How to Sharpen a Chisel | Paul Sellers

Chisels come from the manufacturer needing preparing or initialising as well sharpening. How do you check they are flat and get them sharp? Paul shows you the process he follows. This gets them to the level we need for crisp and accurate work.
For a beginner friendly guide on how to sharpen chisels, see our sister site: commonwoodwork...
For more information on these topics, see paulsellers.com or woodworkingmas...

[@Paul.Sellers]

We've added English subtitles to this video. We work hard to reach as many people around the world and help them learn woodworking. We need your help to translate our videos subtitles to your language and progress our work. Please contribute translations here: kzbin.info_cs_panel?tab=2&c=UCc3EpWncNq5QL0QhwUNQb7w

[@randallsalyer7480]

Paul cardi

[@bern1437]

I would like to know how much pressure to apply when sharpening chisels, planes etc. Do you press as hard as you are able or just apply moderate pressure?

[@unprofor9394]

I’ve now translated the English Language, into the Norwegian Language. I hope, that it will help, to get You more wievs. I REALLY enjoyded this video. Thank You, Sir! Best Wishes from Norway!😀👍

[@garrettnichols7636]

As a deaf person, it really helps a lot! Thank you very much!

[@Paul.Sellers]

@@bern1437 press as hard as you like/can but only as long as you are well controlled and safe!

[@artiet5982]

Because of this video, I’ve went from never sharpening my chisels because I had no idea how to, to sharpening all of my chisels, new and old/damaged, to very good working condition. Thank you very much, very comprehensive video!

[@ChaimLeibHalbert]

I'm so glad you mentioned 2x-3x a day! I was afraid I was doing something wrong to my tools, because I found myself needing to sharpen about that often.

[@TimothyRourke]

I wish this was the first and only sharpening video I ever saw. Wasted so much time and money only to come around to Paul’s time-honored approach. ❤

[@abettermousetrap]

I love Paul's videos. He's the first woodworking teacher I 've ever seen with all his digits.

[@ksojoel]

hahah that's funny, maybe it's because he mostly uses handtools.

[@TimWray-b9j]

After watching your tool maintenance video(s), I finally spent an afternoon sharpening all of my chisels, planes, and a cross cut saw that was passed down from my grandpa. I have been binge watching your educational videos and am looking forward to gaining more knowledge from those videos still out there. Thanks Paul.

[@hjboots]

Point blank no run around straight to how to correctly sharpen a chisel and wind up with a absolutely sharp chisel. The Master of woodworking, I wish i had half your knowledge. Thank you for sharing.

[@haroldschultz5864]

How comforting to see a no nonsense tutorial on this matter . Keep it simple and to the point . Bravo Mr. Sellers .

[@SuperRedhat123]

Paul, I'd like to thank you. After dozens of videos and two sharpening books, there was something about this video in particular that made me realize that sharpening chisels is not really so complicated, and that it's better to just keep doing the basic movements that you demonstrate, get back to cutting and carving, and the super fine edge will eventually happen.

[@Paul.Sellers]

I will say it just once here. Sandpaper has its place short term for someone trying to find out if woodworking is for them. In the long term it is expensive and inconvenient. There is a famous song that says, "Diamonds are forever." and then another that says something like "Diamonds are a man's best friend." or something close to that. Anyway, EZE-Lap 3x8 plates in Coarse, Medium and Superfine are all you need.

[@artheen4713]

Diamonds are forever, but the nickel plating that holds the very thin layer of diamonds in place most certainly is not. In my experience, diamond stones get less effective over time, especially if sharpening harder steels. You can also be unlucky and experience streaking, where a few large particles are more raised than others, or those around it haven't survived. In which case the best thing to do with an expensive diamond stone is to toss it and buy a new. With an oil or water stone, this can also happen, but is a lesser problem, because you can lap the surface down to a new fresh one. An oil stone might not be forever, but it lasts a lifetime. That's enough for most of us. For softer steels, and no expectations that they will last a lifetime, diamond "stones" are excellent. They remove metal faster, and require little to no maintenance.

[@michaelm748]

Hi Paul, I began to get more serious with woodworking a few years ago after forced retirement and now have been renovating an old cottage in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. What I have come to appreciate are craftsmen who willingly share their experience and wisdom with novices like me. I greatly appreciate your informative and clear videos. They have helped me immensely, sometime prior to me attempting a job, but mostly after I have made a mistake. Your information regarding tool care and maintenance and your knowledge of processes have helped me become more proficient and to understand what I am doing far better. Thank you.

[@manoomunicnent1773]

Art Heen i looked at EZE LAP and nearly fainted. Three stones would cost me more than ive spent on my whole toolset! I buy my tools at bootsales and refurbish :)

[@toysoldier46552]

Paul, great advice and as soon as I get the actual money for them I intend to buy a set of diamond stones. For the moment I have an oil stone and sandpaper for the finer polish and of course an old leather belt that no longer fits lol. Your video on making simple rabbits helped me out immensely last night because it was late and I didn't want to just fire up my router table while the kids slept, and I found out that a cross cut saw and a very good sharpened chisel can make perfect rabbit joints without all of the hammering.

[@yblignomis]

Love your work Mr Sellers

[@aaronmudge4537]

Just makes it look easy, you can tell he’s done that a few thousand times. Thanks Paul

[@mjremy2605]

Excellent. How to sharpen tools and measure accurately are the hardest things about woodworking. Thank you for the excellent demo! I also appreciate no music or additional noise in the video, very soothing, low key, effective, and to the point.

[@jerrystark3587]

Spot on! Fast, easy, effective. No guides, no nonsense, just sharp chisels.

[@wadepatton2433]

Making a burr is the key to proper sharpness. Don't let this point slip by you. Cheers!

[@jesshothersall]

Three years at (wooden) boat building college and we were never told about rubbing compound on a leather, or 3 different weight sharpening stones either. Wonderful to see a master craftsman sharpening this chisel. I was blessed to find 3 old Sorby chisels, buying them out of a mixed box, because their handles felt so silky smooth compared to the others, not knowing about the Sorby family until afterwards, and finally know how to look after them properly. Even without knowing enough, they have been a joy to use.

[@biekgiek]

Super fast! Only took decades of preparation and experience. Well done. Thank you.

[@steadfasttherenowned2460]

Paul is my absolute 'go to' for woodworking tool advice. Easy to follow steps and he never over complicates things that don't need to be complicated. Thank you.

[@davidjennings9253]

Hi Paul - I do enjoy your videos and its great to see someone with your skills not afraid to use good old planes and tools that don't cost a fortune. I do get tired of all those guys who have to have very expensive tools to do their work. I was fed up today as it was raining hard but after watching your video I decided to go to the workshop and sharpen all my chisels and gouges which was quite a task. I have mainly Ashley Isles and Robert Sorby but do have a few Two Cherries and the odd Japanese chisel which I have picked up over the 55 years I have been working in wood. I had gone through my drawers and checked and sharpened everything that needed it when I came across a chisel I picked up in a lea market about 45 years ago, It is a 2" Sorby cast steel firmer chisel which I mainly used to do the final fitting of my guitar neck joints. Ithas been retired for ssome time as I had purchased a set of Ashley Isles and began to use the 50mm instead. The one thng I had forgotten was how hard the old chisel was and what a fantastic edge it can produce. The one thing that puzzled me was that it did not seeem to like my Diamond stones ( It haad never bneen sharpened on those as they are a much later buy ) The diamond did not work at all well but my water stones produced a superb edge albeit taking much longer than mmy more modern chisels. I will definitely be using that chisel more in future and it just goes to show that they knew a thing or two about making tools back then as it must be pre war. Keep up the great work Stay safe - Dave.

[@desmondmonster]

I've been suffering through dull chisels because I didn't have the know-how to sharpen them. After watching this video my chisels are now sharp and oh man. Woodworking is fun again. thank you!

[@andyd.1793]

Thank you for these great videos. I'm always glad to see new content from you. Your videos helped me restore some old chisels. I took them to about 600 grit, that being the finest abrasive I had at the time, and they would cut well enough. But I was amazed at how much better and easier they cut after taking them through 2000 grit. You've allowed me to restore a whole arsenal of chisels and plane irons. Thanks very much!

[@Exiledk]

I did as you said with a set of new Irwin Marples chisels, using a glass plate and 1000 grit sandpaper. Never done anything like this before. It worked a treat. 6 chisels, all sharpened and working. Many thanks. If I can do it, anyone can.

[@JustAnotherSE]

Paul, I was directed your way by videos by James at Wood By Wright and Rex Kruger. I really appreciate the quality content you put out. I've learned a lot. I recently dumped most of my large power tools as part of a downsizing, but have been building my hand tool collection and working on my skills. Thanks for the instruction and inspiration!

[@acesofcayde7949]

Just found and followed this tutorial and my chisels now slide through teak like butter... Thanks so much Paul. Great work.

[@thedr00]

Every single one of your videos inspires me to go buy some tools and start working some wood. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Paul.

[@GeekTheGrey]

Paul, thank you so much for this video. I've seen so many videos and guides by those who know and those who think they know, that I, a mere beginner, was lost. I now need to watch everything else you have done!! Thanks again

[@MarzNet256]

Excellent. Just sharpened my first chisel yesterday. I did not get the infamous burr. Back to the shop to get it. Using a carborundum dual stone with carborundum oil. Got both for $2 at estate sale. Looking forward to sharpening all my fathers old chisels.

[@ninjaturtle1057]

Amazing how you take so much time and care and how detailed you are teaching me how to sharpen my chisels.. thank you so much

[@MintStiles]

I've tried almost everything else, but the way Paul does it makes the most sense in both application and portability. The camber gives your blades a convex grind, making it actually far more durable. You can do it by jigs, but I don't find it advantageous other than the set up times and the ability to say that I have it sharpened to x & y degrees. It really isnt that hard to learn, once you have it, you'll have it for life. Thanks Paul.

[@leolamorie-fitzgerald9216]

This is literally the highest quality footage I’ve seen on yt

[@dremelts]

Paul, you are truly inspiring. You make everything look so effortless and easy but I know that is from years of practice. Still, it gives the rest of us hope that, with practice, we too can achieve similar results. Anyway, thanks for sharing the convex bevel sharpening method. This has made sharpening soooo much easier. I am much more likely to resharpen more frequently if I can do it quickly and easily by hand rather than fiddling with honing guides and readjusting the guide for micro bevels etc. I may still use a guide for regrinding a primary bevel but for quickly resharpening chisels and irons this is awesome!

[@petervasic2515]

You use such beautiful and descriptive words and terminology: That which is no doubt steeped in centuries of 'particularness' to the specific tool or device in which the original and therefore subsequent tradesmen were taught over the millenia.

[@GeoMak666]

It is extremely relaxing seeing you work like this, Mr. sellers. Thank you for the advices!

[@junker845]

For a flat surface to put sandpapers on, I used an old glass coffee table top. Glass is great to use for a known flat surface because any glass that is not flat can be easily observed by the optical distortion of anything behind it. If the glass is curved in an area, it will have a slight fun-house mirror effect. Thanks Paul, keep up the videos!

[@artheen4713]

Glass that isn't true doesn't necessarily cause a distortion or fun-house effect. It depends on the curvature on both sides of the glass. Sunglasses, for example, curve. And old CRT TVs. But yeah, poured glass tends to be quite flat due to the production method. Much like the ice on a quiet lake is true for the same reason.

[@Riffme81]

Best glass for this would be float glass. FWIW

[@mattjohnson8476]

Just a quick thank you. This video and many of your others have been tremendously helpful to me.

[@andresarroyo6596]

Mr. Sellers that was a nice tip on the wood chisels. Can you eventually do a video on wood lathe chisels they are extremely hard to sharpen and I don't have a clue on how to go about it! I really do appreciate all your videos.

[@francoiscaloz5299]

I love this guys work bench it’s actually been worked on

[@Korve72]

Same! All I could think was, I gotta get a better work bench!

[@francoiscaloz5299]

I’m tired of seeing these work working guys that have pristine benches lol

[@diegohuijbregtsgarcia5102]

@@francoiscaloz5299 it's the funniest thing to me, "woodworkers" presenting from an unworked workbench. Sellers is the best woodworker on KZbin anyway.

[@mikes6844]

Thank you Paul, I'm getting better at sharpening but not quite there yet. Your vids give me the direction and confidence to carry on. Regards Mike

[@cheesegrater2018]

Right, I'm off to initialize my chisels

[@horatiohornblower868]

Thanks, Paul. The best results I got using dry sandpaper. It doesn't wear as quickly as wet paper and you make lesser mess. But when dealing with a ruined bevel one should not be afraid to start with a very coarse grit.

[@andrejacobs5584]

Thank you so much for all the great videos and articles Paul! I have learned so much from watching you show us how to do it. Today I managed to sharpen a chisel for the first time in my life and can't believe how easy it actually is. Used only 1 diamond stone that has 400 & 1000 grit sides and the cutting edge is plenty sharp for what I want to do. Thank you very much!

[@Hellcommander245]

I made a strop with a piece of an old pair of blue jeans. Works great!

[@fe3613]

Same!

[@otedanyel9513]

Cool! I wasn't pleased with having to use some leather…

[@robertsantana5245]

Im glad i saw somebody comment his name/channel on somebody else’s woodworking video & that I searched his name and found out he’s a woodworker

[@tashapalmer4519]

I did it 😊😊 just got my chisels and water stones and strip out and followed along. Got a beautiful smooth cut out of the chisel after sharpening 😊 Thanks Paul

[@uriel-heavensguardian8949]

Awesome!!!! Congrats

[@rigajykra3159]

I recommend natural whetstones for the final finish. You can either get Arkansas or Japanese natural whetstones. I know this comment is 4 years old but I hope you are still at it

[@anderssvensk4317]

On the spot 👌 no unnecessary talk 👍and right on to the subject. Like it...

[@neonWHALE002]

Wow I never appreciated just how much work goes into sharpening your tools, you make it look easy though. Thank you for this video, it will be a big help when I need to do this!

[@malivekaju1881]

Hi Paul - I got a chisel that has been turned into a screwdriver - 3 cm wide, 1 mm + thick tip - plus it has been sharpened from the sides - with a bump on the middle (top side )..... a small bit of rust on both flat parts .... I'm new to the woodworking, so it is a challenge ..... Very helpful with detailed tutorials - Thank you !

[@ebswift]

Well I'm a beginner and could not manage to get the burr snap that you impressively demonstrated. However... following everything else you did, and resorting to whetstoning the burr off gently on the 1000 grit before stropping I achieved a similar result. I was not able to hold a consistent angle, but could create a burr, it also took quite a while for my 500 grit whetstone to flatten out my new chisel. I received an order of roo tail leather today, stropped on the smooth side with no compound and got the same hair shaving result so I'm very happy, thanks for the great video!

[@felixreali7101]

great video. the amount of skill, knowledge, experience and patience you show is truly remarkable. thanks for sharing.

[@Czotie]

Thank you for this! Found some old rusted Rockford Greenlee's in a pile of old tools and I was refurbing them with stone but couldn't quite get it right. Now they cut walnut like butter. Thanks!

[@twinwankel]

Paul, thanks for the video. I bought the Aldi chisels you recommended and while they are cheap and good, it took me a long time flatten due to unusual concave back. They seemed to be twisted. Also one of chisels had one side much thicker than other side. After a few hours of belt sanding followed by diamond stones, I managed to get all of the chisels flat. A considerable time investment. Though I like the chisels I wonder if I spent more money I wouldn't need so much effort.

[@HyperionBadger]

The part you pulled out the burr was master craft. Pure excellence.

[@williedafish]

I enjoy your videos -- very practical. I have used wet or dry sand paper for years to sharpen my chisels and irons; but your tips and methods have improved the result tremendously. Using glass cleaner as the lubricant is an especially good tip, as it carries away the waste and makes the paper last longer. Now, I need a project! Many thanks.

[@peteraugust5295]

what stones are you using? They look really nice and seem to work extremly well. Thanks for the video. I have to say your backgroud does the trick. When someone with a thousand planes talks about sharpening I definitely listen ;)

[@CristiNeagu]

A while ago i decided to get some whetstones to sharpen my kitchen knives. Best decision ever. Not only do you get nice sharp and safe knives, but it's really relaxing. Kinda Zen.

[@johnkeith5341]

Paul, you are the man. I've been learning this almost lost art forms few months. Video after video... but yours are top notch. Thank you for all you do.

[@drumacat]

Hey Paul! Thanks for the tips. Have you ever thought of doing a video about your shop and bench set up?

[@rollingstone3017]

I love this method and the razor sharp results! In essence the convex edge achieves the “micro bevel” so many others fuss over. This is way faster and really, I’ve never experienced any sharper with jigs, wet grinders, abrasive wheels, etc. An added benefit is you never need to regrind when the microbevel gets too big 🧐

[@nastiboost]

Best video on chisel sharpening out there. Thank you Paul!

[@chrispursall5258]

What a perfect to the "point" video. Well presented, thank you.

[@funtimenetwork]

Love. I’ve been looking for a video just like this to get the basics of how to sharpen my chisels! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge is such an accessible way. Ok now it’s time to go practice lol

[@kenpillig2913]

Wow, what a detailed video! Many thanks Paul.

[@lagoondragoon]

Paul Sellers here is the best salesman of my local brick & mortar woodworking hand tools store :D

[@Prof-em1yt]

Paul,Thanks again for the straightforward step-by-step method for making a chisel ready for use. I use a Worksharp 3000 with diamond (lapidary disks and leather strop wheel) to make mine ready. I found a set of 6 at Harbor Freight that look the same as the infamous Aldi chisels. Price was $8 with the always available 20% discount coupon. Again, thanks/Bill

[@charlesb3892]

was wondering what the other grits were other then the 1200 for polishing thanks great video thank you.

[@d1m4d]

From watching another video he did on sharpening planes, he said it's 250, 600 and 1200 for the three grades 👍

[@john52467]

I love your workshop ..all the planes ....clamps etc and the dresser .....fab 👍

[@davidbowie1965]

Thankyou Paul for this. At last the real way to sharpen! The results are fab!

[@ben6089]

A true expert. I've never seen a burr cut off like that. I'm off to do that with an old E A Berg chisel and I suspect it's not as easy as Paul makes it look.

[@tashapalmer4519]

Thank you. Love your videos. You’re a very good teacher 😊

[@jvlm3091]

No comments on the sharpening stones or where/how to get them. Good to see the actual sharpening motions.

[@tpobrienjr]

Thanks for reminding me (again) that what needs sharpening is the cutting edge, not the entire tool.

[@nathanjorgensen2119]

Thanks Paul. Really helpful and to the point! Much better than other videos that are full of fluff and talking to get them longer for no reason! Thanks again :)

[@mccypr]

Thanks! I’ve really never done word working. I’m planning on making an open back banjo. Chisels seem important especially for cutting a groove on the neck for the nut. Sharpening one to three times a day. Great info!

[@Ryan6.022]

If you are making an instrument as your first real project I suggest you make some wooden spoons first. This builds up your skill with a spoke shave (Paul has videos of how to use this tool) as it's needed to make the neck and a few other parts.

[@joelmcclure4732]

Thank you for showing me how wrong I've been doing it😂 Great video. My chisels are on a whole other level now.

[@UnfinishedRiot]

Wow! I wasn't going far enough with the Burr, I didn't expect it to be visible

[@bsharporbflat8378]

You have changed my life.... many thanks

[@marciefree]

Wow!!! I love your videos. I'm just learning about all this. It's so fantastic. Thank you for handing down your knowledge and expertise. God bless you. 😇❤️. Marcie Free xoxxxoo

[@michaeldornhausen8807]

Sorry, it's a little off-topic. Would you mind sharing your insights on drawknives? What are they useful for? How to sharpen them the simplest way? Thanks.

[@PL-oc7vn]

after hours of googling and over-thinking 'what is the BEST chisel?', just a good old Paul Sellers video will get you're feet back on ground and remind you that just a simple set of chisels will surely get you going.

[@uriel-heavensguardian8949]

Awesome video sir! I guess no need to buy a 100$ sharpening jig

[@cesarrojoaguado1087]

Thanks Paul, you are a great teacher

[@johnoerter2883]

Paul, first, thank you for your Book and all the videos! They are very helpful. In both you specify Auto Glass cleaner not window glass cleaner. What’s your thinking and experience with that, please?

[@mandanna09]

Very clear and concise Subscribed thanks so much

[@BDM_PT]

Hi there from Portugal, Another nice info :D Obrigado(Thanks) Master P.Sellers

[@paulwalsh6734]

what are the grits of the stones you're using? Also what is in the spray your using? Is it just water? Have just discovered your channel. Awesome to see this kind 'guild' level care and knowledge.

[@jibidneary2212]

Nice and clear tutorial, thankyou

[@WoodMetalDesigns]

Thank you for the video tutorial.

[@Theravadinbuto]

My understanding on diamond stones has always been that you want to sharpen only in one direction. That way a small ridge of metal builds up behind the diamond, and supports it, making the stone last longer.

[@KiatHuang]

Very straightforward. Thank you! Now I'm wanting stones like the ones you've got there :🤔

[@mohammadlateeftuma1652]

Paul Sellers you are the best of the best

[@RedemptionDenied]

Thanks for showing me how to sharpen a chisel

[@LockRocker]

As a 34 year and going strong locksmith with emphasis in mortise locksets and other trade related installations here's how I survive as a person who has to work until dark:thirty 1) Sorby, Two Cherries chisels or equivalent (lol). 2) Marples blue for metal (beater chisel on board) 3) Performax wet grinder (to poor for Tormek) 4) Diamond "credit card" plates for the field (course+medium) If a blade suffers impact or wear it gets taken to wet grinder and then diamond flip plate. In the field I hit up the diamond plates right out of the toolbag with drops of sinkwater and sharpen as per this video. Chisels are imperative in my daily service but I do not need to dress these Sorbys 3x a day to achieve proven results. I use more of an edge awareness approach and proceed as necessary, with a concern for keeping them long also.

[@kite7214]

Thanks Paul. Great tutorial.

[@johngore7864]

Please can you advise on the diamond stones you use and where to get the best ones and avoiding the not so good ones, thank you for your tutorials, I would love my chisels to be that sharp 🙏🙏

[@unprofor9394]

Thank You, Sir! In deed, a very good video, how to sharpening a chisel.👍😀

[@benjaminrees6665]

Your the best Paul! Thank you

[@Coleton33Music]

Could you talk about your workbench in a future video? It looks different than the one in the workbench building series. It would be interesting to know the history on it.

[@ehisey]

The bench he uses in videos is different. It was made for shooting the videos and teaching. Paul used to use the same style Nicklson bench as the one in the bench building video. You can see it in older videos.

[@aaronbeckett2002]

Hey Paul, I'm just getting in to hand tool woodworking and I love your no fuss approach to sharpening - it's helped me get on with completing projects. Quick question though, what would you do if your new chisel didn't have a hollow back? Is it worth the time to polish through the hump to the edge or would you just return it and get a different set? Cheers

[@KnowArt]

Nice video. Maybe you could next time takes some close-up pictures of the rough surface and the clean one. We can't really see it properly on video. Keep up the good work!

[@davidslater362]

Very helpul video that demistifys geeting tools ready properly

[@cfbarnett]

Okay, I've watch a number of your videos on this topic and I compare what I hear from some other people to this and I want to 'get both feet in the boat'. I've been doing sandpaper on a flat countertop surface, going thru the grits 80, 120, 220, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, 2000. Add them up, that's TEN. And you're doing a better job, I'm certain, and certainly a much much faster job with 3 diamond stones! I give up. What stones and grits are you using; I want to start with the same setup that you use and simply copycat what I see here. (Perhaps there is a video lesson in which you detail out these things?) Thank you, Paul!

[@doctorwork]

You, sir, have true grit! Thanks for this great video!