Keeping your knives, chisels, turning gauges, planer irons, and saw blades sharp is critical. Sharp blades not only ensure accurate and clean cuts but also contribute to safer tool use. Whether you want to hone your kitchen knives or tip off your band saw blades, this class will whet your appetite.

What You’ll Learn

• Universal Techniques:
  • The sharpening process for knives, chisels, drill bits, and other tools follows the same basic principles, regardless of the specific tool.
  • These techniques are equally applicable to kitchen cutlery and other everyday knives.
  • Once you grasp the essentials, you can apply these skills to everything from a chisel to a mower blade to a chef’s knife or cleaver.
• Edge Maintenance:
  • Discover how to achieve a lasting sharp edge using various tools:
    • Bench grinder
    • Bench sander
    • Dremel handheld tool
    • Wet and dry sharpening stones
    • …and a variety of store bought and shop made jigs.
  • Learn the nuances of each method and find what works best for you.
• Advanced Topics (Time-Permitting):
• Sharpening table saw blades
• Sharpening bandsaw blades

Bring Your Knives and Blades

Feel free to bring along a couple of your own tools, blades, or knives to practice during the workshop. We’ll help you refine your sharpening skills and find the most effective method for your specific tools.

Note: Minimum age is 15. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The Instructor

About Dan Katz

Woodworking is my muse—a canvas of endless possibilities. The grain’s texture, the earthy scent, the myriad shapes—it all amazes me. My journey began with grade school projects and blossomed at Bucks Rock as a camper and counselor. From theater sets to boat building, I’ve embraced woodturning as my core hobby. Now, as a marketer turned woodworking teacher, I’m thrilled to share the joy of “making” with others. Let’s shape creativity together!

Materials & Tools

This class uses a variety of stones, machinery, jigs, and gadgets for you to experiment.

Our Focus on Safety

• Respect the shop rules and safety guidelines before using any tools or equipment.
• 95 masks, safety glasses, and gloves are provided.
• Wear something you don’t mind getting dirty. The glues, paints, and stains we use can permanently stain clothes.