How to Sharpen a Used Chisel: Flea Market and Garage Sale Finds

[@thraw05]

Honestly, I don't even need to see the video to thumbs up. In my opinion her videos are always well done.

[@bishoptyandbetsytice]

New to woodworking ...I have a dull chisel and watched several that made me want to just toss and buy a new one.....but your videos are EASY to understand without an engineering degree. Shout outs to Leah with a great big THANK YOU!!!

[@TRONMAGNUM2099]

I am addicted to your videos. I feel like I am ready to tackle some projects. I wish you were my shop teacher in high school. I would have learned so much from you.

[@trep53]

Simple and clear instructions from Leah, the best teacher! Thanks Leah.

[@RichardGoth]

One of the best and simplest videos I have seen on sharpening

[@FAFOSanders]

Stropping compound! You learn something new every day😃

[@CrankyPantss]

You're such a sharp cookie, Leah, and now your chisels are too! Thanks for another helpful video! You're a cut above the rest! Have a great weekend.

[@seejanedrill]

Hey, Linda, I hope you have a great weekend too! Best, Leah

[@vllrrql]

Thanks ms. Leah for making my diy projects more enjoyable and productive! My retirement years are more satisfying and constructive with the knowledge you have shared through your videos! Thanks

[@carlosgutierrez6721]

you, lady are a godsend. By far the best lesson on sharpening . Simple, and straight to the point. further the components for your set up is really, really efficient . I am going to set one up like yours. thank you and Cheers

[@dustinmeatball]

20 years of experience and she can still teach me something new every time I watch a video. Plus she can cheer me up on those days 🙂

[@thomasgargano8813]

Thank you for this video… I’ll try your system,hopefully my chisel will be like yours, keep making more videos.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@almclester]

You are awesome, Lady! Not only do you really know your stuff, but I love how encouraging you are.

[@clintprice2123]

Leah, since your videos are always informative, I hit the like button BEFORE I watch them and am never disappointed.

[@adamfikriduha]

Ikr

[@pedromartinez1165]

Hi Leah, thank you so much. I know this is an old video but they're so useful that it really doesn't matter when you posted them. Every time I see one of your videos I always learn something new. You're wonderful person and please stay safe. Semper Fi

[@mikehopkins4040]

I was a shoe repairer . We used a course Emery paper on a buff stick too sharpen our knives, then finished them off on a strop,amazing how that bit of leather can put that finish on a tool. Same for the old type Barbershops who used a strop on that cut throat razor. Love your videos keep em coming.

[@timlist4173]

seejanedrill and Leah, I have a few old Stanley and a no name chisels and a old Smith's Tri-Hone set that has not seen the light of day for years. I pulled them out after seeing your video to give it a try. I noticed the cutting edges on each of these chisels were all nicked up from abuse and neglect. I thought about trashing them thinking the nicks were too far gone. I tried the worst one and lo and behold, it is looking pretty good and put it against the long grain of a scrap 2x4 and I got the nicest looking curly-q ribbons on it. Thank you so much for this video. Tomorrow, I will attempt the irons on two wood planes I got from my father-in-law. Thanks again.

[@JohnWaclawski]

Thank you for the "down and dirty" lesson on chisel sharpening! And the links as well!

[@TylerAFE]

Awesome. Your vid gave me the confidence to freehand sharpen my chisels.

[@Anvilcjl]

That paper test was satisfying. Thanks for the info; I just got my first chisel set and want to make it spiffy.

[@danieldunn6284]

Your videos are simplistic but you do so very well explaining how to do things that maybe someone hasn't ever done before. Super Great job. Keep up the good work.

[@irreduciblerascal]

Seeing you work, is like watching art being created 🙂

[@stonejeanine]

Thanks Leah....I really enjoy your videos. As soon as the rain stops I'm going to get out to the shop and sharpen my chisels.

[@tvrdy3]

How it went?

[@deenichols491]

Thank you so much for being so great! So glad I found your channel. I've learned so much already..

[@jackfarrell4727]

Thank you Leah I always look forward to watching your videos. You are great

[@59LPGibson]

You mentioned “keep them sharp” I always do a light touch up with a fine stone & strop after each use. Only takes a minute. That said, you must have a PhD in communication with people! You make it simple and demonstrate procedures perfectly!

[@k.b.woodworker3250]

Those are beautiful chisels for a garage sale find. Great video. It motivates me to try some sharpening as soon as I'm done with my current project. I've watched many sharpening videos, but yours just cuts to the chase!

[@seejanedrill]

thanks!

[@humor2010]

I was looking for a video tutorial on how to sharpen without a guide. Thank you very much for giving us your time to teach us.

[@cardiffpicker1]

Only way to sharpen without a guide is practice,

[@elained2448]

This is the best video I have seen on sharpening a chisel! The close ups explain everything better than the books! But the paper test means rehoning I met a rather well known chair maker from up in Asheville, years ago. He just uses a square planed hardwood and sharpens his chisels on the edge of the board with some diamond dust. His theory is that the leather “gives” when one pushes down, creating a bevel in the iron, the hardwood has no give on edge grain. When it’s hollowing out, he takes his plane and makes it square and flat again. With me, I use leather, and I strop often. I don’t mind sharpening but it’s easier to strop often then to sharpen once ;). I’ve got a really old corner chisel that needs a lot of tlc, one day I will correct the previous user’s skill. I think the person used a bastard file and maybe a rat tail file for the inside corner

[@seejanedrill]

Hey Elaine, you know what? One of the things I love about your posts is the way you always add some new interesting bit of information to the topic of our videos. It is very rare to hear women talking about bastard files and rat tail files! 🙂 Whenever I read your comments, I know I'm talking to a kindred spirit, because we both have such a love for tools! 🙂

[@elained2448]

seejanedrill heck Ms Leah, that made me smile😆. I’ve never lost my love for learning and you just keep inspiring me. You make relearning a joy!

[@patmeyer4678]

Since I am relatively new to woodworking I am always searching for helpful videos, particularly for beginners. This video is the best video on sharpening chisels I have seen! Thank you so much and please keep making these terrific videos.

[@penny.ventures]

Just found this channel and I'm in love. I'm not big into woodworking or tools but HOLY CRAP I'm learning a lot

[@seejanedrill]

Welcome, Penny! Glad you found us!

[@rico1234ify]

hi . i am iranian. at first i must say my english language is weak so excuse me . you know now we are in sanction unfortunately and here there is not exist tools . so i am very happy to learn from you to sharp my chisels without any tools . thanks a lot .

[@PeterTangsley]

Such a superb teacher. Love your videos.

[@ketuketu1567]

So nice to have found your videos... I am just beginning my journey into woodworking (my grampa was a cabinet maker and my mom did carpentry). Thanks for your concise, descriptive and relaxing method of instruction! I look forward to each new teaching.

[@seejanedrill]

you're very welcome, and welcome to our channel!

[@Soulcommander]

Never have stropped before, thanks! Always great to learn something new. Again thanks Leah!

[@seejanedrill]

Hey, you're very welcome!🙂

[@mikerobertson7311]

I’m new to wood working and your videos are the greatest.

[@mynameissanjj1]

What's loads of fun is when you look over and see the new guy, who's been borrowing your stuff all day cuz he doesn't have anything, opening a paint can or prying a piece of trim off of window with your chisel. That's my favorite! Lol

[@richardl7264]

I purchased a Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener from amazon for under $70. I use it for all my sharpening now. I used to use stones similar to Leah, and I also have a Lansky sharpening set, but it isn't really designed for chisels. I have found with The Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener once I got the hang of using this sharpener I find it faster and easier. It has preset angels that you can choose from.

[@jimplosay8352]

ALWAYS some of the best and most informative tutorials out there. Thanks!

[@webitized1]

Thank you Leah for sharing your expertise 🥰

[@seejanedrill]

My pleasure

[@captaincoyote1792]

Hey Leah....as others have said “Great video”! And BTW? Congrats on a fantastic Yard Sale find!

[@collincourtois8587]

Thanks so much, I just damaged a chisel trying to learn this on my own... Wish I had seen this before. Great job!

[@seejanedrill]

thank you, glad it was helpful!

[@mc4kvb]

Thanks again Leah. You are just full of all kinds of tips and man do I love them all. Another one for the “back pocket” as my Paw Paw used to say. Thanks Leah, have a great weekend.

[@johnvodopija]

I really enjoy the way you present these videos. I’ve learnt a lot already. Thank you and keep them coming 👍

[@QuinLeach]

Love your video! Great, straightforward, simply put knowledge. Thank you.

[@franl5585]

Thanks for showing your process, Leah. I just got a honing guide and want to do some sharpening. I don't have the diamond stones. I'll use fine sandpaper on a piece of granite, then the leather strop.

[@timmyers1006]

Wonderful tutorial,thanks for sharing this.

[@semco72057]

I have some chisels which I have never used before, but they are nice and sharp, and ready to be put in use. I learned about using and sharpening chisels, knifes, and other similar items while in the Air Force. One family friend showed me how to sharpen lawn mower blades using a round nail put in a post, or tree, and balance the blade after sharpening the blades. With lawn mower blades you just put the blades on the nail, and the end which hangs lower than the other should be sharpened more and rechecked until the blade is hanging equally on both ends.

[@vincetrevino6641]

I thought I knew how to sharpen my chisels, I was wrong. Great tips, great vid! I'm definitely going to try the simple green

[@karens.9026]

Your video are so helpful; thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom😊😊😊

[@flibitboat]

Thanks for showing how to do this without a jig or the guide! I think at first I will for sure do free hand.

[@barbarastclair9429]

This video is very helpful. I purchased several chisels at a yard sale a year ago. They have seen better days. I was trying to find someone who sharpens chisels, but haven't yet. Now I feel confident I can do this myself. Thank you. Do you have any videos about sharpening upholstery shears?

[@seejanedrill]

Not yet but you may want to check out the Scout Crafter channels, I believe he does.

[@TheMultiGunMan]

Thanks Leah. I like your way of sharpening!

[@johnnau1429]

You cool as hell!! Simple thing, sure, but I'm doing it right now. Many thanks, and I am subscribing, and everyone should.

[@lourdesmerced7017]

Love your videos, you explain everything so nicely, thank you ❤

[@Donegaldan]

I use Japanese King brand wet stones 1000#, 3000# and 6000#. I have not tried diamond stones or a strop, so I have room to improve. Great tutorial Leah. Thanks.

[@cardiffpicker1]

I dont bother with anything over 1000 grit apart from 1200 grit wet and dry that I have in the van for emergency. Wood is abrasive so by the time you chisel out a couple of hinges you are back to what you would have with a lower grit anyway. 1000 grit and 30 strokes on a strop and you have a mirror finish.

[@RadioactiveOwl1]

Concise, Informative and an all round great video. Thanks Leah and co. :)

[@seejanedrill]

Thank you!

[@manoharsagunthalla9215]

Well done mum! Very useful tips you rendered

[@BRExteriorPro]

Typical awesome informitavie video from leaha! One of the best on youtube.

[@hopefilledsinner3911]

Thanks Leah, I have many chisels with almighty chips in their edge. I began to sharpen and spent so much time doing so I've grown a 3 foot beard. Only kidding. A belt sander upside down or a linisher produces amazing results. Before fine tuning as you've shown here. Dip it in water often holding it as Leah demonstrates although hold it square to the belt . You can feel it get warm, dip it again. Try your best not to remove your fingerprints. I was surprised it's quite possible with a steady hand and keen eyes to bring a dead chisel back to life without growing a beard.

[@joefriday950]

Thanks Leah. Another great easy to follow video.

[@seejanedrill]

🙂

[@gaylehughes1145]

You have helped me figure out so many things! I love your videos and have recommended them to so many others. I tell my kids "Don't ask me, Google See Jane Drill" as you are a much better teacher than I am.

[@LT-lu8lb]

Thank you. Nice and detailed and easy to follow.

[@Sam-hj8hy]

I have some old crappy chisels I got about 30 years ago as gift when I was kids. I put them through hell over the years; pounding them threw metal and killing the edges. I don't need to use them often but the last time I did need one that was sharp enough to use with just of my hands my hands behind it and not the brute force of a hammer pounding the back of it, I straightened the edge out on my belt sander with a worn out 80 grit belt and then cleaned of the burns with progressively finer belts on my workforce sharpener set at a 25 degree angle. It cut better than when it was new. I don't recommend this method if you are looking for a very square edge but it does get the edge that is there very sharp.

[@danielww9022]

I don't use chisels, but I just cannot get enough of Leah's personality, so...here I am, learning how to sharpen a tool that I am not likely to ever own or use.

[@AaronPWeiss]

Daniel WW same here. Not into this genre persay but something about her delivery is addicting

[@brettmayfield8904]

ive got to be honest, i never really thought about sharpening a chisel. ive got probably a dozen axes, several machetes, and plenty of knives and i keep them as sharp as possible. but this just opened my eyes. im going to dig through some tool boxes tomorrow and put one on my whet stone and see how it goes.

[@seejanedrill]

🙂

[@bronsonstephens5799]

Great instructional video Thank You!

[@barryjohnson990]

Many years ago I was taught to grind the bevel on a bench grinder. This leaves a slightly concave surface so that you only have to hone and strop a small area right at the edge. It also makes resharpening much quicker.

[@cardiffpicker1]

Until you over heat it and ruin the temper,belt sander is by far the best way of grinding out big chips, although you have to be careful if it has been used for wood

[@richh1576]

I prefer Japanese waterstones, up to 2000 grit, then I strop. The use of a roller-guide will help to keep your chisels 'square'. I really like your idea of setting the length so as to set that angle consistently.

[@magicrobharv]

Great info. You're right, sharpening is a personal choice. Great video.

[@billhandymanbill2775]

Excellent video. Please give us the measurements for the 25 and 30 degree blocks when you use the honing guide. Thanks much1

[@grantcivyt]

If a chisel can be beautiful, Leah...you're beautiful!

[@gpcrawford8353]

I have a Stanley honing guide works a treat it has a built in bevel angle guide that flaps down and you push chisel down to one of three lines corresponding to angle required. From the UK.

[@davemoreno4323]

Great video. I use sand paper, spray adhesive and a piece of glass. Working through the grits with glass cleaner. Lastly the strop. Wish I was as good in front of the camera as you miss Lea or I’d make a video too lol

[@seejanedrill]

Dave, You never know. I may just see that video. Looks like you hunt, do you?

[@davemoreno4323]

seejanedrill, yes ma’am I do. Really love the outdoors. Do you?

[@magicman9486]

Thanks for the Simply green idea for the Lapping fluid. I have used the Trent lapping fluid but it is so expensive.

[@davidayres7973]

This was so relaxing to watch 👌

[@bobnicholas5994]

Thankyou for being so excellent in your instruction. I just got my first set of decent chisels. It came with a shatpening stone but I feel its the lowest quality possible. Thx again

[@m.cortez6634]

Nice set, good info.

[@wild-radio7373]

I love your videos. I just found you on KZbin and am so grateful. :)

[@pmvoice88]

You seem to be ahead of the questions that pop into my mind. As I think of a question, you're already answering it.

[@keithperry1641]

Thank you for sharing you knowledge

[@Татарка_44]

Спасибо mr. Leah. у Вас руки золотые!

[@theodoreblumberg9022]

Nice, and straight forward!

[@markyour6998]

I'm a bit fanatical about my chisels. I make sure I have a jointed edge then grind to get to a 28 degree bevel then use oil stones to get a secondary bevel at the very edge. Recently, I purchased an Arkansas black surgical steel oil stone and whoa my chisels are amazingly sharp!

[@adamfullenkamp1473]

You rock, Leah! Love the vids. Thanks for all that you do! 👍

[@seejanedrill]

Hey Adam, Thanks

[@lateasecoddington-wardell3100]

How about a curved chipped one can I save it

[@aussievaliant4949]

Thanks Leah! I'm off to do some sharpening.

[@calvintran5324]

Perfect Leah, thanks for sharing.

[@loganp7043]

I do the same thing but with different stones where I work we have a bench grinder set up for sharpening chisels it makes quick work of it

[@rogerthedodger5788]

My routine usually involves cut fingers and bloody knuckles..... but no longer after watching you. Thank you!

[@jayhershey7525]

Thank you Ms Bolton. I have used chisels for years, but never knew how to hone them the way you showed me. Maybe you could also show me how to set and file a hand saw?

[@seejanedrill]

that's coming

[@chrislambert1617]

Leah, you are a Darling. The close up shots are very good for my very young Son, it was possible to see the Burr on one of your shots . . . Chris . . . Norwich, England

[@mundlkalli4396]

Thank you for another great video/instruction

[@saarco777]

hey leah! could you please make a video about how to save caulk after use? thank you!

[@garyt4394]

Another great tutorial, thanks Leah!

[@rshalette1]

Great video as always

[@seejanedrill]

🙂

[@norocketsciencebuild5371]

Fantastic videos as always, so much to learn from you!

[@seejanedrill]

hey, thanks!

[@norocketsciencebuild5371]

:)

[@billyblackie9417]

Leah, should there be a 30° on the chisel first when sharpening the chisel then follow that step of 25° just at the tip of the chisel. I thought I noticed something like that on your demo chisel after you had sharpened it. Thanks

[@venessarobins6813]

That was great 👍🏼 thanks Leah

[@Nirabulator]

I love Leah!

[@chuert85]

I love Simple Green.

[@jackmiller3628]

Love your videos! for normally sharpening I do something very similar to what you did, except don t do the back often. However I need to find out where you go to garage sales as the ones I've gone to and I've gotten tools are really ugly. So I usually use several different grades of sandpaper and windex on a flat ceramic tile for the initial sharpening as I hate all that rust or whatever to get on diamond stones. I guess you could say I quarantine them but new or really clean tools can go directly to the diamond stones.

[@seejanedrill]

Hey Jack, You "quarantine" rusty tools, now that's funny!

[@jimweisgram9185]

"don't do the back often"... Once the back is flat and polished all you need to ever do is clean up the burr created when honing the bevel edge. At least until you sharpen your chisel enough times so that the flattened back area is completely worn away and you need a new flat back. 😊

[@thomasgreen8532]

i realize some maybe able to free hand sharpening but what about getting a consistent edge each time you sharpen, I have tried for years and have yet to get a good clean edge. I did not know about the sharpening jig, so I will be buying one as quickly as I get to town to buy one.