Sharpening Handbook

Travisher

Edge Angle

Guidelines shown below are for Primary Bevel Angles & Secondary bevel angles (also known as micro bevel angles). Notes are also available on a different web page for Micro / Secondary Bevels.

Do not add a back bevel or curve the back surface.

Few hand tool purists can make a living with them.

Anonymous

Slip stones are typically used in this process.

General Guidelines
Use	α		Comments
Use	Pri. Bevel	Micro bevel	Comments
General Purpose	30°	+2° to +5°	I have seen recommendations for this to be as high as 15° for soft woods, but that seems like it would be quite difficult to control for a fine finish.

Notes & Comments

Information regarding Grindstones

Some travisher blades have a hollow on the back surface. Ignore this hollow when honing that face.

Carving edges are typically not reground; only to reshape them, or repair a problem with the edge. More commonly, the edge is simply honed on the leather wheel.

More Information

Books & Papers

Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Sharpening (book), by Thomas Lie-Nielsen

Videos & Presentations

Allan Williams Woodworker - Sharpening a Travisher Blade (YouTube). This is especially nice as Allan outlines a jig which makes the process easier if regrinding is necessary.
Making a Chairmakers Travisher (YouTube) by Harry Rogers. This video outlines blacksmithing for making a blade.
Sharpening a Travisher (YouTube) by Chris Buchanan. This video also outlines a jig for regrinding. Chris has a playlist for sharpening all forms of chairmaking tools.
Sharpening a Travisher Blade (YouTube) by James Mursell of The Windsor Workshop.
Sharpening Woodwork Tools - The Travisher (WIP Wednesday) (YouTube) by Ben & Lois Orford.

Published Articles

What are Slip Stones?

Web Sites

Sharpening a Travisher Blade by James Mursell. James, of The Windsor Workshop in West Sussex, UK, makes travishers (and other chair-making tools), and his information is great. He has some good general sharpening information also.