Tormek System
The Tormek is a water cooled grinder which utilises a variety of jigs to sharpen pretty much any edge tool. As it is water cooled you cannot draw the temper, which is a problem with regular dry bench grinders. The system is not cheap but it is very useful and repeatable.
http://www.tormek.com/index_gb.htm
Water Stones
Japanese water stones are very similar to the oilstones most people are familiar with. They are kept submerged in water when not in use and cut very quickly. A 6000 or 8000 grit polishing stone will leave your tools with an amazingly sharp edge.
I use an 800 and a 6000 grit stone-together they quickly keep my tools razor sharp. I highly recommend you give them a try!
Scary Sharp
This is a very useful method of sharpening. It consists of a piece of ordinary float glass with wet and dry sandpaper on top. The glass is very flat, which is important if you want a good result. You use different grades of paper to grind and hone the edge-I prefer to use a honing guide to ensure I maintain the correct angle. Water or oil is used as a lubricant. Fantastic results are achievable, and cost is pretty low! You need to try this to believe it.
Wet and dry paper is available in grades up to 2500 grit-this leaves a mirror polish!
I recently won two of these fine Smith's diamond sharpening stones. They are huge! I haven't used them too much, so a report will follow soon but first impressions are good. The coarse stone cuts real fast!
