When a sharpening stone gets disshed out from use, it won’t let you flatten the back of a blade effectively and will cause you to inadvertently round the blade as you hone the bevel—two big obstacles to a sharp tool. The new Dia-Flat diamond-coated lapping plate from DMT does a great job of flattening waterstones between uses. It’s extremely flat (less than 0.0005 in. of variance), and the manufacturer claims its extra-extra coarse, 120-micron diamond coating is more durable than other diamond plates. I’ve been using one for a couple of months, trying it on waterstones, oilstones, and ceramic stones, with excellent results. The 4-in. by 10-in. Dia-Flat is more expensive than similar-size diamond plates, but if it holds up as well as it has so far, it will be a bargain.

Rub-a-dub, two stones in a tub. Flattening a waterstone under running water sends debris right down the drain.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Veritas Wheel Marking Gauge

A wheel-type gauge is the easiest to use, and this wonderful Veritas model is a steal at $38.

Buy at Lee Valley

Starrett 12-in. combination square

This accurate, robust, well-machined, easy-to-read combo square is as great as ever.

Buy at Amazon

Marking knife: Hock Double-Bevel Violin Knife, 3/4 in.

This heavy, double-beveled knife stays on track in all directions, and works just fine without adding a handle.

Buy at Lee Valley