Profile A Hard Bit Axe

O

Old Axeman

Joined
Jan 10, 2015
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From time to time it is brought up that some historic axe bits are so hard that a file skips off of the bit (for the most part this is a good thing to me). For me, because I dont like high speed grinding that can burn the edge, the best tool to profile a hard bit is a Norton Tradesman's Utility Stone, Item # JT930, Part # 61463687675. It has a file shape and an attached wood handle, 14 3/4" overall length, with both a coarse and fine grit side. Cost is about $14.00. This type of stone has helped me profile hard axe bits for over 55 years and works almost as fast as a fresh file does on softer steel. Norton has a similar stone called the Norton Utility File, Part # JD2. It also will do the job but it is only single grit and I dont like the shape as much.
 
That looks like a nice one--I'm well familiar with the Utility File model but hadn't seen that variation. I'd use my wet grinder personally, but that's not an option for everyone and $14 is easy on the wallet, especially if it'll be only occasionally used. Generally I find where most folks are lacking in their sharpening supplies is having sufficiently coarse stones for doing the "heavy lifting".
 
Forgot to say, this Tradesman's Utility Stone is also very useful on large knife blades like machetes, etc.
 
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A good model for any blades with forward-curving edges like brush hooks, scythes, etc. is the Lansky "Heavy Duty" stone. Has a lenticular cross section that holds into the curve well. There's a file-like pattern on it when new, but it wears off quickly.
 
I'll give one a try. Thanks for the heads up on the Norton Utility Stone, Old Axeman. I've only worked with files to this point. (No pun intended).

Just use them as you would a file?
 
Old Axeman said:
Use it like you use your file on your axe, treat it like an oil stone.
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Appreciate it. There is a black smith with a retail section with something that looks like these. I say "looks like" just because I am unfamiliar with them. Soon to not be is my intention.

If I remember the handles were yellow - different coarseness maybe?
 
Old Axeman said:
I dont know about the yellow handled ones. Let us know if you find out.
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Well, I was wrong about the yellow handle. It was the larger version in the single grit with a red handle. The yellow handle stuck in my head because the files next to them had yellowish handles.

Oh by the way, this is a neat place. Here are some pics I snapped off this afternoon. The forge is in a separate building and the owner wasn’t around to pester, in fact there wasn’t anyone manning the shop – ring the bell LOUD for assistance. I drive by this place every day and didn’t know until recently that it existed.

This isn’t an advertisement and I am not “friends” with them, just seemed to fit in with what goes on around here. Not bad for a place named, "Boring".

The barn/shop:
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Good stuff inside:

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Need to move a log?
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Sign
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Upstairs is a “museum” of sorts. Old farming equipment – some of it I have never seen. I bought some forged garden tools for my mother here – she seems to think they are too cool to use…

Think I'll still try the coarse/finer grit one you mentioned. I do prefer to give money to local outfits though.
 
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It’s the Red Pig Garden Tools in Boring, Or. Their info is on the contacts page.

http://www.redpigtools.com/

I am going to see how much simple log dogs might be. I know he has apprentices and loves what he does.

If you stop there, there is a very Boring brewpub around the corner.


On another note, I went to an Antique fair here and the knife show was running concurrently.

Met a guy who restores axes and chatted with him for maybe 15 minutes. Had two buckets of wire-wheeled single and double bit heads. Picked through and found a nicer TT Flint edge boy’s axe for about what I would pay/sell online.
Kind of payed him for his time and no one hates a sale.

He mentioned Packwood, WA basically becomes an antique/flea market that, according to him, “stuff like this couldn’t be soaked up” on Memorial Day and Labor Day. Might be worth the day to check out if you live near there.
 
I have a 2 1/4 lb Plumb that is really hard to file. I am going to give Old Axeman's advice a try.
 
Just a note. This Norton Tradesman's Utility Stone has become my go to stone for axe work. I file first then clean up with the stone. Fast and easy. This thing is a bargain for what it does.
 
Square_peg said:
Just a note. This Norton Tradesman's Utility Stone has become my go to stone for axe work. I file first then clean up with the stone. Fast and easy. This thing is a bargain for what it does.
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Is it any coarser than the coarse side of their puck or coarse bench stone?
 
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