> Although Jessica has already solved her problem, I think the main issue
> there was focused on the definition of "sharpened blade". In my
> understanding, the blade is only sharpened when it turns into an extremely
> dangerous device, that can actually shave you like a razor blade.

> In the current "Fine woodworking" issue there is an approach to
> the "scary edge" sharpening method (there are lots of articles
> in the web, too). Basically, instead of using sharpening stones, you glue
> pieces of sand paper (from 80 grit all the way down to 1000 grit or even
> more) to a flat glass surface.

> With this method, and a tuned plane, you can plane wood even against the
> grain with no stuttering at all, leaving a polished surface. Going with
> the grain you can get translucent shavings.

> Once again, take lots of care with the edge.

> Hope this helps

Dear Marcelo:

Here is the original post (at least it says so and it was the first example I found of it).

http://www.shavings.net/SCARY.HTM#original

I have used the SS system on my plane blades and it is the One True Way of converting the "kits" (Excellent appellation!) that you buy at the store with the little picture of a plane on it into useful woodworking tools. I can think of only one other thing that has not been mentioned already. I had a little more success with my block plane on the outside surface of the hull when it was:

-- scary sharp

-- held at an oblique angle to the direction of travel

-- adjusted properly

(my two cents follows...)

-- and I had rounded the corners of the blade a little. Just a 1/16" or so raduis on the corners of the plane's blade kept the sharp corners from biting in or gouging the wood. Especially since I was leading with a corner having the plane at an angle.

All the other advice is uniformly excellent. I also have posted a link to the care and feeding of cabinet scrapers. Probably way waaay more than you ever needed to know, or imagined had been written about this humble tool. I recommend including one or several in your aresenal.

http://www.mcs.net/~brendler/oldtools/scraping/scraper.htm

Good Luck.

Ed Valley