Before using a carving tool sharpener, it is good to determine which bevel of the cutting edge you need. Each craftsman has their own preferences, but the general tip is to keep a shallow angle (15° to 20°) for softwood that is easy to carve, such as basswood, and a steep angle (25° to 35°) for hardwood such as oak. Bear in mind that the bevel is sharpened with a sharpening stone or sandpaper with rougher grit than the one you use for the entire blade.