Seems like there are enough levels of how-to sharpen discussed here to give everyone ammunition to consider applying to edged tools. I'm a hand sharpener and will not bore this group with the steps I use. It can be a burden when others find out (or you volunteer) that you can sharpen chisels, knives, scissors, crowbars, etc. Here in the village where my shop resides many (it seems) have rooted through the great grand-whosenames old tool chests and have presented me with so many mushroom topped no-handled socket chisels that melted down would create a damn fine anchor. Because their usefulness as a chisel ended around the turn of the last century. Although some were recognized as products of makers that were still in demand. These were re-stored and new handles were turned and installed. I show this particular set which are beveled for paring not so much because of their rarity but more because the handles are turned from off-cuts of Ipe. Leftovers from the carlins of a hatch on a fishing schooner I was working on. Polishes up nice and gives a comfortable grip. With just a bit of added weight so with a tap of your palm you get the same result that with other chisels might require a mallet strike. Work a treat for fine tuning dovetails or box joints. Exposed dimensions; 150mm L, with 30mm Dia. ends & 25mm mid. Just my thoughts for those that mentioned new handles. I think I'm going to hijack that digital protractor idea. Thanks for sharing it Brit..
Some of my most creative moments have been when I've had to cover up an error in my woodworking.
