Mark Hennebury
"When someone new to a task asks how to do something our first thought should be"

You have someone that wants to learn, that has come to you for advice.

To discourage someone from trying is doing them a disservice and making the task seem too hard for them to learn.

You have the privilige of helping someone on their journey.
You have the duty to give them your best advice.

You wont go through life without making mistakes.

" show me a person who hasn't made mistakes, and I will show you a person who hasn't done anything"

Sharp, Flat. Straight, Square, these are the building blocks of woodworking and must be learned.... the sooner the better.

Whats the absolute worst thing that can happen.... you damage a chisel?

A chisel is a tool, not a jewel.

If you have chisels that are jewels you should know how to sharpen them, and if you dont you should put them away until you do.

Go to home depot buy some cheap chisel and leanr to use them.

The best way of course is to have an instructor show and guide you, as was stated.

But as far as a forum goes, the best is to give you the best advice and encouragement.