Hatchet Sharpness

[PartialSerrations]

I see many videos on You Tube with personnel having his or her axe / hatchet paper cutting sharp. Does this make for more frequent sharpening or better chopping. How sharp do I need it. My hatchet does not cut paper at all. Please help. I will be using it for limbs and branch removal with an occasional big chopping job. Should I convex the edge or sharpen it like a v grind knife? My hatchet is around 12 inches. thx

 

[FSCJedi]

Do a google search for a pdf. entitled, "An Ax to Grind". It will tell you everything you need to know. It's one of those books that, even in digital format, you want to have if you like axes or will ever need to use one.

 

[rlcanon]

How sharp do I need it. My hatchet does not cut paper at all. Please help. Should I convex the edge or sharpen it like a v grind knife?

Razor sharp convex edge is the way to go. My Wetterlings Wildlife hatchet is easily as sharp as most of my knives, but the convex grind supports the edge so it has good edge retention. I use the same sheet abrasive/mouse pad and strop routine I use on my convex knives.

 

[warrigal]

My Wetterlings forged Husqvanna wildlife sized axe came with very thick edge I started with a file then wet and dry 240, 400, 600, 800, 1000, then 1200 followed by Puma knife polish on a cork block.
It Came up mirrored. But what has really come out of this is it is much longer between sharpenings now.
In Bushcraft Korchanski speaks of stroppping some knives up to 200 times. by removeing that wire edge by polish or strop stops the wire bending and giving you a blunt spot or breaking and you get a chip.
Carl