Framing Slick bevel angle question

[woodworker9]

I am curious what bevel angle the timber framers prefer on their slicks.  I just purchased a very nice Greenlee (vintage) 3" slick, and like most vintage tools I find, has not been in the custody of an individual who knew anything about sharpening tools.  It has never been flattened (no evidence of even being rubbed on concrete, let alone a sharpening device) and the the bevel shows evidence of, actually, about 20 or 30 different bevels. It's a mess, and I need to regrind it, and am curious what angle you guys go with.

My main chisel sets are all vintage chisels, and I have assembled, over 25 years or so, a complete set of bench, paring, butt, and framing chisels (now completed by this slick) all made by Greenlee.  The steel they used back in the day was excellent quality. 

[Dave Shepard]

I use 25°/27°. The 27° Is a micro bevel. That makes it quicker for touch ups. This is lower than I use for my framing chisels because you don't hammer on a slick it doesn't need to be as steep.

[woodworker9]

That's what  I was thinking.  Thanks for the reply.

And, Yes, I will be using the tool as a paring chisel, not with a mallet.

Believe it or not, the current bevel is at roughly 45°.....I often wonder how these people live long enough to mess up a fine tool like this one. :

[woodworker9]

Done with the re-grind.  It turned out well.  I had to remove a lot of material.  I measured, and the previous bevel (there were about 20 of them....sheesh what a butcher job) was around 45°.  Now it's 25°



  

 

With the handle, it's 30" long.  Nice tool.  I still have to hone the bevel and flatten the back.....tomorrow.