whetstone
Edge-restoring rock
A whetstone is a fine-grained stone used for sharpening blades—knives, axes, chisels.
You draw the edge across the wetted surface at a consistent angle.
Figuratively, anything that sharpens skills or intellect can be called a whetstone: Debate was a whetstone for her arguments.
Gradual sharpening or refining
- stroppingSharpening on leather
- grindingMolar action sometimes
- bladeFlat cutting edge
- knifeSharp cutting utensil
razor · scythe · cutlery · steel · edge · keenness · angle · bevel
Crystalline aluminum oxide
Make keener or better
- refineRemove impurities from
- polishSmooth by rubbing
- improveRaise in quality
- preparationArranging things in advance
readiness · skill-building · practice · discipline · wits
Edged carving implement
- axeBladed tool for chopping
- gougeConcave carving blade
- sickleCurved hand-held harvesting blade
- adzeTransverse-bladed hewing implement
drawknife · spokeshave · graver · burin · cleaver · machete · scissors
Fine abrasive finishing process
- flatteningReducing to evenness
- lubricationCoating to reduce friction
- oilingApplying slick substance
- soakingCompletely saturated with liquid
jig · pressure · stroke · consistency · slurry · swarf · conditioning · truing
Forging edged metal weapons
- woodworkingCraft of shaping lumber
- carvingShaping by cutting away
- blacksmithingForging iron by hand
- toolmakingCreating implements for work
cutler · artisan · handmade · restoration
honing
Gradual sharpening or refining
knife · razor · scythe · cutlery · steel · edge · keenness · angle · bevel · burr
corundum
Crystalline aluminum oxide
hone
Make keener or better
preparation · readiness · skill-building · practice · discipline · wits
chisel
Edged carving implement
adze · drawknife · spokeshave · graver · burin · cleaver · machete · scissors
lapping
Fine abrasive finishing process
- flatteningReducing to evenness
- lubricationCoating to reduce friction
- oilingApplying slick substance
soaking · jig · pressure · stroke · consistency · slurry · swarf · conditioning · truing
bladesmithing
Forging edged metal weapons
- woodworkingCraft of shaping lumber
- carvingShaping by cutting away
- blacksmithingForging iron by hand
toolmaking · cutler · artisan · handmade · restoration
whetstonegrinder
Crushing or sharpening device
grinding wheel · bench grinder · angle grinder · rasp · belt sander