What You’ll Need:

  • A sharpening stone, file, or diamond sharpener

  • A clean cloth

  • Lubricating oil (e.g., WD-40 or linseed oil)

  • Optional: steel wool for cleaning rust

Step-by-Step:

  1. Clean the Blades
    Wipe off sap, dirt, and rust using a cloth or steel wool. It’s easier to sharpen clean blades!

  2. Find the Beveled Edge
    Only one side of the blade is usually sharpened (the beveled edge). Work only on that side.

  3. Sharpen with the File or Stone
    Run the sharpener along the beveled edge at the original angle (usually 20–25°), moving in one direction. Do a few firm, even strokes.

  4. Flip and Remove Burrs
    On the flat side, gently slide the file once to remove any metal burrs created during sharpening.

  5. Oil the Blade
    Finish by wiping the blade and applying a thin coat of oil to protect it from rust.

💬 Tip: Sharpen your tools regularly, especially before major pruning sessions.

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