Description
Michihamono – EZ Care – Lino & Wood Carving Tool Sharpening Set
Sharpening lino carving tools is one of the most common challenges faced by woodcarvers and lino printers alike. Traditional whetstones demand skill and precision; if used incorrectly, they can actually make a chisel duller rather than sharper. Similarly, leather strops and polishing compounds offer only limited improvement and often fail to restore true sharpness.
EZ Care, developed by Michihamono in Japan, eliminates the frustration and guesswork. This innovative set is a simple, maintenance-free sharpening device that uses a unique abrasive-impregnated cloth to restore blade sharpness quickly and safely. No water, slurry, or special technique is required – simply polish the cutting edge directly against the EZ Care surface to revive its edge in moments. Even those new to lino or wood carving can use it confidently, knowing they won’t damage the blade geometry.
Included in the Set
- Sharpening Cloth: The heart of the EZ Care system. This specially formulated cotton cloth contains fine abrasive and wax, eliminating the need for additional compounds or polishing paste.
- Original Wooden Plate: A thoughtfully shaped four-sided wooden block designed to accommodate both straight and curved tools. The sides make it easy to polish not only the face of the chisel, but also the back of rounded or triangular blades.
When to Use EZ Care
- During carving, when you notice white streaks or a dull surface on your work.
- For final polishing after medium sharpening with a whetstone or diamond care tool.
- As routine maintenance before starting or finishing an engraving session.
Performance & Grit
EZ Care’s abrasive quality corresponds to a super-fine finish equivalent to over #8,000 grit, producing an exceptionally smooth and sharp cutting edge suitable for fine wood and lino work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What grit is EZ Care equivalent to?
→ It’s not a traditional whetstone, but its abrasive properties are comparable to a super-finish of over #8,000 grit.
Q2. Can it repair chipped or heavily damaged blades?
→ No. For blades with deep chips or significant wear, use a rough to medium whetstone or diamond sharpener first, then finish with EZ Care.
Q3. How durable is the cloth?
→ The sharpening cloth will darken with use but remains effective as long as it is intact and not torn. The abrasive is embedded within the fabric and does not need to be reapplied.
Q4. Can I wash the cloth?
→ Do not wash. Water will remove the abrasive compound and eliminate its sharpening ability.
Q5. What materials make up the sharpening cloth?
→ High-quality cotton fabric impregnated with abrasive particles and wax.
Q6. Can I buy a replacement cloth?
→ Yes. Replacement EZ Care sharpening cloths are available separately.
Why Choose EZ Care
Unlike conventional sharpening stones that require experience, or leather strops that only partially refine edges, EZ Care offers a controlled, safe, and effective alternative. It is ideal for printmakers, woodcarvers, and craft enthusiasts who need to maintain their tools regularly without investing time in complex sharpening routines.
Whether you’re restoring the precision of a Pfeil chisel, maintaining Japanese Power Grip gouges, or preparing your lino tools for detailed carving, the Michihamono EZ Care set ensures your tools are always sharp, reliable, and ready to create.
Utility Model Registration No. 3249302




































Robert Tyrrell (verified owner) –
Absolutely brilliant piece of kit, and great value for the money.
This is perfect for sharpening my Pfeil tools although I do replace the cloth with some 1200 wet and dry to work on the inside of the cutting edge on my 0.5mm V tool as the cloth is slightly too thick for that one.
A few strokes on the cloth and my tools are razor sharp again.
I’m very happy with this and would definitely recommend it to anyone for Lino or woodblock cutters.
Hard Working Woman, Wales (verified owner) –
A useful tool
Elizabeth Shorrock (verified owner) –
Really pleased with this. It makes it so easy to hone my tools
Elaine Hill (verified owner) –
A very useful and effective sharpening system and just the job for smaller lino cutters.
Glynis (verified owner) –
Wow this really sharpens my tools! I read a review from a printer I follow who said they used this sharpening set and also said they got it from Hickman Designs. I was a bit sceptical as the cloth looked like the one I clean my glasses with but it actually feels a bit like sandpaper. Anyway I was fed up paying to send my tools away to be sharpened so thought I’d give it ago and I was amazed.
Mr C Gillespie (verified owner) –
Easy to use and provides improved ‘cutting’ capability of tools.