Good angle for an 18" "Hunter's Axe"?

J

jayjaygee

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Mar 13, 2023
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I just bought an inexpensive "Hunter's Axe" from Marbles and I got it looking pretty cool. But I haven't put an edge on it. It's completely dull so I can do whatever I want.

What is a typical/good edge angle and style for an axe of this type? I honestly don't know what people use axes for in camp, but I guess I'll use it for the things I usually use a machete for. Processing firewood, basically. So the answer probably needs to reflect that.

I'll probably use the same "puck" I use for general use but I also have a diamond 1200 grit file if need be.

guh612.jpg
 
jayjaygee said:
No on in the Axe thread knows the appropriate angle to sharpen an axe?
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there are no universal angle standards, it depends on the weight thr length the thickness of the bit thickness of the cheeks and the overall head profile as well as the use and even the steel.
There are some guidelines of recommended angles for say a felling axe, but even then with how axes vary that particular angle isn't going to get you the same performance out of every axe.

just get it as sharp as you can, and if it doesn't perform to your satisfaction bring the edge back until it does.
 
Hickory n steel said:
there are no universal angle standards, it depends on the weight thr length the thickness of the bit thickness of the cheeks and the overall head profile as well as the use and even the steel.
There are some guidelines of recommended angles for say a felling axe, but even then with how axes vary that particular angle isn't going to get you the same performance out of every axe.

just get it as sharp as you can, and if it doesn't perform to your satisfaction bring the edge back until it does.
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I appreciate what you're saying but since I've never used an axe, I won't know if it's performing badly or I am. Can you at least give me a hint? 30 degrees? 15 degrees? Something to go on? And the reason I took the time to take and include a photo is because I hoped that would answer some of the questions you were raising. Thickness, profile, etc. I can take more if need be.
 
jayjaygee said:
I can get it sharp enough to shave with. But I don't think that's recommended?
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If you can get it shaving sharp get it shaving sharp and see how it performs, i believe you're kind of overthinking this a little bit.
I don't actually sharpen by angles , and I doubt most people did during the Heyday of the American logging industry either.
 
Hickory n steel said:
i believe you're kind of overthinking this a little bit.
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Ha, you're probably right about that. But "most people did during the Heyday of the American logging industry" did sharpen at an angle because that's what sharpening is - creating an angle on the metal. The people you're talking about had experience using them, and probably had other axes around them before they sharpened their first one. I have neither, so that's why I'm asking.
 
Let me give an example. If someone asked me the same question about a machete, I'd say "25 degrees, convex grind for processing firewood. 20 degrees, no curve for green wood/lawn work." I'm looking for something similar from the people who I assume are expert with axe use. This will be a camp axe.
 
I found this thread that asks the same question and some people gave actual answers: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/sooo-whats-the-proper-edge-angle.1342535/

My mistake with this post was asking the question politely. I'm learning that on this forum, the best way to get replies would have been to insist "the only edge you should put on an axe is 32.11 degrees and anyone who says otherwise doesn't know edged tools."

That seems to be the only way to get a conversation going here. Oh well.
 
I don't think there is a convention on the correct angle, but most use 25 degrees when sharpening.
I don't like convex edges on my axes and hatchets, I use aggressive sharpening. Some with 20 degrees of sharpening and 25 degrees micro edge.
 
jayjaygee said:
I found this thread that asks the same question and some people gave actual answers: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/sooo-whats-the-proper-edge-angle.1342535/

My mistake with this post was asking the question politely. I'm learning that on this forum, the best way to get replies would have been to insist "the only edge you should put on an axe is 32.11 degrees and anyone who says otherwise doesn't know edged tools."

That seems to be the only way to get a conversation going here. Oh well.
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I WAS going to write a comprehensive answer but this attitude tells me not to waste my time. The link Gato do mato posted will get you close enough, though I disagree with it in some minor respects.
 
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