I've come across the claim that a chisel or plane iron should be sharp enough to easily shave hair from your arm. I've been using a Veritas sharpening jig alongside a combination waterstone up to about 8000 grit, finishing with some leather stropping and green paste. It feels pretty sharp, but I can't quite manage to shave with it. So, is this claim about arm hair shaving just a bit of hyperbole, or can chisels really achieve that kind of sharpness?
3 Answers
Totally real! When I sharpen my chisels, they're sharp enough to pop the hairs right off my arm—definitely not exaggeration here! By the time I'm done, I practically have no hair left on my arms from testing. No sarcasm, it's a common test for sharpness.
For sure, it can definitely get that sharp! If you follow the right techniques, even a cheaper stone can get a chisel sharp enough for that. If yours isn’t at that level yet, maybe it’s time to tweak your sharpening technique! You got good gear, so with practice, you should achieve a razor-edged finish in no time!
Yeah, it's a pretty standard test a lot of woodworkers use. Honestly, getting a chisel that sharp isn't too difficult. If your chisel isn't able to shave, it might be worth checking your sharpening angle or ensuring your jig is set right—plus don't forget to use a strop and honing compound afterward!
I hear you! But let’s be real, I've got a dull pocket knife that can also shave my arm. Feels like that test needs some better standards!
I used to think shaving was unnecessary, but after getting mine that sharp, I realized it's made all the difference for my work!