Do it Right, Do it Light

There’s a quiet kind of wisdom that runs through a timber framer’s day — a rhythm shaped by wood, tool, and touch. One of the simplest truths, and one of the hardest to practice, is this: it’s better to sharpen often than to sharpen long.

The Cost of Waiting

It’s tempting to keep cutting when a chisel starts to dull. The edge still bites, sort of. You can muscle through a few more mortises, maybe finish that brace. But every stroke past sharpness takes more effort, and it leaves a rougher surface behind. Eventually, you spend twice as long bringing that edge back — and the work loses its precision in the meantime.

A dull edge isn’t just slower. It’s a teacher — one that tells you you’ve waited too long.

The Rhythm of Sharpening

Frequent sharpening isn’t a chore; it’s part of the rhythm of good work. A quick hone every half day keeps your tools honest and your mind calm. A fifteen minute sharpening session is enjoyable, any longer is a chore.

In practice, this means having a dedicated sharpening area, ready for action. This allows for a quick sharpening session — and you’re back to the timber. The more you build this habit, the more natural it feels. You start to hear when the tool asks for it.

Sharpening as Mindset

There’s something more to this than efficiency. Frequent sharpening reminds you that timber framing isn’t just about the joinery — it’s about care. The same way a dull chisel drags through wood, a distracted mind drags through the day. Sharpening gives you a moment to pause, to realign both edge and attention.

When to Save the Big Session

There’s still a place for the long sharpening session — the one with the coarse paper or stone. That’s for repair, for edges nicked by grit or dropped on the floor. But those sessions should be rare. The craftsman who sharpens often spends less time at the bench repairing and more time at the bench building.

In the end, frequent sharpening is a mark of respect — for your tools, for the wood, and for the work itself. Keep your edges keen, and the craft will stay sharp with you.