Intro to Tool Sharpening Workshop - 16.01.26 (AM)

Workshop: Tool Sharpening Workshop  
Date: Friday 16th January 2026
Times: 09:30 - 13:00
Location: The Orchard Carving Studio, The Cider Press Centre, Shinners Bridge, Dartington, Devon TQ9 6TQ
Experience: Suitable for beginners and intermediate sharpeners
Includes: Sharpening Kit, Practice Knife, Tea, Coffee & Biscuits Provided

*Please note: ALL BOOKINGS MUST BE MADE via the Orchard Studio Website Here*

Sharpening is not a dark art! This workshop will teach you how to begin mastering sharpening spoon carving and green wood work tools. We will learn to sharpen a carving knife, hook knife, and an axe. I will provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to begin sharpening and maintaining your tools at home 

I break down each aspect into simple, repeatable steps, and provide everyone with a sharpening stone and carving knife which you can practice on during the workshop

This course is recommended for complete beginners who have never sharpened their through to people who have given sharpening a go but are stuck in a rut. It is immensely empowering learning how to get a sharp edge on your tools - come and give it a go!  We'll cover the following

Sharpening Setups: Diamond Stones / Natural Stones / Appropriate Kit
Bevel Angles, Steel Quality, Tools 
How to sharpen axes, hatchets and carving axes 
How to sharpen curved edge tools and hook knives 
How to sharpen carving Knives

With a structured approach, you'll quickly learn how to determine which sharpening kit and techniques to apply to get your tools from blunt to razor sharp 

*Please note: ALL BOOKINGS MUST BE MADE via the Orchard Studio Website Here*

Timings:
09:30 - Arrival & Intros (Tea & Coffee)
09:45 - Knife Sharpening
11:00 - Tea Break
11:15 - Hook Knife Sharpening 
12:00 - Axe Sharpening 
12:35 - Tools down, Q&A, Recap
12:45 - Finish (shop open)

Experience Required
No prior experience is necessary, ALL are welcome, this is a friendly and welcoming tool sharpening zone! You are welcome to bring your own tools for me to look at

If you need adjustments for mobility or other needs, please reach out. The carving site is a five-minute walk from the parking area.

Workshop Outcomes
Step-by-step guidance on Transferable Sharpening Techniques
Master knife sharpening and honing 
Learn to sharpen edge tools and hook knives 
Learn how to joint, sharpen and hone axes 

Venue:
Located at The New Orchard Carving Studio at the Cider Press Centre in Dartington, Near  Totnes Parking is FREE for course participants. The car park is a very short walk from the studio. 

Accessibility & Inclusivity 
Alex’s workshops foster a supportive environment, allowing everyone to learn at their own pace. Sharpening can be a frustrating but equally rewarding practice. You’ll leave empowered with the skills and confidence to continue sharpening at home.

Testimonials 
"I recently attended Alex's tool sharpening workshop, and it was excellent. Alex is both  knowledgeable and passionate about tools, he guided us through the essential techniques for sharpening a variety of tools, including hook knives which is the area I have most struggled. The hands-on practice and personalized feedback were invaluable. I left feeling confident and excited to apply my new skills at home, and yes I will remember to apply marker pen! I highly recommend this workshop to anyone looking to take the first step and improve their sharpening" - NH

What To Bring  
Sturdy Footwear 
Flask / Snack 
Tools if you would like them to be looked at 

Post Workshop Resources 
A list of useful links and resources for spoon carving
Opportunities to buy high-quality sharpening set ups and kit 
The chance to buy Alex’s book: Spooncarving: From Log to Spoon
Online Sharpening Masterclass by Alex + Ongoing email support

Terms & Conditions
Suitable for Adults (18+) 
Non Refundable, Transferable
Minimum of 6 participants required. If the course is under-booked, it will be rescheduled with at least one week’s notice.

*Please note: ALL BOOKINGS MUST BE MADE via the Orchard Studio Website Here*