Basic Axe Sharpening

[IA Woodsman]

I have been asked by several people to do a video on axe sharpening. I have been very hesitant to do so. I am going to show you what works for me. I don't deal in precise angles or gadgets. I use real basic sharpening tools. There is no real technique. The best way to learn is to get an axe and practice. I have never seen an axe that was beyond repair from hand sharpening.

[video=youtube;oOoBrURokwo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOoBrURokwo&feature=c4-overview&list=UUnHwxnLdWlkpvCrfwGoPZ9Q[/video]

Basic tools. I like to start with a file. You can make a handle or use a commercial one. A handle is not necessary, but it gives you more control. A DC4 is a great portable sharpening tool. I use it to clean up the file marks and getting out small nicks. The diamond steel and ceramic rod are my favorite for a final edge.

I like to do most of my work in the woods is possible. I made a quick clamp so I could use both hands to file. It is pretty easy to make.

I start with a platform, and 4 spars. On one end of the spars, I tie a fixed loop. I usually use a figure 8 on a bight.If you are worried about the line slipping, you can put a notch in the spars to keep it in place.

The other end of the spars are secured with a Canadian jam. This keeps the axe fairly secure.

There is no great secret about sharpening except practice.

I did not take pictures of actual sharpening, but it is in the video. Hope it helps.

 

[Grease]

Good stuff here. It's amazing the difference between an axe "edge" and a real sharpened axe.

I have never seen an axe that was beyond repair from hand sharpening.

You've never seen an axe that my dad tried to sharpen on a bench grinder...

I fixed the edge on his splitting maul the other day. The edge was... Not an edge. It was about 1/4" thick and ground at a ridiculously steep angle, like 45* per side, where it wasn't chipped and dented from hitting rocks. I think you could have worn out a file before finishing a repair on that one... I ended up just grinding it way back on a bench grinder until it was thin enough behind the edge to start sharpening it again.

 

[IA Woodsman]

Good stuff here. It's amazing the difference between an axe "edge" and a real sharpened axe.




You've never seen an axe that my dad tried to sharpen on a bench grinder...

I fixed the edge on his splitting maul the other day. The edge was... Not an edge. It was about 1/4" thick and ground at a ridiculously steep angle, like 45* per side, where it wasn't chipped and dented from hitting rocks. I think you could have worn out a file before finishing a repair on that one... I ended up just grinding it way back on a bench grinder until it was thin enough behind the edge to start sharpening it again.

I have seen some axes like that. I guess if the owner is ok with it what the heck. I am glad to hear you helped him out though.

 

[22-rimfire]

Great video and how to. Many people have problems sharpening axes, hatchets, and large knives even if they are fairly proficient with smaller knives. I noticed that you really didn't take that many strokes to polish or smooth the edge at the end of the sharpening effort. Is that typical? That is where I don't have a sense of how much is enough except to feel the edge. I suspect that I end up taking twice as much steel off as necessary.

My Dad always used grinding wheels also on axes and lawn mower blades. I suspect the problem is taking too much steel off and heating the edge in the process.

 

[wjswiger]

Thank you for this information. I've been looking for a good guide on woods-usable sharpening for axes....this is perfect! By the way, love the improvised vise.....I'm definitely using this.

 

[Grease]

I have seen some axes like that. I guess if the owner is ok with it what the heck. I am glad to hear you helped him out though.

I slogged through splitting a couple logs before I sharpened it, then showed him how much easier it was afterwards. I don't think he'll be going back now