Hand Tool Sharpening Tips

Most people think that a sharp tool as one you can shave with. This doesn't mean that unless a tool is sharp enough to shave with it's useless, or that you should be shaving with your tools, but it does give a frame of reference that is easy to understand.

However, for the purposes of sharpening, you must create an edge based upon the angle needed for the task of the tool. Some angles will create sharp flat edges while other angles will create a more durable non-acute edge. Other items that make up the sharpness of the edge is the type of tool used to create the edge. A flat benchstone creates a different shaped edge versus an edge created on a belt-sander. And the belt-sander creates a different shape than a round grinding stone.

So with that said, it's important that you either use the correct sharpening tool and angle if you are venturing into the world of sharpening. Most people do not have the right equipment for sharpening various hand tools properly and they also lack the skill and experience to create the correct edge.

We always recommend taking your better tools to a professional first before trying to sharpen them yourself. At the Sharpening Shack we are more than happy to explain how to maintain your edges after we have performed the sharpening service on your item. Our advice should get you the basic knowledge you need to sharpen most of your hand tools yourself in the future. Then leave those hard-to-do hand tool sharpening projects to us in the future.