Sharp – by Sean Hellman

SHARP is the ultimate guide to mastering the principles and practice of sharpening. This comprehensive book takes you step-by-step through everything you need to know, starting with the basics in What is Sharp?—where you’ll learn the definitions and requirements of a truly sharp edge. From there, you’ll dive into edge geometry, discover how to inspect and assess your tools to determine the right sharpening approach, and explore the world of abrasives—covering everything from hand tools to human-powered and machine tools.

The book is packed with detailed, step-by-step instructions for sharpening a wide variety of edge tools, along with an entire chapter dedicated to building time-saving jigs and guides.

With over 300 pages and nearly 1000 photos and illustrations, SHARP is a visually rich and practical resource. Originally conceived to explain abrasives and sharpening techniques for green woodworking tools, it quickly grew into the definitive guide for all things sharpening.

Let’s face it: sharpening can feel like a daunting task, even mysterious at times. But it’s an essential skill for any craftsperson. At its core, sharpening is simple—take a stone and rub your tool on it until it’s sharp. If only it were that easy! SHARP demystifies the process, making it accessible and achievable for everyone.

Sean’s 334 pages book about sharpening for:

• GREEN WOODWORK
• BUSHCRAFT
• GARDENING
• CARPENTRY
• FORESTRY
• BUILDERS
• COOKING
• CRAFT

Part One
14…An Introduction to Sharpening
18…What is Sharp?
28…How Tools Cut
36…Edge Geometry
50…Observing the Edge
54…Abrasives

Part Two
94…Hands On: How to Sharpen
110..Knives
130..Chisels and Gouges
156..Hollowing Tools
166..Axes, Adzes and Splitting Tools
180..Drawknives and Spokeshaves
192..Billhooks, Scythes and Sickles
208..Planes
218..Cabinet Scrapers and Scraper Planes
226..Boring Tools
250..Shears, Scissors and Loppers
258..Saws
288..Peripheral Cutting Tools
296..Other Craft Tools
304..Garden Tools
310..Jigs and Guides
328..Bibliography
330..Appendices
332..Index

• 334 pages
• A4 portrait format
• 981 colour photos and illustrations
• ISBN 978-0-9931861-7-2
• Weight 1.4KG

About Sean Hellman

Craftsman Sean Hellman is renowned widely for his skills in green woodwork. He runs an artisan-led production business, on the edge of Dartmoor, Devon, UK.

Working in local and sustainable wood, Sean Hellman produces beautiful and practical items for indoor and outdoor use; as well as working in collaboration with others, to produce a range of edge-tools, and tool-sharpening kits for woodworkers and other craftspeople.

Sean also runs classes for adult learners, teaching all levels of edge-tool sharpening, as well as woodwork, and green woodwork. He also works in schools and with community groups.

With his wife Lucy Lepchani, Sean also runs Crafty Little Press, publishing several titles including the alleged classic: Shaving Horses Lap Shaves and Other Woodland Vices; and most recently, the comprehensive book on edge-tool sharpening, Sharp. Both of these, and the popular How to make a Coracle.