In a recent thread on which western joinery saws a beginner should consider, it was suggested that learning to sharpen handsaws should be something that accompanies this action. While we all fully expect to hone new chisel and plane irons, I've never expected to need to sharpen a new joinery saw from any of the usual vendors (LN, LV, Bad Axe, Bontz, Wenzloff, Gramercy). On the LN web site they state: "Our saws will stay sharp for a long time, but eventually they will need to be resharpened. You can do it yourself or send it to us. "
I know that the circumstances vary from one wood worker to the next, and some of you have multiple saws that you may chose from for the same general operation, but in general how long do you go between resharpening your joinery saws? I recognize that there are a number of factors (frequency of use, species of lumber, size of project, expectations for what is sharp) that contribute to the need to resharpen. So maybe you can include your factors in your response (I work primarily in domestic hardwoods, and primarily build xyz. I usually complete n projects per year and sharpen my saws every ...).
I personally am a hobbiest, who works primarily in cherry, red oak, maple, walnut and hickory. I'm lucky to complete four or five medium-sized projects a year, and since I use a combination of power tools and handtools my handsaws are used sparingly. I own the LN dovetail and carcass saws. I've had them for a couple of years and used them sparingly on three or four projects. At my current rate, I suspect it will be a few years yet before I even think about sharpening these saws. I own a few other Disston backsaws, including a 24" mitersaw with a Langdon miter box that has also been used on these projects.
I'm trying to get a sense of what the urgency is for an owner of a new premium handsaw to develop saw sharpening skills. My gut tells me that of all of the skills to master in hand tool work, saw sharpening is one that can wait if you are starting out with sharp saws. So maybe some of you long-time handsaw users can share your sharpening frequency experiences? Thanks.