In the first of this series we will journey deep into the subtleties of sharpening by hand using Japanese water stones. We will discuss and experiment the use of Nagura stone, Blue stone, 4000, 8000 and finer stones as well as trying several grades of natural finish stones from Mokuchi’s private collection.
A sharp tool is a joy, an ultra sharp blade is a delight.
Sharpening with Japanese Waterstone
Required
– 1000/6000 sharpening stone
– Each student should bring one or more dull blades. Mokuchi also provides purchasing options for edge tool or knives from Japanese suppliers.
Contact Mokuchi to purchase tools. As a Japanese tool retailer Mokuchi provides guidance on selecting tools and a student discount.
4-6 maximum
Mokuchi Studio – Port Jervis
7 – 9pm
Whether you are a chef, a foodie or enjoy cooking, a sharp knife is a thing of beauty and turns chopping into a joyous activity!
In this class you will learn how to redress an abused cutting edge as well as how to routinely maintain a good edge on your knifes using user friendly Japanese water stones.
A sharp knife is a safe knife!
Make your own Japanese Kanna! The Kanna, or Japanese plane, is a cornerstone of Japanese woodworking. Skilled use of a precisely set Kanna enables woodworkers to create the distinct and elegant glass-smooth surface that is a signature characteristic Japanese woodworking. Each participant will make their own Dai (plane body). During the class participants learn about the different bedding angles for the Kanna blade, the optimal wood grain orientation for the Dai and how to set up your plane with and without a chip breaker.
You sharpened and set up a Kanna (Japanese plane)! You made a pile of beautiful shavings! You resharpened a few times, made more shavings and now your plane needs some adjustment. Or, you want to expand your skills. This half day class focuses on the use and tweaking of the Kanna.
You will learn how to create a flat surface, how to square an edge, how to position your body and move while planing. You will also get plenty of time to practice and ask questions.
Waterstones enable you to get the sharpest edge in an efficient and clean manner. No messy oil or grinding down your tools! In this one evening session, students will learn to sharpen woodworking chisels and plane blades, as well as pocket knifes and kitchen knifes using Japanese water stones. Tool sharpening with waterstones is a fundamental part of Japanese woodworking. It is also a very useful skill if you’re maintaining any tools that benefit from the sharpest of edges. Chefs interested in the skill for knives are very welcome in this class!
Care and maintenance of sharpening stones will also be covered. Discussion will also address the differences between grits, the optimal grit sequence to get the sharpness needed for your task, and how to maintain a flat sharpening surface on your waterstone. A sharp tool is a safe tool.
This class or equivalent experience is a prerequisite for all other classes, except for Japanese Woodworking Introduction