Zen-Wu ZenSharp Starter Kit

The ZenSharp system from Zen-Wu provides you with the sharpening speed of water stones, combined with the durability and convenience of diamond stones—all at a price point that is unmatched.  The system is composed of a precision-milled base which accepts ZenSharp Cards. The base is heat treated three times to ensure lifetime flatness, and it has six legs to ensure flat precision like $100,000+ CNCs. Each card is plated with a specific diamond grit or strop material. They snap into the magnetic base with ease, allowing for quick interchangeability and compact storage. Just spray the card with a light misting of water or glass cleaner before sharpening, and get a razor edge in seconds. The cards are durable and low maintenance, never requiring the use of a heat gun to remove old diamond sheets from aluminum blocks.  When the cards wear out, they can be replaced at the fraction of the cost of a new diamond stone.  The ZenSharp system is available in a Starter Kit that includes: ZenSharp Base ZenSharp 45μm Coarse Diamond Card ZenSharp 20μm Medium Diamond Card ZenSharp 9μm Fine Diamond Card ZenSharp Ultra-Fine Strop Card (compound infused) Maple Card Holder Magic Eraser (x2) For professional chefs or industrial use, Zen-Wu also offers a Pro Kit that includes everything from the Starter Kit, plus: ZenSharp 60μm Ultra-Durable Coarse Diamond Card (steel substrate) ZenSharp 3μm Ultra-Fine Diamond Card  ZenSharp Kangaroo Leather Strop Card (compound free) Specific grits can also be purchased as individual packs. Dimensions: Length: 7.75” Width: 3” Jonathan’s Hot Take When you compare the cost and quality of the ZenSharp system to any other sharpening system on the market, nothing else even comes close. You can get up to 8 different sharpening and honing surfaces for the cost of 2 stones and a strop. Their longevity is on a par with any diamond stone on the market and can be easily replaced for a fraction of the cost if worn or damaged. The diamond cards will sharpen your tools hundreds of times before wearing out, and it’s the exact same stones Zen-Wu uses in their factory to sharpen their chisels.  “Over-engineered” doesn’t exist in Zen-Wu’s vocabulary. They absolutely obsess over the details, and I’m here for it. The base plate has 6 feet instead of 4, ensuring complete flatness in the base that won’t sag over time. This is something you often find on ultra high-end CNCs as well.  That said, if you’re really pinching pennies, you can skip the base. Buy the cards individually, and just secure them to a flat surface.  The interchangeable magnetic plates are also incredibly convenient, especially if you work in a small shop. I wish I had these when I was working out of my shed. FAQ: How long will the cards last?  The diamond cards last for hundreds of tool sharpenings while remaining flat and true. Zen-Wu uses the same cards at their factory to sharpen chisels and plane irons.  Do I need an ultra-fine card?  No, you don't need the Ultra-Fine card unless you are making sushi. The Fine card is enough to give you a mirror finish.  What are the grits for each card? Coarse - 45μm  Medium - 20μm  Fine - 9μm  Ultra-Fine - 3μm Can I clean the cards with Windex?  Yes, you can use Windex or another glass cleaner on the cards.  Should I lubricate the cards before sharpening?  Yes, use water or glass cleaner, but not too much. Just a spritz so it’s not dry. If not dried thoroughly, liquids left on the diamond cards can rust filings left behind.