Q:
Many woodworkers talk about using a secondary bevel on their chisel and plane blades. Why would I want to do this? It seems like more work than using a single bevel.
Brad Perry, Valdosta, GA
A:
Actually, using a secondary bevel takes less time because you are honing a much smaller area. For a blade to be sharp, both surfaces that form the cutting edge must be polished and free of defects, even the slightest nicks. On a single bevel you must hone the entire surface area of the bevel, a job that takes much time and effort. However, if you raise the blade a few degrees to form a secondary bevel, the area that must be honed is greatly reduced, so you get that flawless cutting edge much more quickly and easily.
![](https://images.finewoodworking.com/app/uploads/2011/09/19133453/qa_222_4-700x394.jpg)
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