ice carving secrets: chisels: before and after
ice carving secrets: chisels: before and after
On January 5th, I posted the photo above of some chisels that I had that were in very bad shape. I sent them to Samurai Sharpening (Michael Pizzuto) and they came back in the condition shown below for about $20 per chisel (a little more in one case). When I sent them, one of my chisels featured a corner that had been knocked off and another had come apart from the handle! Considering how bad they looked when I sent them off, I was pretty ecstatic to see how they look now. I lucked out a little bit and got them back quicker than I thought I would because Pizzuto doesn’t do much chisel work in the winter. The summer is much better, but you should always call ahead ((303) 423-6560), because that’s when the demand for his services is the highest. Also, make sure that you pack your chisels carefully and include a list of the chisels you’re sending (I didn’t do that and it created a little confusion). Chisels should be sent via U.S. Postal service (insured) to the address below:
Michael Pizzuto
Samurai Chisel Sharpening
P.O. Box 44
Golden, CO 80402-0044
phone: (303) 423-6560
For one of the chisels, Pizzuto had to replace a collar so that the chisel could be reconnected to the handle. If one of your chisels requires this, it might take longer because the collars are specially made in Japan. Pizzuto had some on hand when he fixed my chisel, so I was once again fortunate.
Good, sharp chisels make for better quality work with less effort. If your chisels look half as bad as the “before” photo above, then you better call Pizzuto!

After: GREAT!

The two chisels on the right were particularly bad. Above is a closeup shot.
chisels: before and after
2/17/08
Before: BAD!