Links to some of the tools and supplies I recommend for knife making and knife care.
Sharpening Stones
I always use and recommend sharpening by hand with waterstones. Here are a few different brands I recommend.
This King combination stone is the stone I started with and I think it works great for the money, and it comes with a stone holder and tray for soaking the stone before use.
These Shapton Glass Backed stones are what I use for hand sharpening now, they last a long time and only need a quick spritz of water before use. This kit includes everything you need to get started.
All waterstones will need to re flattened as they wear, this Diamond Flattening plate works great and is not expensive.
Some sharpening tutorials to get you started. Don’t be afraid to try it, once you build a little muscle memory it is super easy!
Handle and Blade Wax
I use this Handle and Board wax on every knife I make! It gives the handle and blade some protection and is easy to reapply. Just wipe on then wipe off excess with a rag.
Cutting Boards
I recommend end grain wood cutting boards that are at minimum 1.5” in thickness, this gives a solid surface which won’t damage your edge and the thickness will prevent warping over time. Also to prevent warping I wet both sides of the board if I’m washing it, then let it dry on it’s edge so it dries evenly on both sides.
Here are a couple cutting board makers that I like.