Diamond, Stone, or Synthetic: Does it Matter Which for Sharpening Axe(s)

B

Blunt Forged Edge

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May 15, 2012
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Like the title states, does it really matter which sharpening implement one gets or uses for a working tool? There's a dizzying array of sharpening products and their intended uses, but I'm looking for a straightforward answer. Please advise and thanks in advance!
 
Nope doesn't really matter sharp is sharp.

I use a 1" x 42" belt sander to re-profile or get the edge closer to sharp if dinged or chipped, but do not let it get to warm.you can do this with a file if it is what you have.

Then i will go to a diamond, stone, spyderco grey sharpmaker stix or i have some steel bars 8 or 10" long with sand paper stuck to them with spray adhiesive in various grits.

and if I want to make it shave I will strop with green compound on a piece of old leather belt glued to a board.

How sharp do you want, carving or whittling, rather keen, chopping wood with bark durable edge that is pretty sharp, splitting I don't really need the sharpest tool in the shed for that.

Just my opinion, It don't take fancy tools to get it sharp, but takes a little practice.
 
Nope, doesnt matter. anything typically used to sharpen will work fine. More important is the stuff used to tweaking the geometry of the cheek and bit, like files and grindstones and what not. thats the complex part.
 
G-pig said:
More important is the stuff used to tweaking the geometry of the cheek and bit, like files and grindstones and what not. thats the complex part.
Click to expand...

That's where most of the work is, too. Once you've got it shaped then sharpening is fast and easy.
 
they all have advantages and disadvantages. I mostly use diamond stones now as they require the least amount of maintenance. Can be used dry, do not dish out, or can be used with water as desired as oil can be a mess or not on hand. They are fairly cheap now, come in compact / light weight combo stones...etc.

everyone will have a preference :)
 
I've used both and both work, but lately I've been using a diamond stone and I'm liking it more each time I use it. It's quicker and and I seem to get a finer edge.
 
I've alway's used an Arkansas Hard stone for fine edge's and the old Carb stone for chaseing bad ding's.the 2 in the photo alway's went with me to the bush regardless of how long i was going to be there
DSCF4820.jpg
 
I use diamond to get a whittling edge on my smaller axe/hawks and a duller edge on my big axes (a hair or 2 off an arm with enough force),i dont think what you use to sharpen,Murray Carter used a cinderblock and newspaper to get a shaving edge in a video.
 
This a hard to answer.
Some type of really fine natural stone is best
for finishing the edge.
But they should never be used for removing lots of metal.
 
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