In article ,
Tom Watson wrote:

[snippage of a very fine read]

I don't use oil stones any more, having moved on to the Japanese water
stones some time during the seventies - but what Harper showed me is
still what I do - and I haven't cussed while I was sharpening for a
good long time - in memory of those who taught me.

Thanks for sharing the memories in your Watsonian way. I could smell the
oil on the stones.
I have some very fond memories of my uncle who called himself a
carpenter but in reality was much more than that. He built cabinetry for
use in the interiors of yachts with a jointer and a bandsaw and one
helluvan eye....and a set of chisels he would sharpen almost every day
before going home. Waterproof sandpaper, a plate of 1/2" thick glass and
some oil. A couple of small wooden planes which received the same
attention.
I will always remember the smell in the shop where he worked...
polyester resins, epoxies, teak dust, and Gauloises cigarettes.
He died a year after retirement... the family never did find out which
of his umpteen cancers killed him.

Don't smoke.
Always wear a mask.