Finally

[Jerry Thompson]

I have a LN 4 1/2. I have never really used it. By that I mean taking down figured wood so that it glows. I finally did the honing as it is supposed to be done. By that I mean don't get in a hurry. I went to an 8K Shapton then to a strop. This is the first time with a strop. What a difference that made. I then set the CB to as vary small fraction from the edge.
I used it on two panels of curly cherry and off came fluff. I have used other planes that were just as sharp but the CB placement seemed to be the ticket. That and the strop. I could feel the difference on the edge with just 3-4 passed on the leather.

[john zulu]

When it comes to hardwood, sharp makes a difference. It severs the fibre cleanly. The CB also plays a difference.

[Jim Matthews]

Good man.

Be aware that at certain point of fineness, applying finish can be a problem.
If the wood surface is too smooth, the finish tries to pull away from edges.

I use Waterlox and Watco "Danish oil" finishes over shellac sealer.
I was taught to lightly buff the surface with 220 grit sandpaper
to show any low spots, tear out and lightly roughen the surface.

It doesn't make sense to get too smooth a surface and then sand it.

I tested my stash of Cherry with a finely set blade, with and without sanding.
The unsanded surface was less even, after the first two applications of Waterlox.

+1 on the strop for a fine edge

[Jim Koepke]

Congratulations Jerry, when everything comes together the results can be mesmerizing.

jtk

[Bruce Mack]

I agree. The 4 1/2 comes out when I see great figure or grain reversals. I could use it all the time but, like a great work of music, its effect is heightened by reserve.