How to Sharpen an Axe

~I am very demanding of my cutting tools and my axe is no exception~

The axe I use for felling a tree, or crafting a fine wooden spoon have one thing in common they are razor sharp

I rely on the edge holding capabilities of my steel bit and tight fitted handle

If you are handy and the steel is good, you should be able to keep a keen edge at all times

Quick Touch-Ups

I only carry a few items in the field for sharpening, a whetstone and diamond sharpening plate

The small whetstone is shaped like a hockey puck and works great for removing small dings that your edge may take in the field

Diamond plates are easy to use and nearly indestructible!

To use the plate,simply find the edge angle and brush the plate away in small circles, or long strokes away removing steel with every pass

These few items will maintain a sharp working edge on everything from a crafting axe to a fillet knife!

Extensive sharpening 

My sharpening arsenal is rather large, it reflects the vast selection of cutting tools that I use

My main sharpening kit will remove large amounts of metal with little effort

I prefer to use hand sharpening and honing methods…. no power tools thank you!

Draw filing is a proven method for a consistent wicked sharp edge! It can be accomplished with a simple handmade jig and a few files

To work out a small gouge or inclusion on the edge, I use a series of stones working from a rough to finer grit in a progressive manner

Carborundum, oil and water stones are my favorite

Many of these stones are considered “bench” or full sized

If you are using an oil stone or a water stone, it is best to continue that lubrication choice for the rest of its existence

My fine water stones create a compound that produce a near mirror finish on my carving hatchets

A properly honed edge can be achieved with 1500/3k grit wet dry sandpaper if that is what you desire

Leather strops loaded with a stropping compound works wonders!

It does not take much to put a fine edge on your favorite axe

Do not over complicate an easy process that is quite an enjoyable task

Let your experience build your toolkit

“never go into the woods with a dull axe”

jb