Sharpening an axe is a handy skill for DIY-minded homeowners managing their yards and surrounding trees. A perfectly sharp axe makes your work more efficient and is safer to use. In this guide, we’ll cover a range of sharpening techniques, from time-tested methods to modern tools, to help you keep your axe in tip-top shape.
How Sharp Should an Axe Be?
Contrary to popular belief, an axe doesn’t need to be razor-sharp. An overly sharp edge can be more prone to chipping during use. The ideal sharpness for an axe allows it to slice through wood fibers effectively without being so sharp that you could shave with it. The goal is to create a sharp, durable edge free of nicks and dents that can withstand the rigors of chopping wood.
Essential Tools for Axe Sharpening
To sharpen your axe, you’ll need the right tools. Here are the essentials.
Sharpening Files
Files are versatile and effective for sharpening axes. A 10- or 12-inch mill bastard file is ideal for most axe-sharpening tasks. Files are a good choice for maintaining the edge between more thorough sharpenings.
Grinding Stones
Sharpening stones, or whetstones, offer a traditional method for honing an axe edge. These typically have two sides: a coarse grit for removing material and a fine grit for refining the edge.
Bench Grinders
A bench grinder can be useful for quick sharpening or repairing severely damaged edges. However, it requires more skill to avoid overheating the metal or removing too much material.
Protective Gear
Safety should always be a priority. Wear work gloves to protect your hands and safety glasses to shield your eyes from metal filings. Always work on a sturdy surface and clamp your axe to keep it secure during sharpening.
Make sure long hair is tied back, and avoid loose clothing that could get caught in the grinder. If you’re using a grinder, keep a bucket of water nearby to cool the axe head if it becomes too hot.
Preparing Your Axe for Sharpening
Before sharpening, clean the axe head. Use a bug and tar remover or similar cleaner to remove any buildup of pitch, sap, or rust. A clean axe head allows for more effective sharpening and prevents clogging of your sharpening tools.
How To Sharpen an Axe with a File
File sharpening is one of the most common and effective methods for maintaining an axe’s edge. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Put on your work gloves and safety glasses.
- Begin passing the file over one side of the axe edge, using long, smooth strokes.
- Try to match the existing bevel angle to maintain the axe’s original grind.
- Work consistently from one side to the other, pushing the file in one direction only.
- After sharpening one side, flip the axe and repeat the process on the other side.
- Aim for an equal number of strokes on each side to keep the edge centered.
Use a file brush to clean the file periodically and prevent metal filings from clogging the teeth. Apply consistent pressure throughout each stroke for even material removal. Check your progress frequently to ensure you’re maintaining the correct angle and edge symmetry.
How To Use a Grinding Stone To Sharpen an Axe
Grinding stones offer a traditional approach to axe sharpening that can produce excellent results. Select a dual-grit stone with a coarse side for initial sharpening and a fine side for honing. A stone with a 120/240 grit combination works well for most axes. Here’s how to use a grinding stone to sharpen an axe:
- Apply a few drops of honing oil to the stone to lubricate it and keep the axe edge cool.
- Hold the axe handle under one arm, pointing the bit in a comfortable direction.
- Use the coarse side of the stone to make circular passes across the bit, maintaining a consistent angle.
- After sharpening one side, switch to the other, matching the number of passes to keep the edge centered.
- Once you’re satisfied with the coarse grinding, switch to the fine side of the stone to refine the edge.
- Finish by applying a light coat of oil or wax to protect the newly sharpened edge.
How To Sharpen an Axe With a Bench Grinder
A bench grinder can quickly sharpen an axe, but it requires careful technique to avoid damaging the blade. Here’s how:
- Clean the axe head and grinding wheel before starting.
- Adjust the tool rest to match the angle of your axe’s bevel.
- Turn on the grinder and carefully bring the axe edge to the wheel, moving it smoothly across the surface.
- Make light passes to avoid overheating the metal, which can weaken the edge.
- Alternate sides frequently to maintain an even, centered edge.
- Finish with a few light passes to refine the edge.
Maintaining Your Axe’s Edge
Regular maintenance keeps your axe sharp and ready for use. Do the following regularly:
- Use a fine-grit stone or a leather strop to touch up the edge after each use.
- Make a few light passes on each side of the blade to maintain sharpness.
- Consistency is key—frequent light honing is better than infrequent heavy sharpening.
- Clean and dry the axe head after each use to prevent rust.
- Apply a light coat of oil or wax to the metal surfaces for protection.
- Store your axe in a dry place, ideally with a protective sheath over the blade.
Troubleshooting Common Axe Sharpening Issues
Even experienced axe users can encounter sharpening challenges. Here’s how to address common issues.
Dealing With Nicks and Dents
For minor nicks, use a file or coarse stone to carefully work the damaged area until it’s even with the rest of the edge. For larger dents, you may need to regrind the entire edge to restore its shape.
Correcting an Off-Center Edge
If your edge becomes off-center, focus on removing more material from the thicker side until the edge is centered again. Take care to maintain the original bevel angle during this process.
Solving Edge Retention Problems
An edge that dulls quickly might mean you used an incorrect sharpening technique. Follow the proper angle and use quality tools. Also, think about the wood type you’re cutting. If you chop harder wood, your axe will require more frequent sharpening.
Professional Axe Sharpening Services
While sharpening your axe at home is rewarding, there are times when professional services might be beneficial. Reach out to a professional to sharpen heirloom axes or expensive specialty axes or if you’re uncomfortable with the sharpening process. Professionals can also repair severely damaged edges or restore vintage axes.
