Taytools 279205 Three Sheets 5/16 x 5 x 12 Deal Flat Float Plate Glass with 7 Sheets Lapping Microfinishing Film 4-1/4 x 11 for Scary Sharp Sharpening System

I normally use a combination of diamond (DMT Dia-Sharp) and ceramic (Shapton HR) stones to lap and sharpen chisels and plane blades, but decided to try these after reading some reviews and watching a demo. I was most interested in the white 0.3 micron (60,000 grit) and light green 1.0 micron (14,000 grit) to substitute for the ceramic stones (intend to continue using the diamond stones). I also used the pink 3.0 micron (8,000 grit) to compare to my diamond 8,000 grit. I used a plastic putty knife to squeegee the water / air out from under the films when mounting. I started with a new chisel that I lapped first with the diamond stones to 8,000 grit. Switched to these using the pink (8,000 grit). First observation is that these cut slower than the diamonds, as expected. Second observation is that the 8,000 grit film actually resulted in a smoother, shinier surface (went back to the 8,000 diamond to confirm). I may continue to use the 8,000 film after the 8,000 diamond to make the 14,000 film a little faster. Switched to 16,000 grit ceramic, then to the 14,000 grit film. Alternated for comparison. Again, the ceramic cut faster. With the naked eye, no appreciable difference in the finish, though the 16,000 ceramic probably produced a little more polished finish. Switched to the white (60,000 grit) film. Took a little time, wish they had a 30,000 grit between the 14,000 and 60,000. Definitely resulted in a much more polished, near-mirror, finish. Followed the same process on the beveled edge. Result is an extremely sharp chisel without stropping. After stropping, couldn't tell the difference in sharpness, but will continue to strop out of habit. I use a mix of water and Dawn dishwashing soap to lift the metal filings on all of the stones/films. The films stayed in place on the glass. Other observations. * Be patient when lapping, get it flat. The time and effort is usually a one-time investment that will pay dividends every time you sharpen the tool. * Like others have said, be nice if the set came with 4 glass plates so all 7 films could be mounted. * Don't lose the paper that comes with the set unless you can remember the grits. The films are not marked other than color. You could mark the glass. * The set came with 3 rubber no-slip mats to place under the glass plates. Useful for storage also. * I would prefer the film be the same size as the glass, particularly for knives. (for replacement film, you can get 8 1/2 x 11 sheets and cut to fit) * If you need to sharpen knives, mount the film to one edge of the glass, otherwise you can't sharpen the whole blade. * I did successfully pull a film off (very careful not to crease) and re-mount it to the edge of the glass. Don't recommend removal/remount. * The box that the items came in was marked "Glass, Handle with Care". Unfortunately, the box was put in a plastic envelope that was not marked "Handle with Care." Fortunately, the glass was wrapped nicely in foam sheets and survived the postal service. * These won't replace my coarser grit diamond stones because of the speed of cutting and durability of the diamond stones. If I didn't already own the diamond stones and was concerned about cost, would consider these instead. * As my other "good" chisels and plane blades need work on the stones, will use these to polish the backs and finish the edges. * Will lap my knock-around tools, but probably won't go to the effort on the bevels (not good enough steel to hold the edge long anyway). * Haven't used enough to comment on durability, but they are a lot cheaper than ceramic stones of 16,000 / 30,000 grit, and don't need periodic flattening.

My husband couldn't be happier with the results. The glass plates are precision cut and provide an excellent, flat surface for honing and sharpening my husband’s tools. They are easy to work with and have made a noticeable improvement in the sharpness of my blades. The included 3M (TM) Lapping Microfinishing Film is of top-notch quality. It adheres well to the glass and provides a consistent abrasive surface for achieving razor-sharp edges on my tools. The variety of grits allows for a versatile sharpening experience. This kit has made his sharpening routine more efficient and the results are outstanding. My husband recommends the Taytool 279205 Deal Flat Float Plate Glass and 3M (TM) Lapping Microfinishing Film to anyone looking to achieve Scary Sharp edges on their tools. It's a fantastic investment for any woodworking enthusiast.

Great product at a great price. I don’t know why people use sharpening stones. The glass is dead flat, the paper is super easy to apply, and it’s a fraction of the cost of a set of stones. I paired this with the Verona’s MKII honing guide and my chisels are wicked sharp. My only complaint is that the paper isn’t labeled with the grit. The instruction sheet that’s included contains that info, but it’s a bit of a nuisance.

The lapping paper works as specified. Overall, I like the product. Pros: Price Effective at sharpening Cons: Adhesive on paper did not always stick very well. I ended up buying 3M Feathering Adhesive to glue down sheets that came loose. One sheet of paper was bent in delivery and would not stay down Paper is too small for float glass making sharpening knives less than ideal. You can not get all the way to the end of the knife to sharpen it. If the glass were the same size or smaller than paper, it would work better. There is one extra grit without a glass to put it on. Should have come with 4 pieces of glass I will consider getting glass cut to correct size to sharpen knives or buy larger paper nest time.

First of all, my Narex Richter chisels came with a very sharp edge and pretty good finish out of the box… mirror shine everywhere except the bevel, which was still more finished than any other new chisels I’ve seen. I followed the directions to apply the sandpaper to the glass, and it really worked well. I used my hands to squeegee the water out at first, feeling for any particles that may have gotten between the sandpaper and the glass. A couple times I did find a chunk of something and was able to lift the paper up to get it out, thanks to the water. Then I used a non-stick rolling pin to expel the rest of the water and air bubbles. I decided to apply the abrasive to all six sides of the glass, which means I had to choose one grit to omit. Ultimately I decided I didn’t need the 60,000 grit because I would likely use my strop as the final step. Using a honing guide, I did about 30 laps on the 600 grit and then the same on the 800 grit. I checked the sharpness on my thumbnail, and I swear it was more dull than when I started. However, the crazy progression in sharpness as I went through the higher grits was astonishing. It’s so surprising how much sharper the blade is just by polishing it. The bevel had a crisp clear mirror finish, even before the strop, and the blade sliced through paper, Katz-Moses style, with no effort or resistance. I’m so glad I tried this before dropping $140 on a set of diamond stones.

Just as expected, really flat and really good for sharpening

Purchased this earlier this month. Set it up for the 1st time yesterday. Affixing the sheets to the Float glass was very easy. Cleaned the glass 1st with soap & water, dried them off. Wet my hands and rubbed them on the glass to moisten and pealed the paper from the sheet and used a plastics putty knife to remove any air bubbles. 1st test was to flatten the back of a Plane iron with the 1200 grit(12 or 30 micron). Sprayed a little WD40 on the film and started flattening about an inch of the back. After 15-20 strokes, picked up the Plane iron to see the progress. Plate glass and all came up with the Plane iron. It was so flat it suctioned itself to the Plate glass. Had to slide the Plane iron off the side of the glass to get the iron free. I'm very impressed. Looking forward to sharpening all my Plane irons and Chisels with this system.

I must say being into the old school method of sharpening knives. I thought I had a great system when it came to sharpening, but everything can be improved on when it comes to me anyway. I used 5 different grits of oil and water stones. In addition to, Leather for final polishing. It did ok, but when I got this I used 1,800, 8,000, 14,000, and 60,000 grit. Now! My cheap house knives are even more dangerously sharp. I can't wait to use them on my professional knife set. I am Professional Chef with a Culinary degree and no longer working in the industry, but I KNOW HOW IMPORTANT SHARP KNIVES ARE! Not only for cleaner looking cuts and fresher looking food on a plate, but most people do not realize a clean cut finger heals a lot faster, and also can be put back on better if cut off.