TIPUBevel Gauge, NOT for Knife Edge

I purchased this tool to verify the various sharpened bevel angles of my block plane irons. It is well made, accurate, and perfect for this application (i.e., measuring flat bevel angles). I would definitely purchase this item again but I seriously doubt that it will ever wear out during my lifetime given normal intended use.

A nice chunk of heavy brushed metal, with the angle numbers cleanly etched on both sides. Can't tell whether the tool was cut or punched, but the edges are smooth throughout. Sadly, unlike the photo above, mine came with "Tipu" etched in the middle on both sides (not my preference). The hole fits my pegboard hooks with plenty of room to spare, but is probably a bit too large for a key chain. I have no real complaints. It'll get the job done.

The circle at the end of each wedge is too big. Most of the ground edge ends up in the circle and there is not enough left to reliably gauge the angle. You can, by looking perpendicularly to the gauge and lining up the top of the grind with one edge of a wedge, find a wedge where the bottom appears parallel to the other edge. This gives you an idea of the angle except for any sighting / parallax error. It's better than lining up an edge with a straight object and doing the trig, but would be a lot better if you could just put the grind into the wedge and read it...

The way I believe you're supposed to use this is to center the knife in the middle of the slot and try to match up the bevel of knife edge to the side. Then move the gauge perpendicular to the knife and see if the other side matches up. It's not something where you should just jam the knife into the slot and see if it fits. The issue is the actual knife edge bezel is kind of hard to match up when the grind is only a mm or so wide. Have to break out the magnifying glass and have really steady hands. I can't attest to the accuracy of the angles because it was just difficult to use.

If you are going to sharpen chisels you need this. It is also great for checking other angles on small objects. This is one of those tools you don't realize you need until you don't have it.

well made but a little difficult to read on thin edge blades.

I use the gauge to check the bevel angles of my chisels and plane irons, It's works quite well for this and a very good value for its price. I also like that I can slip it into the pockets of my workshop apron and not require much room.

Would have liked to have seen smaller holes at the end of each angle. Does not work well for for measuring the angle on small tools. Can not be used on very small on very small to miniature tools. Nice other than that.