: "Scary sharp" works to a degree and will produce a usable
: edge, but it's main appeal is that it's cheap. Finishing the
: edge with a waterstone makes a big difference and it's worth the
: investment, IMO. Not only is the edge sharper - which makes it
: more useful - it's more durable, so you spend less time
: sharpening.

I have these water stones....
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?cat=1,43072,43071,51817&p=51817

and I have these abrasives
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=33004&cat=1,43072

When attached to 1/4" glass, the abrasives are very easy to use. I have two pieces of glass about a foot square with abrasive attached to both sides. They are very portable. For me, the two most important features of this method is the grinding surface stays flat....(very important) and it's a big grinding area so you can remove a lot of material pretty quickly. Just give them a spritz of water and hone away....:)

Bill