Sharpening chisels and plane irons
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I am pleased to report that Paul’s method of sharpening works well. Am now free from jigs, grinders, and gizmos. A really nice feeling. Took a little practice, but now I am Jig Freeeeeeeeee. (Sorry ’bout that. I listen to Dave Ramsey.)
A while back, I bought some chisels from Barr Tools. Upon arrival, they were “scary sharp”. The edges were polished to a fair-thee-well. Included were instructions/suggestions for maintaining sharpness, and interestingly enough, it was the convex microbevel method Paul uses. You can see a YouTube video of Barr Quertin demonstrating the same if you look up Barrtools.
At first, I was skeptical this would work, as almost everyone else out there said “never round-over the bevel” (!!!). Well, there I was, looking at these incredibly sharp chisels out of the box, and they had been sharpened just like Paul teaches. Gave it a try, but results were mixed. So I went back to using jigs and gizmos.
Well, time has elapsed, and I have subscribed to Paul Seller’s classes, reminding me of this simple approach. I picked up the method again, this time giving it much more practice. Just wanted to share with you all that it really works well, and you can do it in a matter of seconds, getting right back to woodworking. This is sooo sweet.
D. Paul
We are on the same track. I still have to practice more, but I feel it’s getting better. I know how you feel about being jig free. When I feel a chisel or plane iron gets dull, I grab my diamond stones and within 2 minutes (maybe 3 or 4) I am ready to continue the work in progress. That’s how it’s supposed to be 🙂
can anyone recommend the best place in the UK to buy the sharpening stones Paul recommends? Everywhere I look seems so expensive!!
Hi Darren
They are expensive, but they’re supposed to last years, so I guess are a good investment. I actually bought mine from Amazon.com rather than Amazon.co.uk. Even with shipping from the US and import duty (which Amazon charges for HMRC) they were the cheapest I could find anywhere.
Jon
Yorkshireman currently living in Hampshire
I bought some chisels from Barr Tools
Those are some nice chisels Paul,i saw another furniture maker (David Barron) use them also,but they are pretty expensive.
Lopik - Netherlands
D. Paul Stone wrote:
I bought some chisels from Barr ToolsThose are some nice chisels Paul,i saw another furniture maker (David Barron) use them also,but they are pretty expensive.
Yeah, for a set of 4 $335.00 not my type of chisel though
Has anyone had any comparable experience with the Narex chisels?
I bought a set from Highland Woodworking a few years ago, they have served me well, but I have been limited with the amount of real “handtool” usage since I have been primarily a power tool user in the past. I was wondering how they compare for the finer work of “handtooling”.
Highland Woodworking sells a complete set with metric measurements, and have recently come out with a new line of Premium Bevel Edge chisels, all at a very reasonable price.
Lee Valley sells a similar set of Bevel Edge chisels in impereal measurements, also at very reasonable pricing.
I know they recieved a good write-up from Fine Woodworking Magazine a while back, but i would like to hear from someone who has used them and how they compare with other chisels on the market.
Memphis, Tennessee
Hi Stephen,
I have used these chisels, and not found a problem with them. They take and hold a nice sharp edge, I ‘m using Narex morticing chisels on my bench build, and they are holding up great. For cabinet and furniture work, you want the Premium Bevel Edge chisels, as they are ground much finer than the bench chisels.
Paul also speaks highly of Narex, you get a lot of chisel for your money
Hi Stephen.
My experience of Narex chisels is the same as Ken’s, – they take and hold a nice sharp edge. Also good to hold in the hand.
One thing I’m noticing as I get more confident in using the stones is the difference in the metal used in different tools. Some tools are easy to sharpen and form a burr easily, others need much more work. Some tooks seem to hold their edge for longer. And I don’t think that the two are necessarily linked?
Narex chisels are easy to sharpen ( the metal seems softer?) but they also hold their edge well. I have a couple of Stanley 5001 (black handle) chisels. The metal feels much harder and they are much more difficult to get sharp.
Hi Darren They are expensive, but they’re supposed to last years, so I guess are a good investment. I actually bought mine from Amazon.com rather than Amazon.co.uk. Even with shipping from the US and import duty (which Amazon charges for HMRC) they were the cheapest I could find anywhere. Jon
Thanks for that Jon .. Ill have a look on amazon.com …I guess Im going to have to invest £100 at some point ..shame we cant source them over here at a sensible price
Just a note. It is the method that is important. Not the stones.. I use his method with oil stones and it works terrifically well.
Stephen, I would double down on what Ken and Dewi said. The Narex chisels are great. Sharpen nicely, hold an edge well, finely ground lands. Nice hardwood handles. You really can’t go wrong with them. New Legacy bought Narex chisels from LeeValley to setup shop in their New York location.
Just moved to NE Ohio
Hi Darren
I bought the DMT 200X75mm Coarse, Fine and Extra fine from Toollineuk.com for £55.416 each including VAT In February last year They also came carriage free . I have not checked to see if they are still doing them at the same price, but at the time it was a good price
Wigan, Lancs. England :
A note on stones. I don’t like double sided stones. Turning the stone over is a nuisance, and spoils the rythm that you get into when you have three stones side by side as shown by Paul.
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