But they're not scary sharp - I couldn't cut off arm hairs and I
didn't have any magical transforming experience like I've heard you
get from super sharp tools. Is there another level of sharp I need to
achieve? Would an 8000x waterstone get me there?

Michael

Hi Michael,

I, like you have not achieved the zen of scary sharpness either,
but I have come to terms with it.

Once I get my Marples face (not got to hair) sharp, I tentatively test
them on my forearm to see if some hairs will actually scrape
off. If they do, then I oil it down and place it gently in its original
wooden storage container only to gently lift the next larger size
out for the same exercise.

Call SWMBO down to the shop to "see" herself - get a "yawn".

I have 6 of those babies and am up to the 5/8.

Of course, I never use them - just use my old beat up Stanley's
handed down from my (rest in peace) Uncle. Scrape
them over the sandpaper remnants from the Marples exercise
and actually use them.

Once I get my good set scary sharp. there's no telling where
my woodworking will go.

I can't even imagine what one could do with something better
than Marples, but that's where I am - lowly as it may be.

Sick but basically (sort of) true.

Lou