oakwoodforge

Both The Japan Woodworker Catalog - Bench Stones and woodcraft.com Water Stone Sharpening Kit - Woodcraft.com have good water stones, I'd start polishing with a 220 grit, A 400 grit , a 600-800 grit and a 1500 grit. Synthetic stones are easier to deal with than expensive natural stones. Nothing beats good technique and good equipment, but you may find that starting with good Wed/dry sand paper ( 3-M not that bargain garbage ) with a good flat rigid steel backing and lots of lube (wd-40 Works for me) Will get you there with less effort and le$$ ca$h. Cheap stones are $20- $30 each - that Buys a ton of wet/ dry sand paper and WD 40 ... your call - I use both Skal ! Jens

I 'm not a pro, but when I do this sort of thing, I totally finish the blade, etch, clean, oil and mask with loads of painters blue masking tape. Then , fit the bras guard & handle. Hope this Helps... Jens