Honing Guide
A jig that clamps a blade at a fixed angle to sharpen it consistently on a stone.
What is it?
A honing guide holds a chisel or plane iron at a set bevel angle as you work it across a stone, keeping the edge true and repeatable. It removes the guesswork from freehand sharpening.
What is it used for?
- Sharpening chisels at a set angle
- Honing plane irons consistently
- Maintaining a repeatable bevel
How to choose
Choose a guide that grips the blade securely and sets a range of angles. A wide, stable roller keeps the blade from rocking.
Anatomy
Understanding the parts of a honing guide helps you use, maintain, and buy it with confidence.
- Body: the main working portion of the tool
- Working end: the part that contacts the material
- Handle: the part you grip for control and leverage
Materials & construction
Quality honing guides are made from hardened, heat-treated steel (often chrome-vanadium or high-carbon) chosen for strength, edge retention, and resistance to wear and corrosion.
Safety & maintenance
- Wear safety glasses; metal chips and fragments are sharp
- Use the correct technique and pressure for the material
- Keep the tool clean and store it safely
- Fit a handle where the tool uses one to protect your hand
Also known as
sharpening jig, sharpening guide