Thread: Sharpening a chisel

So the other day, at the flea markets I picked up an old rusted chisel, it was $2, too rusted to see the brand name.

I took it home, cleaned it up, got most of the paint and rust off and it turns out to be a Ward and Payne knife, very good Sheffield tool company, eventually acquired by Wilkinson sword. Started in 1803 and become Ward and P in 1850 or so, this one looks to be from the 1950’s which means it was made from A2, which Ward had absolutely nailed the heat treatment for.

However this one showed a distinct lack of care, the grind was off, the edge was chipped and the angle was set at 35 degrees, I personally prefer my chisels to be 25, but I can do any angle.

So first I set the tormek at 220 grit and got rid of the damage:


Bit more work at 220 and it was done


Then I switched to 1000 grit and got rid of the worst of the 220 scratch pattern


Tad more work


Then to finish I dropped in a 4000 grit wheel on the tormek


Mirror finish.

Nice and sharp now, bargain at $2.

By the way I sharpen chisels, same price as I do knives, $5 per piece, can do planer blades and scissors too.

Shelley 021727546