What is the “Scary Sharp” Lapping Film system of sharpening?

“Scary Sharp” is a sharpening system in which tools are sharpened using sheets of abrasive film affixed to a flat substrate (usually 1/4" or thicker glass) or rounded dowels for curved tools.

You can use it wet with oil or water lubrication, or dry for convenience (but a shorter paper life). The abrasives are carefully graded and electrostatically oriented for greater cutting efficiently. Even grading is very important for even cutting. You get fewer scratches, and more particles of abrasive at the same grit mean that more of the sheet cuts at the same time - faster and more evenly. The abrasive is actually embedded in the resin, so while the film feels sort of smooth to the touch, as the resin wears away more, sharp, abrasive is exposed to the steel. All our films are 3 mils thick (.003") to make the film less prone to tearing.

We sell 5 grits (listed below from finest to most coarse) - individually and in sampler packages:

• .3 Aluminum Oxide
• 1 micron Aluminum Oxide
• 5 Silicon Carbide
• 15 Silicon Carbide
• 40 Silicon Carbide

What is a good protocol (sequence) for sharpening with Scary Sharp film?

For routine sharpening:

Many years ago Fine Woodworking Magazine had an article recommending our lapping film in the 15, 5, and .3 micron sizes -- for creating a wire edge, wearing it away, and finally polishing the edge. This is a good recommendation! We also stock 1 micron paper as a polishing grit, and 40 micron as a fast cutting grit for shaping (although we much prefer grinders). Start with the 15 micron (similar to a 1200 grit waterstone), followed by 5 (similar to a 5000 grit waterstone), followed by either the 1 and/or the .3 Micron Aluminum Oxide (similar to an 6000 and 12000 grit waterstone respectively).

We use the 40 micron size (similar to a 400 grit waterstone) for really rough blade shaping and doing the backs of old blades when we first get them. Expect the coarser grits to get used up faster than the fine grits - you typically just need a few strokes with the finer grits.

What are some of the benefits of choosing Scary Sharp film for sharpening tools?

• Low entry cost: Lapping film is a great way to sharpen anything without making a large capital investment in sharpening stones
• No maintenance: No need to flatten or otherwise maintain stones. You get a very consistent product that is easily replaced as needed.
• Cut into any shape: You can cut the film into any shape and stick it onto any sharped substrate so curved profiles for carving tools are easy to make.
• Good for transit and travel: Lapping film is a great way of carrying sharpening media on the road, as it is very lightweight, isn’t fragile and doesn't take up much space.

Click here to see our Scary Sharp lapping film selection