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The cutting blade of a new chisel has a razor sharp edge.

It cuts clean with minimal effort. However,

repeated passes dull the blade, rendering the tool less effective.

Additional force is required,

and the blade tears at the wood instead of making a clean cut.

Honing is a polishing process that temporarily restores the blade’s

cutting ability. You’ll need a piece of soft leather

and polishing compound for the next part of this process.

I will demonstrate how to hone a chisel.

Lay the leather flat

and apply the polish rubbing enough to cover the surface.

Place the chisels cutting tip on the leather and draw it back firmly.

Note that the cutting edge stays in contact with the leather throughout the

stroke. Repeat the motion 30 times,

applying more polish as required.

Flat chisels are the easiest to hone.

I recommend 15 strokes on one side, flip it over,

and 15 strokes on the other.

The cutting edge of a U-shaped chisel is curved.

Roll the tool side to side while drawing it across the leather.

V-shaped chisels

have an angled blade. Position one angle flat

against the leather,

pulling it straight back and repeat the process on the other side.

Tools will last several projects if honed regularly.

Still they need special attention if the polishing process no longer works.

I recommend finding someone who sharpens knives and owning an extra set

of chisels as a backup.

Please see the resource tab accompanying this video for more information.

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