More Debunking Myths and Mysteries

I have to say that I am surprised by Asa C’s article on honing guides. I found it intolerant and biased. Some statements seem written with the intent to persuade rather than present, with the use of certain terms; for instance, in his pro-guide bias he uses terms like, “Why the honing guide beats handheld.” And “Guide—Always the right angle.” Then, when opposing the hand held he says that hand held is a "Balancing Act", that you generally use hollow grinding on a grinding wheel and with that usual air of authority, makes statements like "Where hand held goes wrong" when hand held need not go wrong at all and neither need anyone use a grinding wheel. There is much more, some subtle, some not, but the point is it is highly biased and for the main part grossly untrue. And it’s all based on the presentation that there is only one acceptable standard for sharpening and that is to use micro- or secondary-bevel sharpening methods. I hasten to add yet again, in order to counter the imbalanced presentation, that for at the very least two centuries, woodworkers of every caliber, trade and skill level used a cambered bevel of the type Asa C presents as unacceptable and unsuitable when in actuality it produces the perfect cutting edge and exactly the same cutting edge as secondary-bevel sharpening using jigs in a fraction of the time it takes to use a honing guide. Further more, he suggests the unnecessary use of stones that certain stones that go to 8,000 in fine increments when you can achieve equal results with 250-, 600- and 1200-grit on diamond plates and get 15,000 on the leather strop, producing and edge that will far surpass the needs of even the most discerning craftsman and all in about one minute max. I can sharpen six chisels using my method in under three minutes and be back to work and so can you and anyone else.

Magazines and editors in particular often present erroneous and fabricated information that severely distorts the truth of real woodworking. Whereas I am often inspired by this and other magazines, I hate the times when distortion and manipulation present themselves as trustworthy truths. Always remember that a lie always presents itself as truth and in so doing stands in truths stead. I would that they could open up their minds to what they preach and present what they say they do, and that is unbiased editorial articles and information to an educated following so that the audience can then try out and determine for themselves the different options.