Intro to Tool Sharpening Workshop - 23.03.25 (PM)

Workshop: Tool Sharpening Workshop  
Date: Sunday 23rd March 2025
Times: 13:45 - 16:55
Location: Lower Sharpham Barton Farm, Ashprington TQ9 7DX 
Experience: Suitable for beginners and intermediate woodcarvers 
Includes: Sharpening Kit, Practice Knife, Tea, Coffee & Biscuits Provided

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 kitchen knives 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 

Timings:
13:45 - Arrival & Intros (tea & coffee followed by a walk to the workshop)
14:00 - Knife Sharpening
15:00 - Tea Break
15:15 - Hook Knife Sharpening 
16:00 - Axe Sharpening 
16:45 - Tools down, Q&A, Recap
17:00 - Return to Tea Barn (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 Lower Sharpham Barn on the River Dart, the venue is part of a rewilding project with stunning views. Use what3words: coffee.hindering.facts to navigate. Please allow extra time for the bumpy track!

Safety & Wellbeing 
Alex is trained in Outdoor & Paediatric First Aid and has extensive teaching experience. Each workshop is risk-assessed for safety. We’ll ideally carve outside, so please bring warm clothing and sturdy footwear. All carving areas are within a two-minute walk from the car park, and restrooms are available along with refreshments in the tea barn.

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 
Warm Clothes, Hat & Gloves (we will be in an unheated workshop) 
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
Ongoing email support
Invites to Westcountry SpoonJam & Future workshops

Terms & Conditions
Suitable for Adults (18+) 
Non Refundable, Transferable
Minimum of 5 participants required. If the course is under-booked, it will be rescheduled with at least one week’s notice.