Universally recognized as "The Bible of The Cutting Edge", this book belongs in the library of anyone who is serious about sharpening. Written by Guinness world record holder John Juranitch, it contains all the knowledge and insights gained during his more than 40 years in the sharpening industry. The 145 page book is crammed with photos, illustrations and cutting edge secrets you won't find anywhere else. Its 14 chapters cover topics like how to choose a knife, sharpening theories nad applicaitons, steeling, using a hone and much, much more. You'll get answers to the most asked questions. You'll learn the truth about common myths like why you should never use oil on a hone. And you'll get the insights necessary to put a great edge on knives, axes, fish hooks, arrowheads, chain saws and other tools. It's a history, a handbook, a reference manual that is the simplest, most complete way to give yourself a razor edge on sharpening. "...most bases covered in the book from knives-folding, skinning, sheath - to axes, fishhooks, chain saws, arrowheads, and adzes." -- Andy Anderson, outdoors writer, Dallas Mornig News "There is absolutely no doubt that Juranitch is an expert in his field..." -- Butch Winter, The National Knife Magazine, National Knife Collectors Association "Will show even rank amateurs how to put long-lasting razor-sharp cutting edges on even the dullest planes..." -- Workbench: The Do-It-Yourself Magazine From a Fishhook to an Ax... Learn How to Sharpen Like a Pro! Hunters, fishermen, hikers, campers, homemakers, do-it-yourselfers-here at last is the book you've always wanted but could never find. John Juranitch shows even the lowest ranked beginner how to put the sharpest edge on the dullest tool, and also restore old tools for years of trouble-free service and wear. Everything you need to know is here: The basic theory of sharpening Safe knife handling and use Handling a hone The best angle to sharpen at How to buy a knife-and kiss the gimmicks good-bye What to look for when buying hones Carbon steel versus stainless: finally, the real winner! How to tell if your knife is sharp Serrated edges: how good are they? For what? Sharpening the most popular blades in use today: including scissors, knives, axes, chain saws, adzes, folding knives, and plane blades - specific techniques, detailed "how-to" photographs and precise drawings How to build your own hollow grinder - instructions within! Step-by-step lessons featuring over 100 photographs and diagrams for ease and accuracy-and much more! MEET THE PRO: John Juranitch has been a professional sharpening consultant since 1951, numbering among his clients Country Pride, Oscar Meyer, Swift & Co., Northern Seas, and others throughout the midwest and Canada. For his company, Razor Edge Systems, Inc., he makes frequent appearances at annual sportsmen's conventions and on televisions demonstrating the remarkable feat of sharpenig and shaving with a double-bitted ax-a show-stopping accomplishment for which Juranitch holds the Guinness World Record (14 minutes). I've spent the better part of 45 years reseaching the cutting edge and passing along what I've learned. That's what our patented Razor Edge products are all about. Helping you get an edge that cuts safer, surer, and with less effort. I first became intrigued with the straight razor, hone and strop in 1951 during the Korean War. That fascination was to become the core of my life's work. After the service, I began to compile information for the world's first detailed book on the art of sharpening. Researching the subject led to perfecting the tools and methods necessary for the ultimate edge. Today, the Razor Edge Systems, Inc. company is known as the world's leading authority on the cutting edge. We're involved with machines, tools and technology in markets from meat to medical. The products in our catalog make it possible for anyone to put a professional, razor edge on any blade or cutting edge. The Razor Edge Book of Sharpening combined with the right Razor Edge Sharpening System for your application will soon have you giving all your blades an unbelivably sharp edge. You'll come to realize these are indispensable tools for every aspect of your life, your shop, kitchen, job or in the field. Over the years, we've become famous as the Guinness Book world record holders for sharpening and shaving with a double bladed axe. That's something I wouldn't want you to try at home. But believe me, when you try our products on your own tools, you'll come away knowing there's simply no better way to produce a safer, surer, better performing cutting edge than with these Razor Edge Systems. In this chapter we will answer some of the questions that we hear most often., They come from sportsmen, professionals, people we've met at sports shows and packing plants, and in letters form people like you. The answers to these questions will give you a good start in understanding what sharpening is all abou