Joseph Piotrowski
the synopsis: these water stones are awesome.

my new gear Shapton 320,1000,5000,12000.

the old gear wasn't bad, Duosharp(X,C), duosharp(F,E), Diasahrp D8EE(800) grit and green honing compound on leather.

some of my issues are technique( free hand sharpening) .without a doubt! but given i didn't just up my skill level in one session, these stones provide two things:

1. a little more messy, need to wear gloves next time.

2. they are way more user friendly. I was able to get better feedback from the shaptons during the entire process.

i don't think i ever produced a burr so quickly and evenly on my DMT setup.

i did a plane blade. flatten the back and sharpen/hone the bevels. i didn't spend enough time to get the very best edge but just a quickie at lunch to see how they work.

sharpened up a low angle block plane. did a before and after cut on some mahogany end grain. it was a big difference. huge!

it was best sharpening session to date.

i sure when i master free hand sharpening, this gap might get smaller but for now my DMT are getting regulated to clean up work. the shapton are my go to set.

i look forward to spending the time i need to fully tune the blade up and get a real good edge;

thank you all for the tips and suggestions