SBS Sharpening System Instructions

Follow these SBS sharpening instructions to sharpen and polish chisels and plane irons using the complete six-stage diamond sharpening and leather stropping system.

View the SBS Sharpening System

Before You Start

  • Work on a flat, stable surface.
  • Use diamond lapping fluid when sharpening.
  • Avoid excessive pressure.
  • Keep fingers clear of sharp cutting edges.
  • Keep the diamond surfaces clean during use.
  • Clean and dry the SBS after use.

Kit Contents

  • Machined aluminum base with three diamond plates: 300, 600 and 1200 grit
  • Three magnetic leather strop covers
  • Orange 1800 grade polishing wax
  • White 2500 grade polishing wax
  • Blue 5000 grade polishing wax
  • 30ml fully synthetic diamond lapping fluid
  • Cleaning block
  • Fitted storage case
SBS components: base, three diamond plates, three leather strop covers, polishing waxes, fluid, cleaning block and case
SBS sharpening system and included accessories.

The Six Sharpening and Polishing Stages

The SBS combines three diamond sharpening grades with three polishing wax grades used on leather strops.

Stage Surface or Compound
1 300 grit diamond plate
2 600 grit diamond plate
3 1200 grit diamond plate
4 1800 grade orange polishing wax on leather
5 2500 grade white polishing wax on leather
6 5000 grade blue polishing wax on leather

SBS Sharpening Instructions: Step by Step

1. Remove the Strop Covers

Lift off the magnetic leather strop covers to expose the diamond plates.

Lifting a magnetic leather strop cover off the SBS diamond plate

2. Lubricate the Diamond Plates

Apply diamond lapping fluid to the plate before sharpening.

Applying diamond lapping fluid to an SBS diamond plate

3. Sharpen on the Diamond Plates

Use light, controlled pressure. Work through the 300, 600 and 1200 grit plates as required for the condition of your cutting edge. Wipe the tool clean between grades.

Sharpening a woodworking blade on an SBS diamond plate

4. Attach the Strops and Apply Polishing Wax

Wipe the diamond plates clean and dry before attaching the magnetic leather strop covers. Apply the matching polishing wax to each strop:

  • Orange: 1800 grade
  • White: 2500 grade
  • Blue: 5000 grade
Attaching an SBS leather strop cover and applying polishing wax

5. Strop and Polish

Work through the 1800, 2500 and 5000 polishing grades using light pressure. Draw the blade with its cutting edge trailing, so the edge does not cut into the leather.

Polishing a woodworking blade on an SBS leather strop

6. Clean and Dry

Remove the strop covers. With the diamond plates dry, use the supplied cleaning block to remove accumulated metal particles. Dry the SBS thoroughly before storage.

Cleaning an SBS diamond plate with the supplied cleaning block

Cleaning and Storage

Keep the diamond surfaces clear of metal particles during sharpening. After use, clean and thoroughly dry the SBS before replacing its protective covers and storing it in the fitted case.

Store the polishing waxes, lapping fluid and cleaning block with the kit, ready for your next sharpening session.

Warranty Registration

Register Your SBS for the 10-Year Bench Stone Warranty

Refer to the current warranty terms for coverage and conditions.

Environmental Protection

Sort packaging for appropriate recycling. At the end of their useful life, recycle the product and its accessories through suitable local facilities.

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