My Fingers Hurt

When using the Veritas honing guide with larger chisels or slicks, it’s common to feel finger fatigue as you fight the tool’s natural tendency to pivot toward the handle. The constant downward pressure can leave your fingertips sore after just a few passes.

There are two ways to solve this (one is better):

1. Break up your work — sharpen in shorter sessions and give your fingers a chance to rest.
2. Use your palm instead of your fingertips.

By placing your palm gently on the front of the honing guide (the inlet just above the roller), you spread the pressure across a larger area. This lets you maintain firm, even contact with the stone without pinching the chisel or stressing your fingers. It also gives you finer control of the cutting angle — especially helpful with heavy timber-framing slicks.