Re-profiling Question

E

engle's-wilder

Joined
Nov 18, 2010
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So, I have heard the word "re-profiling" being thrown around a lot as it relates to axes (and knives). What is meant by this? Is it simply sharpening the bit with say a file?

Is it OK, for a guy to "re-profile" his axe's cheek from a convexed to concaved shape? (changing a splitter into a feller essentially). Is there a point at which I can't keep grinding the axe down (on any portion of the axe)... Like if I sharpened away an inch my edge is the steel that I'm at now no good anymore? Or is it that I can continue taking away material until I have almost no axe left?

sorry if these are confusing!:o

thanks!
 
Reprofiling means to alter the edge angle, usually making it steeper to get a sharper edge.

With a lot of factory made axes/hatchets/knives this is neccessary in order to cut and not smash wood.


Ookami
 
Exactly what Ookami said. You would use a file to reduce the thickness of the edge (most often). When you sharpen an axe (even with a file) you try to maintain the grind of the edge. When re-grinding, your goal is to change the convex.

There are limits to what you can do. Most axes are hardened in just the first inch behind the bit. If you file past that, you will get very soft metal.
 
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