The class is structured around demonstration and discussion rather than repetitive bench exercises. Sharpening is a topic where seeing and understanding comes first — once the theory is clear, the practice follows naturally.

 

Throughout the day there is plenty of time for questions, and plenty of opportunity to get hands on with your own tools, so you leave with a method that has been tested on the edge tools you actually use.

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We focus primarily on chisels and plane blades — the tools you will reach for most often at the bench — covering the full sequence from grinding through to a polished, working edge. We also touch on other edge tools you are likely to encounter: marking knives, spokeshaves, card scrapers, drawknives, and more, time permitting.

 

However, the one thing this class does not cover is tool restoration. If you have an old plane or chisel that needs serious remedial work — heavy pitting, a damaged bevel, a back that needs significant flattening — this is not the right class for that, and it would take more of your day than is fair to the rest of the group. By all means bring it in for advice on how best to get it into work, but it may not always be possible to do that in the time we have.

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What to Bring

Bring your own chisels and bench planes if you have them — ideally a range, so there is something worth discussing at each stage of the day. A jack plane (for rough work), and smoother, alongside a set of bench chisels gives us plenty to work with. If you have your own sharpening equipment — stones, a strop, a honing guide, flattening equipment — bring that too if you are able. Working with familiar tools and media is far more useful than working with equipment you have never handled before.

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If you do not yet own much, do not let that put you off — there is sufficient equipment in the workshop for everyone. But it is worth saying honestly that the more you have to work with, the more you will take away from the day.

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Sharpening is not a particularly messy process, but water, oil, and metal filings have a habit of finding their way onto things, so an apron or appropriate clothing is a good idea too.

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The class runs from 10:00 until 17:00, with a lunch break around 13:00. 

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£175 per person

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What Comes Next

Get Sharp! works well as a standalone class, but it also sits naturally alongside the rest of the programme. If you have already attended Get Started in Woodworking, this class builds directly on the sharpening introduction covered there.

 

If you are considering a Foundations of Woodworking course, attending Get Sharp! first means you arrive at the bench with that aspect already understood — leaving more time for everything else.