The Razor Edge Book Of Sharpening

by John Juranitch

Universally recognized as "The Bible of The Cutting Edge", this book belongs in the library of anyone who is serious about sharpening. Written by Guinness world record holder John Juranitch, it contains all the knowledge and insights gained during his more than 40 years in the sharpening industry. The 145 page book is crammed with photos, illustrations and cutting edge secrets you won't find anywhere else. Its 14 chapters cover topics like how to choose a knife, sharpening theories nad applicaitons, steeling, using a hone and much, much more. You'll get answers to the most asked questions. You'll learn the truth about common myths like why you should never use oil on a hone. And you'll get the insights necessary to put a great edge on knives, axes, fish hooks, arrowheads, chain saws and other tools. It's a history, a handbook, a reference manual that is the simplest, most complete way to give yourself a razor edge on sharpening.

143 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1985

Reviews

[Ian Ruge · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this book recommended by bladesmith Travis Wuertz on Instagram a couple months ago and, since I was considering trying my hand at blade sharpening, I ordered it from the library. There's a lot of wisdom in this book and it is related in a folksy conversational manner which makes reading about the technical aspects of blade sharpening much more palatable. This book is odd in that it's very specific in some ways - each chapter is dedicated to the process of sharpening a certain kind of knife or tool - but in other ways it can be quite vague, like how it almost never mentions specific grit amounts to use in various applications. After applying the methods in this book and comparing them to some other sources of similar information it seems like this might be a more useful book for those with some amount of experience who want to take it to the next level as opposed to absolute beginners.

[Jonáš Gruska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to sharpening – knives, scissors, axes and more. Full of useful and proven sharpening theory.

[Dan Wetenkamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good concepts. I think the person that wrote it really understands sharpening. However, you could have covered the material in a much more concisely and with more straightforward directions.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book several months ago while weeding the handicrafts section of the library where I work. It was published in 1985. Being able to sharpen things is a skill I have attempted to develop of and on, mostly off, since I was a boy--to no avail.

This chatty book claims to give you the knowledge of tools and technique for sharpening just about anything. The question is: Does it do what it claims to do? I don't know. Once I have tried their techniques with the tools I have. And later, when I accumulate the tools they recommend and have used those, I will report my findings.

I looked the company up on the internet. They do sell the tools described in the book. Also, the 1985 book is the only one they are offering. Make of that what you will.

[Nich Traverse · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE COVER SHOWS A DUDE SHAVING WITH A DOUBLE-BIT AXE...if that's not good advertising, I don't know what is. Inside the book is pretty solid...mostly developed around butchers, so it has that slant. Not a ton on woodworking, but the general ideas here are great. They sell sharpening products, which have a good reputation, so I'm thinking of investing a bit in these guys...

Anyway, great book on sharpening...I would recommend it.

[Jonathan]

I want to learn how to sharpen my own knives, and this was recommended. So far the writing style is pretty goofy...

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really don't have a lot to say about this. It's a book about knife sharpening. If I have Band-Aids all over my hands the next time you see me, you'll probably be able to figure out why.