sharpening a convex edge axe bit?

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Feb 3, 2009
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Same mousepad and sandpaper method as with convexed knives? Or modified in any way? If yes, what way?

Merci.:)
 
If you don't need to reshape or fix damage then normal methods will be fine, otherwise a beltsander would probably be the next Best choice.
 
I usually use the same hand tools (wet-dry paper and a mousepad) but I often find that it's easier to move the sharpening medium over the bit of the axe, rather than trying to hold the axe and run the bit over the paper. In other words, I'll take a smaller piece of paper wrapped around a sanding block or piece of wood and use it like a file, holding the axe edge up in one hand, and the sanding block in the other.
 
The axe head I'm talking about sharpening here is convex and made of 1080C ("C" = added chromium) at 54 HRC. Kind of a middleground between ultra tough 1055-1060 lawnmower bladesteel and harder yet still tough 1095 knife bladesteel. I bring this up because I have never sharpened either and naturally have some questions.

I already have a dedicated mousepad and access to a good variety of wet/dry and regular sandpaper. Assuming the edge is sharp enough from the factory (is that even possible?:D) and I just want to touch it up, what grit of sandpaper would be appropriate for that kind of steel?

About what grit for fixing the edge should I roll or chip it? Is this when a file is recommended? I've never understood the use of files for lawnmower and axe edges. Can a file (or any other sharpening surface without "give") even be used at all on a covex edge?
 
Get 220-2000 and stop when it looks like a mirror ;)
 
i use a round pocket stone for when and edge gets rolled or small chips, like on gransfor sells, course, then fine and onto sandpaper, or charged leather for that matter. be careful if you are using a belt sander, easier to heat it up too much. if it is one of the slow speeds, they are alot more forgiving as far as heat goes, but that is just my experience.
 
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