Sharpen the whetstone?

The other day, a gentleman passing by our shop asked, ‘Is there a machine to straighten whetstones?’ We don’t have a machine for that, but I showed him our flattening stones, saying, ‘Well, we do have tools for leveling the surface!’ He sighed, realizing that perhaps flattening was the only solution.

Then came a surprising question (lol): ‘Do you offer a service to sharpen whetstones?’ It’s a sentiment I can totally understand (＾＾； Sharpening deeply worn-out whetstones is indeed no walk in the park.

I pondered for a moment—maybe use a big rotary stone to tackle it in one go? But, in the end, I realized hand-rubbing is the only way to make it work… So, I suggested, ‘Why not give it a shot with a flattening stone?’

In moments like these, the business spirit kicks in, and I wondered if I should have recommended a diamond stone. Or perhaps, is there a whetstone that you can peel off the worn layer? Maybe even replaceable whetstone sheets?

Then again, if the blade catches on the sheet, that could be risky… Oh well, the adventures of whetstone troubles!

hibishugyo

• 2014-08-01