How to Sharpen Chisels with the DMT Double-Sided 8" Dia-Sharp Kit

Limited-Time Deal: The DMT Double-Sided 8" Dia-Sharp Diamond Stone Kit is on sale for $149.99 (regularly $179.99). This four-grit kit is an excellent all-in-one solution for sharpening your chisels. Shop the deal now.

Why Use the DMT Double-Sided 8" Dia-Sharp Kit for Chisels?

Chisels are among the most used tools in any woodworking shop. Whether you’re carving dovetails, paring joints, or cleaning up a mortise, sharp chisels make the work easier, safer, and more precise.

The DMT Double-Sided 8" Dia-Sharp Kit gives you the complete grit range you need in a compact, easy-to-use format:

Diamond Plate 1: Extra Coarse (220 grit) is great for fast metal removal and repairing damage, while the Coarse (325 grit) establishes the primary bevel.

Diamond Plate 2: Fine (600 grit) refines the edge and the Extra Fine (1200 grit) side polishes to razor sharpness.

Since diamond plates stay flat and the continuous diamond surface cuts quickly, they’re perfect for chisels. No soaking, no flattening, and no mess. Just consistent, predictable results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Chisel Sharpening

Step 1: Flatten the Back

A chisel’s back is used as a reference for accurate cuts. If it’s not flat, the edge won't cut cleanly.

• Start with the Extra Coarse plate. Place the back flat on the stone. Move back and forth along the whole length of the stone, using medium to light pressure.
  
• Progress through Coarse - Fine - Extra Fine, refining the scratch pattern at each stage.
• Work until the first half-inch to one inch behind the edge is evenly sharpened. It should look bright and shiny

This flattening is usually a one-time job for new chisels. Once done, future maintenance only requires quick touch-ups on the finer plates.

At 2lbs each, the plates are stable on their own. If you need additional support or a higher platform for the plates, the DMT Universal Sharpening Base works great. 

Step 2: Establish the Bevel

Most bench chisels perform best with a 25° primary bevel. If the edge is damaged or the bevel angle is inconsistent, use the Extra Coarse side to reset it.

• Keep the chisel steady and the bevel flat against the bevel.
• Use a honing guide for consistency if you’re not sharpening freehand.

Once the primary bevel is set, you won’t need to grind it back often. Most of your subsequent sharpening will focus on quick touch-ups with the finer grits, or stropping. 

Step 3 (optional): Add a Micro-Bevel

For a more durable edge, add a micro-bevel at about 30°.

• Increase the angle slightly (just a few degrees above your primary).
• Take light, controlled strokes on the Fine (600 grit) side until you feel a small burr on the back.
• Move to the Extra Fine (1200 grit) side to polish that micro-bevel.

The result is a tiny, polished land at the cutting edge, easy to maintain and fast to refresh.

Step 4: Remove the Burr

Flip the chisel over and make a couple of very light strokes on the back, flat against the Extra Fine side of the plate. This removes the burr and leaves the edge clean.

You can test for any remaining burr by making a cut in wood. A clean bevel will leave a smooth finish on the wood. 

Tips for Chisel Sharpening Success

• Go light: Diamond plates cut fast, there’s no need to push hard.
• Use water: A light spritz of water helps remove swarf (metal filings).
• Expect a break-in period: New diamond plates feel rough at first but quickly settle into smooth, consistent cutting.
• Form a burr: If you don’t feel a burr forming, you haven’t reached the edge yet. Stay on the coarser plate until you do.
• Keep the chisel square: Apply even pressure so the edge doesn’t skew to one side.

Why Diamond Plates for Chisels?

1. Always flat: Unlike water or oil stones, diamond plates never dish out.
2. Fast cutting: Repairs chips, reshapes bevels, and capable of cutting any steel.
3. Easy sharpening: Minimal maintenance and just splash with water to get started.
4. Long life: With basic care, wipe clean and store dry, they’ll last for years.

Sharp chisels are essential for clean, accurate woodworking. The DMT Double-Sided 8" Dia-Sharp Kit gives you everything you need to flatten backs, set bevels, and polish edges, without the maintenance requirements of traditional stones. With this compact kit, keeping your chisels sharp is simple, fast, and repeatable.