Timber Framers Guild Forums Tools Tool Forum Sharpening Chisels

Is a bit of leather just as effective? Did the old-timers have honing guides? Can you describe the use of leather for this? If simpler is better.... I just bought a couple of chisels and want to take good care of them.

Here is a "strop". What do you think, sandpaper or strop? Thanks for your opinions!!

As stated above, you don't need one with the sand paper method( or stone). As long as your existing bevel angle is in the ball park, you will use IT as your guide. There is a way to hold the chisel when sharpening, holding it on the beve, and you can achieve a flat surface on your bevel, just as you need.

Sorry I answered the wrong question(from previous page). You wouldn't use a strop for getting old chisels in shape. I think it would be used for the final hone stage or for maintenance. I have started with old chisels and needed the sandpaper method. Also if you chip your chisel (like drop it on concrete), you'll never take enough material off to get past the chip with a stop. I suggest you make a sandpaper/glass station first, get your chisels in shape and learn the technique, then you can try a strop. I made my station from some scrap mdf and scrap pine strips. I bought a piece of Glass from the local glass shop for $16, and I bought rolls of pressure senative adhesive (PSA) backed sandpaper from Supergrit. I'll try to remember to snapa pic.

Do you mind if I ask a related question? I want a sharp edge on my shovels. They came from the store just dull and simple, the same width throughout. I tried to file one of them, but the shovel was harder than the file! How can I file the shovel? Also, should a hatchet be razor-sharp? I did a bit of sharpening with a stone, but it seemed to be inferior to the first tree I tried it on.

Not quite razor,but right next to it, the axe. As for the shovel, maybe the file is dull. A hand held grinder.

I file my axe, and sometimes touch it up with a stone and even the leather strop to get the wire off the edge.

Axes are great as are the adze and slick. All similar tools just different handles. Tim

I like photos. Here are the companions, axe, lipped adze and slick. They comprise my cordless router. The whole....dap could be cleaned with just the axe, the other tools make it a bit easier. Tim
[img]http://[IMG]http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q393/timber500/100_1774.jpg[/img][/img]

We sell strops and small sheet of plate glass for sharpening stations..... if you need one... just let me know....

Ya - I know of a jig that holds a chisel at any angle while you sharpen it and it's called your hand/s! That's german.

uh, I don't think using the hands to sharpen freehand is uniquely German...that's absurd!