Sharpening Confusion

[joeythebutcher]

Hey

I was always told that hatchets should not be over-sharpened.

How sharp should throwing hawks be ?

Methods - stones, metal files, grinders, dremel tool etc ? Which is the best way to get the edge you need ?

Thanks

Joey

 

[Mr. Sogetsu]

Needs to be sharp enough to stick the target.
I use sandpaper and a mousepad. I might finish up with a fine grit stone.
I don't throw muich, but if it has a good edge and decent momentum it seems to stick.

 

[vector001]

there are a lot of factors to consider;

shape of the bit.

steel and heat treatment.

more....

as a general rule, i like to give most of my general purpose stuff a really fine edge, almost a Scandi/Zero Edge, then i get a tongue depressor with some sandpaper adhered to it, and make a little micro-convex secondary edge on the sweet spot for the bit, where it normally contacts in chops, etc.


modify as necessary - it works great on the softer edges, as found on Cold Steel tomahawks and their Trail Boss Hatchet.

not for everyone, but this way is mine....

vec

 

[stickwhistler]

I use a file on all my axes, and get an edge to cut tomatoes easily.

I worked in forestry (coppicing, habitat creation and conservation), and used axes every day.
Now I just do my own thing in my own woodlands.
Still use a file though.

 

[joeythebutcher]

I use a file on all my axes, and get an edge to cut tomatoes easily.

I worked in forestry (coppicing, habitat creation and conservation), and used axes every day.
Now I just do my own thing in my own woodlands.
Still use a file though.

What kind of file do you use ?

Thanks

 

[Jeff Clark]

What are you going to use it for? Get it sharp enough to do that.

For strength I suggest a convex edge profile. Basically it requires at least your final honing stages to be done loosely by hand or using flexibly supported sandpaper type abrasive. I rough down my hatchets using fairly high pressure on the portion of a belt sander that is supported by a metal plate. I follow that with light pressure on an unsupported section of a belt sander. I finish with a few strokes on a bench hone to remove any burr along the edge.

 

[6749]

i use and gransfor sharpening stone on all my axes and hatchets. it has a coarse and fine side, it is dead easy too use and it will sharpen your axe,hatchet,tomahawks as sharp as they will ever need to get.

 

[joeythebutcher]

I guess I should have been more specific.

Do hawk-throwers sharpen more than a regular hatchet
so it sticks better ?

Thanks

 

[stickwhistler]

What kind of file do you use ?

I use a small flat file that I use to file the depth gauge on chainsaw teeth.
It is only 8 inches long and available anywhere that sells chains and related chainsaw tools.
Any regular chainsaw user will have one (or more!).

 

[50calrev]

I like a Nicholson small flat single cut file. Just enough metal removed.