Introducing > The Dead Sharp Sharpening System

The simple system for getting your blades perfectly sharp.

Get your Tools Dead Sharp

Sharper tools start with a clear process and the right kit. The Dead Sharp sharpening system takes you through four essential steps: flattening the back, sharpening the bevel, removing the burr and stropping for the final finish.

Start fresh with a complete kit, or choose individual pieces to complement what you already own. From glass sharpening plates and abrasive films to diamond honing spray, build a setup that suits your tools and your workshop. Explore the four steps below to find what you need at each stage.

Dead Flat Glass Sharpening Plates

Dead Flat Glass Sharpening Plates provide a flat foundation for your sharpening films, whether you’re preparing a new blade or maintaining a keen edge.

  • Choose the large plate for initial lapping or a complete sharpening setup, depending on your film layout and existing kit.
  • Choose the small plate for maintenance sharpening alongside waterstones or diamond plates.

Sharpening Film for Dead Flat Glass

Sharpening Films offer a choice of abrasive grits for flattening, sharpening and polishing your blades.

  • Choose coarser grits (30–100 Micron) for initial lapping and sharpening.
  • Choose finer grits (1–15 Micron) for polishing and refining your edge, as part of a complete setup or alongside your existing kit.

Please note: The 1 Micron and 3 Micron 3M Sharpening Films differ in appearance because they use different methods to bond the abrasive particles to the film. Both use the same type of abrasive, with particle sizes suited to their respective grits. All films have a self-adhesive backing for easy application to Dead Sharp glass.

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Strops & Diamond Honing Spray

Give your blades their final finish with the Premium Strop and Diamond Honing Spray.

  • Choose the Premium Strop for a dedicated surface to strop and refine your edge.
  • Add Diamond Honing Spray to your strop for extra polishing power and a finer finish.

Dead Sharp Accessories

Complete your sharpening setup with Dead Sharp accessories for abrasive preparation and repeatable honing guide positioning.

  • Choose Mirlon Abrasive Mesh and/or Garryson Abrasive Rubber to help prepare and maintain your sharpening abrasives.
  • Choose Protrusion Stops to set a consistent blade projection in your honing guide.

Dead Sharp Bundles

Complete your sharpening setup with Dead Sharp accessories for abrasive preparation and repeatable honing guide positioning.

  • Choose abrasive mesh and abrasive rubber to help prepare and maintain your sharpening abrasives.
  • Choose protrusion stops to set a consistent blade projection in your honing guide.

All films have a self-adhesive backing for easy application to Dead Sharp glass.

Not sure where to Begin?

DEAD SHARP

STEP 1 - FLATTEN THE BACK    

Arguably the most important part! A sharp edge starts with a flat back. Flatten and polish the back of your blade to create the foundation for a clean, consistent cutting edge.

Get yourself a Flat Mate, Dead Flat Glass and 3M Sharpening Film.

Buy Flat Mates, Glass & 3M Sharpening Film

DEAD SHARP

STEP 2 - SHARPEN THE BEVEL

Work through your sharpening grits, keeping a consistent angle as you refine the bevel. Aim to raise a burr along the full length of the cutting edge.

You can use the same Dead Flat Glass and 3M Sharpening Film you used to flatten the back, waterstones, diamond stones, or your preferred sharpening method.

A honing guide and Protrusion Stop will help you set and maintain a consistent angle.

Buy Glass & 3M Sharpening Film

DEAD SHARP

STEP 3 - FLATTEN THE BURR

Return to the flat back of the blade and gently remove the burr. With the back properly prepared in Step 1, this takes just a few light passes.

Use Dead Flat Glass and your finest 3M Sharpening Film.

Buy Glass & 3M Sharpening Film

DEAD SHARP

STEP 4 - STROPPING

Finish with a strop and Diamond Honing Spray to refine the edge.

Choose a spray with a micron rating equal to or finer than your final sharpening grit.

A few controlled passes will leave your blade ready for crisp, clean cuts.

Buy Strops & Diamond Honing Sprays

The Dead Sharp Range 

Explore the full Dead Sharp range, from complete sharpening kits to individual plates, films and finishing essentials. Whether you’re building your first setup, adding to your kit or stocking up on replacements, find everything you need to keep your tools cutting cleanly.

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