I am looking to get something to sharpen my axe

[Alexander_Liam]

Hey there, I am sure that there are more experienced people here than me. I am looking to get something to sharpen my axe. There are a few ways that I am aware of, this article summarizes some https://www.toolazine.com/sharpen-h...-whetstone-wetstone-without-tools-using-rock/ but are there any other ways? What is your favorite way of sharpening your axe? Obviously, if you are out camping you may not take a power tool or even a file or whetstone so your answer is probably going to be "it depends" but I am just looking for a suggestion as to if it is worth buying a mill file or whetstone or what?

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

The bare minimum you should have is a file.

 

[garry3]

Hey there, I am sure that there are more experienced people here than me. I am looking to get something to sharpen my axe. There are a few ways that I am aware of, this article summarizes some https://www.toolazine.com/sharpen-h...-whetstone-wetstone-without-tools-using-rock/ but are there any other ways? What is your favorite way of sharpening your axe? Obviously, if you are out camping you may not take a power tool or even a file or whetstone so your answer is probably going to be "it depends" but I am just looking for a suggestion as to if it is worth buying a mill file or whetstone or what?

The dangers of the internet. Forget you ever seen that guy with an angle grinder.
A file and a stone or a diamond stone which is kind of my go to, sometimes referred to as a diamond file. They are light, fold down, have a handle and cut fast. This is the one I use but there are others.
https://www.acehardware.com/departm...LAs_N4_Tools_Other_All_Other&utm_term=4581939

This should be a sticky......

 

[mqqn]

I use a DMT Dia-fold in coarse / fine (blue / red) - works great on garden shears, loppers, and my cheap hardware-store axe.

best

mqqn

 

[Square_peg]

You need a file to set the bevel. That's 90%. Then some way to hone the edge.

 

[deepobs]

The pucks are quick and dirty. If you want a field sharpening tool. Not a fan of the swirly finish, but its not big deal

 

[Yankee Josh]

As has been said; a good file, a vice and diamond stones are what I use.
Like square peg said set the bevel and knock the cheek back a little if you wish with your file;

Making progress;

Filed;

And then hone. First with medium diamond and then fine. Knocking your burr off and giving yourself a slightly rounded or convex edge.

This is the REALLY simplified version. Lol. If you'd like more details just give a shout and I'm sure one of us can help you more.
All but the last photo is a '52 Rixford by the way. Great steel. Great axe!

 

[David Martin]

Alexander, welcome to the Axe forum. Even out camping I always carry at least a Norton India coarse/ fine stone. It doubles use for my knife. Here is how I sharpen mine as you won't have a vise either. Take the stone to the ax and work it. DM