The scary sharpening technique has evolved somewhat with the advent of modern film-backed superabrasives, more commonly referred to as lapping film, which significantly outperform and outlast ordinary wet and dry.
Scary sharpening with 3M™ lapping film and microfinishing film applied to float glass offers a clean, fast, consistent and cost effective way for novice or hobby woodworkers to achieve professional results without the initial outlay for a full set of sharpening stones.
Workshop Heaven supply various grades of 3M™ PSA backed lapping film sheets that have been carefully selected for use with the scary sharpening method offering efficiency, ease of use and long service life.
Originally developed for polishing fibre optics, 3M™ lapping film is fast cutting abrasive system that provides precise, consistently uniform, close-tolerance finishes.
A high-strength polyester film backing is coated with premium, micron-graded mineral particles that are electrostatically oriented for greater cutting efficiency. The particles are bonded into a layer of resin that wears away slowly for increased durability. PSA is the acronym for Pressure Sensitive Adhesive and is a heavy duty version of the adhesive on the back of a Post-It note.
To use, cut each sheet into the desired width, peel the backing and fix a strip of each grade next to each other on a piece of float glass or other perfectly flat substrate applying firm pressure for an even secure bond.
Scary sharpening is a less expensive option than waterstones in the short term, ideal for the occasional woodworker, or a handy way to temporarily fill the gaps as you build up your waterstone collection. Lapping film can be lubricated used with water, oil or paraffin. If using a combination of stones and film though we recommend using water as a lubricant for the lapping film to avoid contaminating your waterstones.
Sheet size: 8½" x 11" (216mm x 279mm)
Mineral: Aluminium Oxide
