Need Sharpening Advise

[revolverman357]

I need some advise on the best way to sharpen a hatchet.
I have an old Western brand hatchet that hasn't been sharpened since
I got it (about 35 years ago).

Anyone have any instructions for me?

 

[Liam Ryan]

I would use an angle grinder, but be careful not to let it get too hot or you will lose the temper of the edge.
You can usually find one for 20 bucks, if you don't already have one, if you don't it's an invaluable tool. Grinding stones are usually just a buck or two.
If it's one of those flat stock western hatchets you could get away with a coarse file.

You won't need to be as exact as a knife but try to keep a constant angle. You can get a pretty thin edge if you are careful not to hit any rocks with it.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

Either a decent belt sander, or do it the old fashioned way: a file, followed by a coarse/fine Norton puck.

 

[jurisprudence]

You may want to start with a belt sander as recommended above since it hasn't been sharpened in years. After you get it sharp, you can keep it that way with sand paper and give it a convexed edge (which I prefer on axes). Here are some tips:

http://knol.google.com/k/night-hunter/sharpening-convex-edged-knives/1m7g1s1evq3nd/2#

 

[JD Spydo]

There are 2 items you can get from the US Forest Service: When I got them they were free but I've had them for a while. One is a booklet entitled "An Ax To Grind". That book shows you how to sharpen an ax correctly. There is also a DVD video you can get from them with the same name which shows you how to correctly sharpen an ax, hatchet or maul.

I use a very coarse double cut Nicholson File to get the nicks and burrs removed. Then I use one of those double grade hockey puck type stones to put my final edge on it. But that information you can get from the US Forest Service is great and it definitely gets you going in the right direction. It's also great for learning how to select a new handle and hang it.

 

[ratamahatta]

There are 2 items you can get from the US Forest Service: When I got them they were free but I've had them for a while. One is a booklet entitled "An Ax To Grind". That book shows you how to sharpen an ax correctly. There is also a DVD video you can get from them with the same name which shows you how to correctly sharpen an ax, hatchet or maul.

I use a very coarse double cut Nicholson File to get the nicks and burrs removed. Then I use one of those double grade hockey puck type stones to put my final edge on it. But that information you can get from the US Forest Service is great and it definitely gets you going in the right direction. It's also great for learning how to select a new handle and hang it.

Here's the link to what's mentioned above.....

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/Fspubs/99232823/toc.htm