I needed. Thanks.

Appreciate your straight to the point style of videos. Also, you gave me yet another great tip that I went straight to putting into practice. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, tips and tricks. These are very useful and perfect for a hobbyist woodworker like me who is still learning and doesn't want to drop hundreds of dollars on a sharpening system if I don't have to. Again, thank you very much!

Another excellent video - unlike so many, it doesn’t dictate to you but informs you. My experience. I’ve got a Tormek water grinder; Norton wet stones in various grades; diamond stones upto 1000 grit; adhesive abrasive (from Axminster Tools) in various grades and the scary sharp system. So, I have both done a lot of research and wasted a lot of money. What is my definition of sharp? It is when the blade feels good taking very thin shavings from a difficult (wavy grain) piece of hardwood. So, my experience. The Tormek is excellent at re-grinding and getting upto 1000 grit. However, it is incredibly expensive and needs maintenance to keep the grinding stone flat. Norton stones are very good also and get much finer; also very expensive; also very expensive and somewhat messy. Diamond stones are very good at getting up to 1000 grit (I don’t have finer) and seem to need no maintenance. The scary sharp system is the cheapest but seems to deliver (using my very un scientific test) the same quality on undamaged blades. If I have a damaged blade, I do use the Tormek to begin with; if I didn’t have the Tormek, I would use the Diamond stones. 90%of the sharpening I need is maintenance sharpening - refining the blade after some use. For me to not be lazy; for me to continually refine a blade even whilst in use, I need a quick, easy, least-mess system that I can have on my bench so that it easier to sharpen than ignore it. For this, I have found the scary sharp system to be the one. That might alter if I had a much finer grit set of diamond stones but why would I pay out (even more) money to have something to equal scary sharp. The downsides of scary sharp. It tears; I have tried the up and down motion and successfully ruined sheets of scary sharp. I know only use the back motion. It relies upon a flat substrate; I use a piece of plate glass because I was told that it is flatter than float glass - does that matter? I suspect not but remain a sucker buying what people tell me. I would say that as equally as important as the sharpening system is the blade holder jig. Get that bit wrong and your sharpening will not result in good results. I’m not talking about the accuracy of the angle here (25 degrees; 30 degrees etc) as I don’t think it matters at all if I get a primary bevel of 24 degrees or 26 degrees. I’m taking about squareness (bevel edge to side of plane or chisel blade) and consistency (reshape I got to the same as before). Again, I have tried several sharpening jigs/holders. I want squareness (the jig holding the blade square to roller or whatever) and tightness ( so that the blade doesn’t move). The Veritas mark II is my preferred option because I have it. If I didn’t, then I could make a jig ( I think Matt Estlea has) to do the job. Apologies for going on. My search for a practical sharpening system that gets the blades as sharp as I want is over. I don’t want blades so precious, so sharp that I darent use them. I want blades that feel sharp enough to me. Hope that helps. Someone. Somewhere.

Great tips Jodee. I started with an inexpensive sharpening system like the one you showed here. Great system. I eventually moved to diamond stones also and love them. One tip I picked up from James Hamilton (Stumpy Nubs) is to use Windex on the diamond stones to prevent any water from staying down in the grit after it's "dry" and possibly getting rust in the stone and lessening its effectiveness. Also, something about the micron size of the windex is smaller than other lubricants... 🤷‍♀️ Great video and lots of info as always, thanks for this!

Awesome video! I quit believing in coincidence many years ago and this furthers my belief. I was just looking at the sharpening kit Taylor Toolworks offered and have been pursuing a good sharpening system for several months now. I wasn't sure how it functioned and was unsure what to purchase "since they all claim to be the best", until I watched your video and it dispelled the doubts in my head. I now know which path I will follow. Thanks again for taking the time to break it down Barney style for some of us slow folks. I truly appreciate what you do 👍

Super job! Great summary and lots of useful practical information. Thanks a ton!

Bro, you actually helped me out a bunch. I'm getting that kit and doing what you did. I was actually going to buy another expensive 8K grit glass stone until I saw this. I actually have the Taylor Toolworks scraper sharpening kit and it uses glass and those sheets and I love it. My scraper has never worked so well! So yeah, I am getting this today. Thank you!

Thanks again for.a quality synopsis. I appreciate the the differences that you showed.

Great information and clearly presented so a novice like myself doesn’t get lost in the terminology

Thanks for the demo, looks like the way to go for myself. I have never been one to do much sharpening this appears to be the an affordable way for me to get started.

Great job - I always leave your videos learning something

By far the most informative channel that I've found!

I’ve been using the scary sharp system for over a year now and it’s taken my sharpening to another level. As a new woodworker, I watched so many videos on KZfaq and bought water stones and diamond plates, but just couldn’t seem to get it right. I wish I’d found this system earlier; it’s cleaner (I use water with a few drops of dish soap) and it’s helped me become better at joinery, because I now have chisels and plane blades with lovely shiny backs and super sharp edges. It’s also a really good price, and until I find another alternative, I’ll be sticking with it for the foreseeable future. Highly recommended. Great video, with a nice clear presentation. Have a like.

Great video and channel. You have a very good way of teaching and explaining how and why. Keep that content coming as you’re able!

I love this kit and of course the video. Thank you very much I am going to purchase this and try it out.

Excellent summary- thanks 👍😎👍

Got a good start on a safecracker's thumbprint, huh? This is a great system and extremely well explained. Thank you. I've seen Mexican and Central American craftsmen travel north with the system they use at home, various grits of high quality sandpaper and a little piece of float glass. Incidentally, a glass man told me float glass replaced rolled glass when they started establishing "flat" on a bed of molten tin.

Thanks for sharing those tips!

Really excellent tip, dude! Thanks a lot! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

Thanks for the video. This seems like the simple, no brainier type of sharpening system for me! I went ahead and ordered. I'm thinking router bit sharpening could be possible as well? Can't wait!

Thanks so much. Just bought the system.

Great information. Well presented!!

Thanks so much Jesse, great information, as usual.

It is a great sharpening system. I use it for my LN 5 1/2 and block plane as well as chisels. Brilliant cheap system.

I’ve been using the 100 micron for flattening the sole of an old plane, great stuff.

Another informative video thanks 🇨🇦

Brilliant review!

Full of funky Bro you just saved me a lot of money and time

Your logic is rewarding. They may not compare to using Shapton stones, but they sure are cheaper. Thank you

great day! this looks wonderful. want to gift my brother with the system and i just want to know from users how it is holding up. did you need to change sheets every year or whatever? mygreathanks and blessings🙏

When I got this kit about a year ago the first thing I did was make copies of the instructions. I am colorblind so I had my wife mark the film with the corresponding grits, I had to trust her LOL. Works as advertised. I have not seen this system used in an up down method like you did. I was afraid to tear the film so I followed the instructions (at the time) by only pulling down then lifting and putting it back at the top and pulling down again. I will have to try that. Thanks for taking the time to share this information.

Very impressive really sharp planer !

What kind of jig is that you are using to sharpen that plane blade with? It obviously works good for you and I would like to know if you don't mind what brand of jig that is and where you got it. Thanks for another great video.

Very good. Always looking to save a buck these days. Smart move with dividing up the paper and having all the grits mounted at once. Then, replace only the ones needed.

Awesome video! About how long do you find your lapping film lasts? Looks like you do about 15 seconds before moving to the next grit -- perhaps measuring in minutes would be most universal.

I have this kit, and it performs just as shown. A really great lower priced alternative. Thanks for sharing!!!

Very informative for a new-comer. One question...can this system be used for knives also? There are so many videos showing how to sharpen chisels and plane irons but I can't find any on knives.

Nice, thanks

A quick question..... How are you storing the float glass so it is not damaged. Want to store it so it is not taking up a lot of space on my bench. TIA

Interesting... I'm thinking of ordering some sheets of this stuff to stick to 3x5 aluminum plates to use as a camping sharpening kit. 3 plates in a small pocket in a pack would provide a seriously light weight sharpening kit for almost any application.

Fantastical...I must have....

Thanks

Just got some bday money and getting that trend 300/1000 diamond stone. I'm hoping you still prefer it?

*Have you ever used a piece of marble for polishing in finished edge?*

Great guide regarding a simple way to sharpen. I have a question (concern really) with your decision to use short pieces of the film though. Every time you go onto and off the film, you are changing the angle of the chisel being sharpened. It seems as though, when some blades require 25°, some 27°and others 30°, 1 degree here or there matters a lot. Perhaps I'm being too precise in my thinking??

Good review. I've been using sandpaper on a scrap of glass, but it's good to know where to get the film. I noticed you're using a scalpel holder style utility knife. Which one is it? How do you fell about it? I almost bought one a while back but I chickened out.

@InspireWoodcraft Man, I wish I found this video two years ago when I first bought my scary sharp! 😂 Curious as to whether you’re still using this system, sticking with the diamond plates, or perhaps something else? (Also, I’ve always used water with my SH system, so I’ll have to try WD40 or perhaps 3-in-1.) Have you heard anything about the Taytools drill press sharpener system? A couple guys in my community love it, but I’m trying to figure out next steps. I heard Izzy Swan has an ingenious jig (not surprising) as well. I just won’t be able to afford a Tormek anytime soon, and I feel like I go through the SH lapping paper too quickly. Btw, big fan of your channel. Thanks much for all the knowledge sharing over the last few years. Happy holidays!

Tremendous now let’s hope I get it to the UK Bob England

If you listen to the shop talk live podcast by fine wood working magazine, that 300 stone is only if you had to grind down your edge due to a big chip missing and need a new edge. 1k should be your starting point, then a 3 or 4k for the medium and then the 8-12k range for the final polish. This will get you truely sharp.

Great video as always. Have you done a video on using this system for kitchen knife sharpening?

How strong is the bond of abrasive?

How long does the film last, as you eluded to lengthening the life of the product by cutting the sheets into smaller pieces. When/if they do wear out, how easily do they come off the glass?

I'm just starting to think about sharpening my own dull-sharp edges lol. Chisels, scissors, kitchen knives, tree trimmers and pruners (curved blades). Is this a good system for all of those or do I need something else more specific to each application. I'm a low fixed income senior so cannot be too spendy. Thank you for your help.

You said you ground a 25 degree angle on your Kobolt plane iron. What did you use to do that?

No need for a $100+ diamond stone. Plenty of $30 ones on Amazon. I got mine for $18 on sale. I've used it for 2 years and it's still as good as new. Used it to reprofile dozens of knives, flatten a few hand plane soles, flatten chisels, sharpen knives, chisels, plane irons, scissors, etc.

Second thought here, and mainly question to you as well as the comment community: I have a lot of tempered glass around - would that be equal in quality / flatness to the float glass? Really curious here.

about, how long/many sharpenings can you see from each setup?

Glass cleaner (windex) works great as a lubricant for this process

Very good review. The one question you did not address: How long does each piece of film last? Is it good for one sharpen, two, ten? Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.

One thing I don't get, and I don't see in the Taylor Toolworks instructions: how does 7 grits make sense with only 3 pieces of glass? It seems I'd have one left over. Am I supposed to be peeling one off and substituting it with another piece of film? Am I only supposed to pick my 6 favorites and use those?

Do you push and pull when sharpening with that paper?

How long does a sheet last for? Ish...

Was really interested in this so followed the link and went though the ordering process. All was fine 'til it came to payment and shipping. I'm in UK, sio expected a reasonable amount would be added for shipping. For a $43.99 item they wanted $60.94, making a total of $105! Needless to say this is one customer they lost....

It seems to work pretty good. I hope everyone realizes this might not be a very good money saving investment/permanent system for everyday woodworkers. It can be very expensive to keep replacing sheets like this. Some people might be much better off buying some quality diamond stones that will never need to be replaced. For some, the cost of sheets will quickly surpass the price of high quality diamond stones. I guess it depends on if you plan on sharpening for decades to come. Those $40 refills add up. It seems like a good system to try out. Just be mindful of how long they last and before you re-up, try and do the math and see if you will really be saving any money after 1 more year at that rate.. Then calculate 10 years.. I'd bet not everyone will save money. Only 1 way to find out...

"...when I feel like I want to be frustrated at something, I'll break it out..." (*urinated on self laughing*) ((paused)) But seriously, why? Also, I'd have done strips of the film exactly half of the float glass full length, so that your sharpening jig will engage the surface of the film as well, and make sure the .. exact .. angle you want is maintained. Just a thought. Great tip video, man. I saw the Katz-Moses take on this and thought, "Hmm, nah." After seeing you try this, I may change my mind - and buy a rolling angle jig. Also - awesome hairstyle.

I like that you're economizing but every time the wheel skips on that ledge of the paper you screw up your scratch pattern and compromise your angle. It would be better to have the paper long enough so the wheel can always be on the paper to keep things truly flat.

I was told not to move forward and back with the lapping film, pull only as you can tear the film.

This must be the same Scary Sharp system Katz-Moses reviewed about a year ago? If you're from Canada, get it locally, because the customs costs from Tay Tools makes this not cheap up here. I believe Lee Valley Canada has the 3M lapping films

Great price in the US but in the UK for the same kit costs £163!! GUTTED! Looks like diamond stones for me.

FIRST!

Float glass should be perfectly flat due to how it's manufactured...just fyi

It's in my understanding that the diamond stones will last for years and years. But those sheets how many times can be used? Maybe 50-80 dollars for each diamond stone is not so expensive. I don't know

Where ist the machine, which makes this in 10 seconds? I don't want to make this a rocket science. When my chisel is dull, it has to be sharp in 30 seconds. Maximum!

This is wrong. You're only supposed to pull the blade, and never push it, with the Scary sharp system. Your film won't last long if you push and pull.

But the wheel is off the paper , doesn’t that change your target degree , you know what im sayin right ? I guess you could compensate by changing your protruding length just a thought … lol