Introducing another new product just in time for Handworks 2026, the Sterling Tool Works Fishtail JawsTM.
The Sterling Fishtail JawsTM was an idea that I had for many years to help hone Fishtail Chisels. The nature of fishtail chisels makes them notoriously difficult to hone and create secondary bevels. Most makers encourage people to free hand hone fishtail chisels. I had this idea to hold these types of chisels about 10 years ago. However, my idea was quite cost prohibitive as machining the jaws would require a 5 Axis mill that is very expensive. My recent use of 3D printing for our honing guide kit and customer acceptance of this material encouraged me to finally bring this idea to a product at a reasonable price. End your frustration with honing your fishtail chisels with these Fishtail Jawsä. Repeatable results achieved with the right tool for the job!
The Sterling Fishtail JawsTM are designed to mount on the Lie-Nielsen honing guide. We regard this honing guide as the absolutely best in the market and perfect for mounting these accessory jaws. The jaws are manufactured by 3D printing PTEG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) filament to our design. PTEG is a 3D printing material that blends the ease of use with the strength and heat resistance of ABS plastic and is a great material for these jaws.
The Sterling Fishtail JawsTM provide solid clamping of Lie-Nielsen Fishtail Chisels allowing for about 1/3 of an inch of travel to hone the existing angle of the factory chisel angle or steepening up for a secondary bevel. The texture of the clamping surface that contacts the chisel shaft helps grab the chisel securely without marring the shaft or socket of the Chisel. The hardware of the jaws is stainless steel so the entire jaw set is fine to be used in the wet environment of waterstone sharpening stations.
We will have a LIMITED number of these Jaws for sale Handworks but will be taking preorders for delivery by the end of September as we ramp up production.