My highest praise for a sharpening book is my statement, "This book should be part of the reference library of every serious sharpener." Knife Deburring: Science behind the lasting razor edge, by Dr. Vadim Kraichuk, certainly deserves that recognition. For the record, while my photography and woodworking library is extensive, I can count my sharpening library on my fingers, with some fingers left over for future growth. Vadim's book is one of only two knife specific books in this group.
I first became aware of Vadim in 2015 when he joined Tormek forum. (Tormek Community Forum
www.tormek.com/forum) Most of know him by his user name, "Wootz". From the start he has been very thorough and innovative. His book combines his innovative research with his practical working sharpener experience.
Mike Brubacher invented BESS, the Brubacher Edge Sharpness Scale. The scale, measured on Mike's Edge On Up testers, ranged from 50 (the gram weight needed to cut the test filament with a new double edge razor blade) to 2000 (the gram weight needed to cut the filament with the blunt edge of that razor blade when broken). To the great surprise of the members of the BESS exchange, Vadim not only reached "the sound barrier" of 50 BESS with knives, he obtained readings of half that number, literally sharper than a razor. He is the only one I am aware of who has broken this sound barrier. Vadim knows sharpness.
Vadim's book is a rare blending of scholarly research with high level workaday sharpening. Many of the illustrations involve an electron microscope. Yet, the innovative techniques he has developed can be applied in a typical home workshop with a Tormek. He has both risen the level of top level sharpening and made better sharpening available for the working sharpener and home sharpener.
This is a serious book for sharpeners with a genuine interest in sharpening beyond the common level. I do not believe that even Tormek AB ever dreamed that the Tormek was able to produce edges like Vadim produces with his Tormek. It is a book which will serve as a long term reference, absorbed slowly with repeated readings. Vadim has put much serious research into this book. It will not disappoint the reader. I first read the partial online version (knifegrinders.com.au). I have read through the printed book, and will read it at least a couple times more by this weekend. After that, I will keep it very handy to help absorb various parts. The effort will be well repaid.
Of special interest is the first part, which discusses various myths about sharpening. Vadim discusses methods to make edges very sharp and, just as important, methods to keep those edges sharp, based on real world testing.
The book is available through Vadim's website,
http://knifegrinders.com.au/11Shop.htm for $60AUD for new customers and $40AUD for existing customers. It is also available on Amazon and at no cost to unlimited Kindle members. Shipping is expensive from Australia, however, anyone who has purchased an SJ wheel, diamond wheels, or a Magnum kit should not think the book expensive. (The conversion to US dollars translate to fewer dollars.)
LATER EDIT: I rarely use Kindle. I did not realize that the Amazon website has an option to download this book into the Kindle appfor $10US. As much as I like printed books, considering the cost of postage from Australia, I think the Kindle download is the lost logical choice.As stated earlier, this book should be part of the reference library of every serious sharpener.
Ken
EDIT: I have been advised by a trusted forum member that my review failed to mention that although Vadim's technique is centered around the Tormek, he has added non Tormek accessories, including several grinding wheels, paper wheels, honing compounds, and a VFB (Vertical Front Base) of his own design. While the Tormek can produce very sharp edges using only Tormek equipment, users should not expect to equal Vadim's results without his experience and special equipment.
I would note that Vadim has shared a very usable path to success. My sharpening technique will benefit from his work, and so should yours.
