SHARPENING JAPANESE CHISELS
WITH MALCOLM HECHT
Thursday, June 11th, 2026
9:00am - 4:00pm
Japanese chisels have been developed and refined by generations of individual bladesmiths and the feedback that they received from the carpenters who used these tools six days each week building homes, temples, shrines, tea-houses, and more! Unlike many 21st century tool purchases, these chisels require the user to go through a few basic set-up procedures, including hoop setting, flattening the back, sharpening the bevel and removing the burr.
This class is designed to assist students to overcome the steps that can make these tools intimidating, and to set students on course to care for and use these tools for many years. After setting up and sharpening their new chisel, each student will put that tool to use to create a wooden sheath for the tool. Additional topics will include re-sharpening, stone flattening, and repairing chips and dings.
This class is a great complement to Build a Japanese Style Toolbox class that will take place the following three days. Consider signing up for four consecutive days of Japanese hand-tool woodworking, and an opportunity to put your chisel and sharpening skills to use!
Class Details
Age Requirement: this class is for adults 18+.
Location: Wade Hardware (400 SW 2nd St)
Students bring: please plan to bring the following tools.
1 new Japanese Bench Chisel “Oire Nomi”- (I recommend 24 mm).
Medium and fine waterstones (I recommend 1000 and 5000 grit stones). *Note: if you already have different sharpening media that is working for you, that’s ok–please email us to check in about your sharpening supplies or if you are looking for suggestions for where to buy sharpening stones and chisels.
A container for water to soak your stones (like a bucket, pail, or bus tub)
Hammer
Feel free to reach out with questions about locating and ordering tools and stones, or to ask about borrowing materials for the class. Avoid purchasing antique/used chisels on ebay, as their set-up likely involves different processes than a newly made tool. These tools are not cheap, but the makers of these tools as well as the sellers who make them available need our support to keep this craft alive!
Tuition: $90
Materials fee: $5
Please note: you will be redirected to a Square link to finalize your registration.
Accessibility note: Some hand strength required, students will be standing and working at a workbench for much of the day. Sharpening can be hard on the fingers, and this short class will ask a lot from students’ hands. For accessibility concerns, questions, and accommodations, please contact us at info@tarweedfolkschool.com.
Need a scholarship to attend a class? We offer full and half tuition awards (scholarships do not apply to class materials fee). Email info@tarweedfolkschool.com to register.
Tarweed Folk School values increasing access to practical arts and place-based skills. Our goal is to make our classes accessible to anyone with an interest in learning. Please consider that our classrooms take place inside and outdoors with varying amenities (think of parking, seating, walking surfaces, and bathroom options, for example). We are happy to provide any information or answer any questions about accessibility or accommodations for any of our classes and locations. Please email us if you have comments, concerns, or questions.
