Cedri

What kind of patterns are in this?

David I've sharpened many many many woodworking tools and have found that there is really no difference in the end if you master the technique. It is going to end up personal preference in the end. Oil and water stones can be messy, you need to have a dedicated space away from your work area, this is true for leather / woodworking / the kitchen LOL. Diamond stones are really good at (what I call roughing in) the initial flattening/shaping. I've progress to ceramics or arkansas stones for med/fine and have honed with sandpaper (1500 - 2000 grit). One thing about water stones, you have to be careful or you will gouge them as they tend to be very soft.

I've been in and out leatherworking but three years ago I noticed the stamping tools where about $6 ea, ( and the free tool monthly) this week I paid $8 ea with the gold account, way to much inflation to my way of thinking in that short period of time. I also noticed the sides I purchased three years ago where $80.00 / $100.00, same sides today at a $230.00. Makes me wonder how the small craft businesses here actually can earn a living with the cost of materials rising so significantly.