I have a Barr slick that has developed s slight 'rounding over' at the very edge of the back. I have thought of trying to tap it out to renew the flatness. I know this is more common with the hollow-ground backs of Japanese chisels because the edge eventually gets sharpened down to the hollow. I'm not sure it makes sense to lap the entire large surface of the back of a slick to eliminate the rounding over at the tip. Maybe I'll contact Barr to get his input. Perhaps I can send it to him to flatten
I also have some antique chisels, among them a Witherby. There is a similar arch (described above) to the backs some of these chisels. My thought is that, rather than straightening/flattening the entire back, I might try to flatten the last inch or two to get a good edge and live with, or possibly use, the curve in the back to suit specific situations. Keep a different chisel for the times when a long, flat back is the right tool. The curved back is often seen in old slicks and can definitely be used to your advantage in certain situations.
Great topic! We're all looking for the fastest, most efficient way to maintain our edge tools.
