microbevel on axe???

[timothy1]

oi am mainly a knife guy but i want to sharpen my axe, am i supposed to put a microbevel on the axe or do i just sharpen the primary bevel

 

[timothy1]

 

[Maximumbob54]

I'm no expert but I've never bothered.

 

[Old Axeman]

No Microbevel

 

[timothy1]

what about secondairy bevels?
O Old Axeman M Maximumbob54

 

[Maximumbob54]

I've used an Estwing Sportsman's hatchet and Camper's axe more than anything else. I've always just used a round Norton stone to give it a sharp feeling edge with no micro bevel or anything else. An axe is a splitting tool and less of a cutting or slicing tool. That's all I can offer.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

The most accurate answer is

Basically if you were dealing with flat geometries, yes there would be a microbevel. However, a thin convex is generally regarded as the best approach, and that is functionally much like a microbevel applied to a thinner backing bevel due to the "normal to the curve" (in geometry terms) increasing continuously in angle as it approaches the apex. Or, in other words, the angle blends back from the edge angle by continuously reducing until it blends into the cheeks. This gives it a stable and durable edge with a thinned geometry behind it, allowing for improved penetration at a given edge angle.

Because convex geometries are difficult to quantify without getting all "math-y" an easier approach some take when it comes to shaping the bit on a belt grinder or similar is to rough-in the geometry as a series of flat facets of different angles/thicknesses and then blend it in smooth on the slack belt.

 

[bikerector]

Depending on what you have and how much material you need to remove, sandpaper on a sanding block works pretty well to get/maintain a convex edge.

Anymore, I file it nearly done and then finish with sandpaper or puck, or leave it if it doesn't need a keen edge. I think sandpaper is easier to sharpen than a puck, a puck is easier to bring into the woods than sandpaper and block(s).

I usually touch up with a ceramic rod for the smaller, sharper axes.

 

[Gato do mato]

All my axes have microbevel.

I use them for throwing, splitting, chopping and carving, all of them with microbevel.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I make throwers.
Like Nat's cat, I use a primary bevel and then a very sharp secondary bevel. I wouldn't call it a microbevel, just a secondary. My throwing axes will cut you if you aren't paying attention to the edge ... but they stick beautifully.

 

[Bigburly912]

Just depends on what you are using your axes for. I use a norton stone or sandpaper and chop firewood year round with no issues. I dont see how youd go wrong either way

 

[timothy1]

thanks for the replies