How to Sharpen Your Whittling Knife in 5 Steps At Schaaf Tools, we know that the key to great carving is a sharp edge. Dull tools don't just make carving harder—they're more dangerous. Expert whittler, Brian from Carving is Fun explains, "if your carving tools aren't sharp you're going to have a hard time carving and it's going to be more dangerous the duller the tool gets." Whether you're restoring an old blade or keeping your go-to carving knife in top shape, this comprehensive guide walks you through each step—and it's designed for beginners and seasoned carvers alike. Watch the full tutorial: Before You Begin: The #1 Sharpening Tip Here's the game-changing insight that separates effectively sharpening your whittling tools...
Diamond Sharpening Stones: The Complete Guide for Wood Carvers When I first began researching wood carving, I remember reading that a third of your time carving is spent sharpening. Sharp tools are the foundation of excellent wood carving. Whether you're whittling your first comfort bird or creating intricate relief carvings, maintaining razor-sharp edges on your tools makes the difference between effortless cuts and frustrating struggles with dull blades. Among the various sharpening options available to wood carvers, diamond sharpening stones have gained tremendous popularity in recent years. But are they really better than traditional whetstones? What makes them special, and how do you use them effectively? In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about diamond sharpening...
For both safety and precision, every wood craftsman, woodworker or wood carver needs to know how to sharpen wood-carving tools properly. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, your tools’ condition can make a significant difference in the carving process and the final product. As you master your artistic skills, you must also learn to correctly care for your tools and to help them last longer. Use the tips below for sharpening wood-carving tools to get started. How Do You Sharpen Wood-Carving Tools at Home? There are two primary stages to use when sharpening carving tools at home. The first stage uses a stone that is designed for this purpose. This technique is for when your blade has become extremely dull and needs quite...
As we’ve mentioned in an earlier post, woodcarvers generally either love or despise a skew chisel; very few are ambivalent about the tool. Those who dislike the skew chisel frequently complain that it’s tricky (or nearly impossible) to sharpen well. This post addresses the fine points of sharpening a skew chisel. We’ll cover the factors that affect how quickly your skew gets dull, when to sharpen it, and how to sharpen it. Along the way, we’ll provide tips and tricks that make the job easier. What factors affect how quickly a skew chisel gets dull? Here are the big things that affect the sharpness of a skew chisel. Combine two or more of them, and your skew chisel can get...
How to Sharpen Wood Carving Tools: Step-by-Step Guide for Razor-Sharp Edges If you missed the first part of this series, check it out here: Dick Belcher on Sharpening Wood Carving Tools - a look at how Schaaf Tools Premium Hand-sharpened Sets are made. Are your wood carving tools not cutting as cleanly as they once did? You've tried stropping, but you're still struggling to achieve the smooth, effortless cuts you see in tutorial videos, or you find yourself applying excessive force just to remove material. The solution probably isn't new tools - it's likely that your existing tools simply need proper sharpening. According to Master Craftsman Joe Dillett, who has more than 35 years of experience as a professional carver...
