How to Sharpen a Blade with a Scary Sharp Kit

One of the most effective and efficient methods for sharpening plane blades or chisels is the scary sharp sharpening method using lapping film. This method involves using abrasive lapping film (aluminum oxide or diamond) on a smooth surface, such as a heavy glass plate.

This method is known by sharpening experts to be a fast and easy way to sharpen your blades or chisels to a razor-sharp edge. 

Here are step-by-step instructions for sharpening using the scary sharp sharpening method:

1. Start by placing a piece of lapping film on a flat and smooth surface, such as a glass plate. Make sure the film is securely in place and won't move around while sharpening. Using films with an adhesive backing makes this easy.
   
   
2. Get the lapping film moist and ready for sharpening adding a few drops of water or use a spray bottle to lightly mist it. This moisture helps create a metal slurry when sharpening, which is a visual signal that the abrasive is cutting and sharpening the metal blade.
   
   
3. Start moving the blade or chisel back and forth in a smooth and consistent motion. Apply light to medium pressure and keep the blade at a consistent angle to ensure an even sharpening. A sharpening honing guide is commonly used to maintain a proper blade angle on the sharpening surface.
   
   
4. As you sharpen, you will start to see a metal slurry forming in the moisture on the lapping film. When the slurry starts to diminish and become less visible, it is time to move on to the next grit size of lapping film.
   
   
5. Repeat the sharpening process with progressively finer grit sizes of lapping film until you have achieved the desired sharpness for your plane blade. Depending on the condition of your blade, this may involve starting with a coarser grit, such as 300 or 400, and working your way up to a finer grit, such as 1000 or 2000 or even higher for a polished edge.
   
   
6. Once you have sharpened the plane blade to your satisfaction, make sure to remove any remaining metal slurry from the blade and clean it thoroughly before using it.
   
   
7. The lapping film can be rinsed / washed off also. This can help the film to continue to cut efficient and last longer.

In addition to the scary sharp sharpening method using lapping film, there are other known methods for sharpening blades with a scary sharp kit such as using sandpaper for an abrasive or using a granite block or plate of steel for a flat surface. But note that traditional sandpaper may need an adhesive to secure to a surface and may not cut as efficient or last as long compared to sharpening film.

Whichever scary sharp tools you choose, the key to sharpening plane blades effectively is to take your time and use a high quality abrasive with a perfectly flat surface, maintaining the blade a proper sharpening angle. Be safe and regularly maintain your sharpening tools to ensure a sharp and precise edge on your blades.