Best Knife Sharpener - Beginner's Guide to Sharpening Knives, Chisels & Other tools
- The Tool Pro
- Feb 11, 2025
- 5 min read
If you've ever struggled with dull chisels, knives, or other tools, you know how frustrating it can be. Sharp tools make every job easier, safer, and more precise. Whether you're a woodworker, a chef, or a DIY enthusiast, learning how to sharpen your tools is a skill worth mastering. This guide will walk you through the basics of sharpening, including methods, essential tools, and recommendations for the best sharpeners.
Sharp tools not only improve performance but also reduce the risk of injury. Dull blades require more force, leading to loss of control and potential accidents. Keeping your tools sharp ensures cleaner cuts, greater efficiency, and a more enjoyable working experience.
Essential Sharpening Tools and Methods
There are several ways to sharpen tools, but beginners should start with the most effective and easy-to-use methods:
1. Whetstones (Sharpening Stones)
Whetstones are versatile and work well for chisels, knives, and other cutting tools. They come in different grits:
Coarse (200-600 grit) - For reshaping dull or damaged blades
Medium (800-2000 grit) - For general sharpening
Fine (3000+ grit) - For refining the edge
Step-by-Step Guide to Whetstones
Step 1: Prepare the Stone
If using a water stone, soak it in water for 5-10 minutes until bubbles stop appearing.
If using an oil stone, apply honing oil to lubricate the surface.
Diamond stones do not require soaking but can be used with water.
Step 2: Set the Sharpening Angle
For chisels and plane blades: Use a honing guide to maintain a consistent 25-30° angle.
For knives: Maintain a 15-20° angle (use a sharpening guide or angle guide if needed).
Step 3: Start Sharpening
Hold the tool at the correct angle.
Push the blade forward across the stone in a smooth motion, applying even pressure.
For chisels and plane blades, sharpen with the bevel side down.
For knives, use a sweeping motion to sharpen the entire edge.
Step 4: Progress Through Grits
Start with the coarse stone to remove dullness.
Move to medium grit to refine the edge.
Finish with a fine grit for polishing.
Step 5: Test the Sharpness
For chisels and plane blades: Try cutting thin shavings from a piece of wood.
For knives: Try slicing through paper or a tomato effortlessly.
2. Honing Guides
Honing guides help maintain a consistent sharpening angle, especially useful for chisels and plane blades. They're a great addition to your sharpening setup if you're new to freehand sharpening. A honing guide helps maintain a precise sharpening angle, ensuring a consistent edge. It's ideal for beginners who struggle with freehand sharpening.
Step-by-Step Guide to Honing
Step 1: Clamp the chisel or plane blade into the guide
Position the blade so the bevel angle (usually 25-30°) is correctly set.
Some honing guides have angle markings to help with positioning.
Step 2: Place the guide and blade on the whetstone
The roller on the guide allows smooth movement across the stone.
Step 3: Sharpen with even strokes
Use forward and backward strokes, keeping even pressure.
Step 4: Check the burr on the back of the blade
When sharpening is complete, a fine metal burr will appear on the flat back side of the blade.
Step 5: Remove the burr
Flip the chisel or plane blade and place the back flat against a fine stone.
Rub lightly to remove the burr and refine the edge.
3. Sharpening Jigs and Systems
If freehand sharpening is intimidating, a sharpening jig or guided sharpening system provides a foolproof way to get a razor-sharp edge. These systems often use fixed angles, ensuring precise sharpening every time. Sharpening jigs are useful for woodturning tools, chisels, plane blades, and high-end knives where precision is essential.
When using a jig, always follow the recomendations from the manufacturer. Aside from that, there are some very general how-to steps.
Step-by-Step Guide to Jigs
Step 1: Secure the blade in the jig
Position the knife, chisel, or plane blade in the jig's clamp.
Adjust the guide to set the correct sharpening angle.
Step 2: Move the blade across the sharpening stone
With a steady hand, slide the jig and blade over the stone or rotating sharpener.
Follow the same grit progression as with whetstones.
Step 3: Refine and finish the edge
Use finer stones or polishing wheels for a razor-sharp finish.
4. Strops and Honing Compounds
After sharpening, a leather strop with honing compound polishes and refines the edge, making it razor-sharp. Stropping removes microscopic burrs and helps maintain sharpness longer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Stropping
Step 1: Apply Honing Compound
Use a green (chromium oxide) honing compound for high polish.
Rub a thin layer onto the leather strop.
Step 2: Strop the Blade
For chisels and plane blades: Hold the flat back of the blade against the strop and pull backward.
For knives: Hold the blade at the sharpening angle (about 15-20°) and stroke away from the cutting edge (like spreading butter on bread).
Step 3: Repeat Until Polished
Make 10-20 strokes per side to refine the edge.
Test sharpness by cutting paper, hair, or soft wood with ease.
Final Tips for Sharpening Success
Maintain a consistent angle - Use guides or practice freehand to keep angles steady.
Use the right sharpening grit - Start coarse and work up to fine.
Test the sharpness often - A well-sharpened tool should cut effortlessly.
Keep stones flat - Flatten whetstones periodically to maintain even sharpening.
Strop regularly - Stropping extends sharpness, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.
Sharpening - The Main Things
For Chisels and Plane Blades:
1. Secure the Tool - Use a honing guide to maintain a consistent angle (usually 25-30°).
2. Start with a Coarse Grit - Soak your whetstone (if required) and grind until the bevel is even.
3. Progress to Finer Grits - Move to higher grit stones to refine the edge.
4. Hone the Edge - Use a leather strop with honing compound for the final polish.
For Knives:
1. Choose the Right Angle - Most kitchen knives are sharpened at 15-20°, while outdoor knives may have different angles.
2. Use a Sharpening Stone or System - Start with a coarse grit, then move to finer grits.
3. Strop for a Razor Edge - Finish with a leather strop to refine the blade.
Top 3 Sharpeners for Beginners
Best Budget: Smith's TRI-6 Arkansas Sharpening System
Pros: Affordable, easy to use, includes coarse, medium, and fine stones
Cons: Requires manual skill, not as fast as guided systems
Best For: Those who want an inexpensive yet reliable sharpening setup
Best Value: Work Sharp WSKTS-KO Knife and Tool Sharpener
Pros: Fast, versatile, works on knives, chisels, and more
Cons: Can remove material quickly if not careful
Best For: Beginners looking for an easy-to-use powered sharpening system
Best Overall: Tormek T-4 Water Cooled Sharpening System
Pros: Precision sharpening, water-cooled to prevent overheating, long-lasting results
Cons: Expensive
Best For: Serious hobbyists and professionals who want top-tier sharpening
Final Tips for Keeping Tools Sharp
Hone regularly - Stropping after each use helps maintain sharpness.
Use the right sharpener - Choose a method that suits your skill level and tools.
Store tools properly - Keep blades dry and protected to prevent dulling.
Sharpening takes practice, but with the right tools and techniques, you'll quickly see improvements. Whether you're sharpening chisels for woodworking or knives for cooking, keeping your edges razor-sharp will enhance your craftsmanship and make every job easier.
What's your favorite sharpening method? Let us know in the comments!
The Tool Pro
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