Tools for hand sharpening an Ox Head axe

[StuntDouble]

I received an Ox Head felling axe as a gift this year. It's very nice, except that it didn't come with much of an edge. I don't have access to power equipment (grinders, sanders, etc) and was trying to figure out what I would use to thin the edge out so I can use it. Are there files or stones out there especially for this kind of work?

 

[Ravaillac]

I'd get a "puck" style stone and a file:
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/...&txtSearch=axe+sharpening&btnSearch=GO&Page=1

GB has both but they are expensive.
Norton puck seems to be OK. Other brands are probably available too.

Good thing about the GB file is that it has some sort of guard which help protect fingers, some other brands probably have some similar system.

Regular stones can be used too.
That system seems interesting:
http://www.fine-tools.com/G309357.htm

Takeda had a similar system but their online catalog is closed right now:
http://www.shop.niimi.okayama.jp/kajiya/en/index_e.html

 

[cyc79]

I used a file to shape the bevels on my oxhead.After that I maintain the edge with dmt whetstones.It's all I've ever had to do to keep it extremely sharp.I think you'll find your oxhead to be an excellent axe that will hold it's edge very well and will surprise you with how it just glides through wood.(assuming this is your first).Have fun!

 

[StuntDouble]

Thanks for the suggestions.

cyc79,

What kind of file did you use to shape the bevels on your ox head?

 

[CaptInsano]

I'd get a "puck" style stone and a file:
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/...&txtSearch=axe+sharpening&btnSearch=GO&Page=1

GB has both but they are expensive.
Norton puck seems to be OK. Other brands are probably available too.

Good thing about the GB file is that it has some sort of guard which help protect fingers, some other brands probably have some similar system.

For a handguard on a file I usually just use a nice thick square piece of leather with a small hole through the middle. Just sandwich it on the file's tang right above the handle.

 

[cyc79]

Chris,I started with a 8'' single cut and then went to a 6'' bastard.It's all I had handy at the time.Any other combination would work fine I'm sure.It just takes time as the steel is quite hard.

 

[Ravaillac]

For a handguard on a file I usually just use a nice thick square piece of leather with a small hole through the middle. Just sandwich it on the file's tang right above the handle.

Good idea, never thought about that.

By the way, being careful works too.

 

[siguy]

being careful works, but accidents happen, and they are called accidents for a reason.

instead of leather you could also use a slice of wood. i just switched the axe in my grip so that i was always coming at the edge from behind, never filing into the edge.

i sharpen my axes two different ways, depending on how i feel. i either sharpen convex style with sandpaper on a mousepad, difficult to do with big axes. i also simply use a regular bench stone, usually taking the stone to the axe instead of trying to work the axe on the bench.

 

[Glock17JHP]

For a handguard on a file I usually just use a nice thick square piece of leather with a small hole through the middle. Just sandwich it on the file's tang right above the handle.

CaptInsano,

We have been trying to contact you on the "Tomahawk DVD Pass-around" thread... Please go there and leave a note for FSCJedi... You seemed to drop off the face of the Earth, and you are at risk of being dropped from the mailing list!!!

-Glock17JHP.