Should You Always Sharpen New Chisels Before Your First Use?

Few things are as exciting for DIY enthusiasts as cracking open a fresh set of tools. Who can blame them? New tools, after all, seem to hold endless possibilities when it comes to tackling your next project with precision and pride. But before you dive into your woodworking project, there's a crucial question to ask: Are these tools truly ready to use? You have to remember that it's not always that brand new tools are prepped and perfect right out of the box. Preparing your tools for their first use is one crucial step, and this is the case with brand new chisels too.

They may look ready to go straight from the box, but new chisels almost always need sharpening before using them for the first time. The reason for this is because manufacturers generally prioritize durability and shipping safety, which means that the edges of your chisel might not be in peak condition that could achieve smooth and precise work.

Using an unsharpened chisel out of the package can lead to poor results and potentially damage your materials. Most chisels come with a factory-ground edge, safe enough for transportation but often not refined enough for woodworking or other delicate tasks. A dull edge won't glide smoothly through wood, but instead may tear fibers and create uneven cuts. This can make your project far more labor-intensive than necessary. Worse, accidents can happen when you force a blunt chisel through wood, since it can slip out of your hands. Sharpening your chisel before its first use, meanwhile, can give you cleaner and more precise cuts with minimal effort. A properly honed edge also provides better control. Plus, maintaining sharp tools can prolong their lifespan, thus saving money since you do not need to buy replacements more often.

Sharpening a new chisel is not a complicated process, but it does require full attention to detail. Get a sharpening stone that preferably has both coarse and fine-grit sides. Start by flattening the back of the chisel until it is smooth using the coarse side of the sharpening stone. Once the back is flattened, focus on the bevel. Hold the chisel at the appropriate angle against the stone and move it in a steady and circular motion while applying even pressure. Then switch to the fine-grit side of the stone once the edge begins to sharpen for a more refined and precise outcome. You can use a honing guide to polish the edge once finished to ensure that it is perfectly straight and smooth. A properly sharpened chisel should feel sharp to the touch and leave a clean and smooth cut on a piece of paper.