Estwing 24a

W

_woo_

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Jan 25, 2010
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I just got the Estwing 24a for Christmas. This is my first hatchet/camp axe. So before you bash, I am excited. I know will need to do some work on the edge and I did work on it some today with my Sharpmaker but I really don't think that is the ideal way to sharpen an axe. I did get it considerably sharper but what do I need to get to make it easier on me?

Thanks guys.. BTW I am a knife sharpening NOOB soooo bare with my questions!
 
About 99% of manufactured axes these days need complete re-profiling before sharpening - they're simply made with waaay too obtuse an edge bevel and with a pretty thick geometry.

This means a lot of metal removal and with that said, a belt sander would be the ideal method... If you have a steady hand and are cautious about overheating, I've had good luck with a dremel and a grinder bit - quite speedy and can be great for re-profiling. The least you'd want to use for the task are some aggressive files, but that's going to take hours of elbow grease.
 
just use a basterd file (standerd chainsaw file) and a lansky puck. that'll get er' good and sharp. then follow up with a nice stropping.. i believe you'll be happy.
pay close attention to the profile on either side--keep them even and take your time. don't get frustrated, it takes patience and time to learn and get it right.
 
thanks guys. I don't have a belt sander. I can get a dremel and I will probably go out and get some files.

When you are using the puck, do you have the puck in your hand and the axe in a vise? Thanks
 
That Estwing has an acceptable profile to start with. To use the puck, I hold the puck in my hand and the hatchet with my thumb in the middle of the head and make circular motions with the puck on the oposite side of the head, while looking down at the edge. I turn the handle away from my body for the other side of the head. Looking down on the edge I can see how the cutting edge meets the puck and keep the angles correct and the edge sharp.
 
ThundarStick said:
That Estwing has an acceptable profile to start with. To use the puck, I hold the puck in my hand and the hatchet with my thumb in the middle of the head and make circular motions with the puck on the oposite side of the head, while looking down at the edge. I turn the handle away from my body for the other side of the head. Looking down on the edge I can see how the cutting edge meets the puck and keep the angles correct and the edge sharp.
Click to expand...

When you say circular, are you only applying pressure to the edge with the downward stroke or contacting it with the full circle?
 
Woo
I would say mostly on the down ward stroke, but I don't agonize over it. hehe

I have used to sharpen an axe etc. 4 1/2 in high speed grinder with backed sanding pads (this one can get you into trouble fast), 5 inch random orbit sander with various grits and angles, and paper wheels on a bench grinder. You can see, I like sharp stuff! I mostly use the puck for a touch up after using an axe or hatchet.
 
I've always done my reprofiling by hand. I start with the coarsest stone I can find for most of the work and gradually step down to my Surgical Black.

It takes time but it's worth it. I have khukris I can shave with.
 
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