The Art of Hand Tool Sharpening

After years of working with both power and hand tools, I've come to appreciate the meditative quality of sharpening by hand. The process connects me to generations of woodworkers who perfected their craft through this essential skill.

The Three-Step System

I use a simple three-stage system that works for chisels, planes, and carving tools:

1. Grind the bevel on a coarse stone to establish the proper angle
2. Refine the edge on medium stone, removing any scratches from the first stage
3. Final polish on a fine stone to achieve mirror finish

The key is maintaining consistent pressure and angle throughout. I find that the "dancing" technique—gently oscillating the tool during stropping—creates the most durable edge.

Stone Selection

My current setup includes:

• Naniwa Chosera 2000 grit (for most daily sharpening)
• Naniwa Super Stone 6000 grit (for finishing)
• Strop with 3M Leather Polish (for final refinement)

Remember: a properly sharpened tool is the most important power tool in your shop.