"Fly-by-Night CC" wrote in message
news
Any comments oil vs. water for a first-time sharpener as well as which
grit if I go with the waterstones?

I personally prefer waterstones. Be aware that if you do waterstones, you
have to have a way to flatten them occasionally. I use 220 grit wet/dry
sandpaper on a sheet of glass. I have an 8000/1000 combo Japanese stone that
works very well for me, but its more like $40. Norton has a line of
waterstones that are cheaper but I cannot attest to their quality.

No matter what you get him, you might consider making a cheap angle guide
for him. Hand sharpening a plane blade without a guide is not for everyone.

Bob