Anybody who shaves knows that a dull cutting tool is more likely to do damage than a sharp one.  Same goes for woodworking chisels.  You’ve got to get those chisels sharp if you want to them to work well, and be safe to use.

It might surprise you to learn that brand new chisels aren’t ready to go to work.  Most chisels are ground, not honed, by the manufacturer.  Grinding is, well, grinding. A shaping process.  honing is what it takes to get the chisel REALLY sharp so it cuts effectively.  The grinding marks near the tip of the chisel in the picture tell me this one needs some work.  Our goal is to remove the marks left behind by the grinder.