Japanese Axes?

J

Javelin

Joined
Dec 19, 2008
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322
I've been thinking of getting an axe soon, and I happen to like bearded style axes. However the only good bearded axe for around 50-60$ I can find is this japanese axe (japanwoodworker). While Im sure it can hold an edge (I have a couple really awesome japanese knives... their laminated blades are great!) I'm curious about how easy it is to sharpen. I've come to really appreciate a tool that's easy to sharpen, specifically with a file and an arkansas stone, and nowadays a "soft" BHK tiger knapp is my favorite fixed blade. Now while the japanese knives I have are great, hold an edge really well, super tough and all they require kinda special tools to sharpen up.

Anyone had any experience with japanese axes? can they be sharpened with a file?
 
I have one.

I don't know, it's like anything else to sharpen, I guess. It's not as though the steel is hardened like a knife, it's softer to absorb impact, so it's not similar to sharpening White Steel at HRC63, and carbon steel is fairly easy to sharpen regardless. Mine is fairly easy to put an sharp edge on and doesn't require special tools, a water stone should be perfectly fine. What do you want to know? Is it worth it? It'll be the same as any other axe, just different. Guess it depends on why you want to get a Japanese axe opposed to more traditional. Sorry I couldn't help more.

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I will say that it isn't that you need special tools to sharpen items, you can sharpen a spoon with enough dedication and patience with any sort of medium that is coarse to fine, it's just that some mediums are able to work with the edge in a more efficient way. Don't let the idea of needing 'special tools to sharpen' hinder you from buying something - you really don't need special tools, some people use ceramic mugs or even 3M paper on a glass surface. It's just what you find that works best for you and working your technique.
 
This is the Japanese axe that that I would recommend. I've got 3 of them, and let me tell you , "They are awesome". Made in Seki City with Damascus steel. I f you look around, you may find one for $150.00 new.

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Last edited:
mossyhorn said:
This is the Japanese axe that that I would recommend. I've got 3 of them, and let me tell you , "They are awesome". Made in Seki City with Damascus steel. I f you look around, you may find one for $150.00 new.

kb133v.jpg
Click to expand...
Sure like the looks of this one.......:thumbup:
 
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