At what angle should the cutting edge of a straight skew chisel be ground on both sides of the blade?

The cutting edge of a straight skew chisel should be ground at an angle between 12 to 15 degrees on both sides of the blade. This specific angle is optimal for achieving a sharp edge that allows for effective cutting during woodworking tasks.

A 12 to 15-degree angle strikes a balance between maintaining a sharp edge and ensuring durability, enabling the chisel to perform well without becoming dulled too quickly. This angle also facilitates a smoother cutting action, which is essential for the precision required in fine woodworking applications.

Grinding the edge at this angle helps in reducing the likelihood of the chisel catching or tearing the wood, promoting cleaner cuts, especially in end grain or delicate work. Angles outside this range may either make the cutting edge too fragile (being too acute) or less effective (being too obtuse), resulting in a less satisfactory performance overall.