A sharp axe is not just a pleasure to use—it’s also safer and more efficient. Whether you’re a homesteader, a professional forester, or a weekend camper, knowing how to sharpen an axe properly is an essential skill that will serve you well. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about axe sharpening, from understanding the geometry of an axe edge to selecting the right tools and mastering various sharpening techniques.
Understanding Axe Edge Geometry
Before diving into the sharpening process, it’s important to understand the geometry of an axe edge. Unlike kitchen knives that require a razor-sharp edge, axes need a more durable edge that can withstand heavy impacts.
The Ideal Axe Edge Angle
The sharpening angle for an axe is critical to its performance. Too steep, and the edge will be weak; too shallow, and it won’t bite effectively into wood.
| Type of Axe | Recommended Edge Angle | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Felling Axe | 20-25 degrees | Cutting across wood grain |
| Splitting Axe | 30-35 degrees | Splitting wood along grain |
| Carving Axe | 15-20 degrees | Fine woodworking, carving |
| General-Purpose/Utility Axe | 25-30 degrees | All-around use |
Most general-purpose axes should be sharpened to approximately 25-30 degrees per side for a total included angle of 50-60 degrees. This provides a good balance between sharpness and durability.
Convex vs. Flat Bevels
Axes typically have one of two edge profiles:
- Convex Edge: Most traditional axes feature a slightly convex (outwardly curved) edge. This provides more metal behind the edge for support, making it stronger and less prone to chipping when chopping wood.
- Flat Bevel: Some specialized axes, particularly carving axes, have flat bevels similar to chisels. These can be sharper but are generally less durable for heavy chopping.
For most users, maintaining the original edge profile of your axe is recommended. If your axe came with a convex edge, try to maintain that convexity during sharpening.
Essential Tools for Axe Sharpening
Having the right tools makes axe sharpening more effective and efficient. Here are the essential tools you’ll need:
Files and Rasps
A good file is often the first tool you’ll reach for when sharpening an axe, especially when dealing with nicks or reshaping an edge.
| File Type | Best Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mill Bastard File (10-12 inch) | Primary shaping | The workhorse of axe sharpening |
| Second-Cut File | Refining edge | Less aggressive than bastard file |
| Fine-Cut File | Final file work | For smoothing before stone work |
The mill bastard file is the most versatile and commonly recommended file for axe sharpening. Its medium coarseness allows for efficient material removal while still providing decent control.
Sharpening Stones
After filing, sharpening stones are used to refine and polish the edge:
| Stone Type | Grit Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Coarse Stones | 100-400 | Removing file marks, initial sharpening |
| Medium Stones | 600-1000 | General sharpening, maintenance |
| Fine Stones | 1200+ | Final edge refinement, polishing |
For axe sharpening, puck-shaped stones (often called “axe pucks”) are particularly convenient because they can be easily held in the hand and moved across the axe blade in circular motions.
Power Tools
Power tools can speed up the sharpening process but require careful use to avoid damaging the axe:
| Tool | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Bench Grinder | Fast material removal | Risk of overheating, requires skill |
| Belt Sander | Controlled sharpening | Expensive, learning curve |
| Angle Grinder | Portable, versatile | Easy to remove too much material |
Important Safety Note: When using power tools, there’s a significant risk of overheating the axe steel, which can ruin the temper and permanently damage the tool. Always use light pressure, cool the axe frequently in water, and avoid grinding until the metal turns blue (a sign that you’ve overheated it).
Other Useful Tools and Supplies
- Vise or Clamps: To securely hold the axe during sharpening
- Safety Gear: Gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection (when using power tools)
- Sharpening Lubricant: Water or oil for use with sharpening stones
- Marker Pen: To track your progress during sharpening
- Leather Strop: For final edge refinement
How to Sharpen an Axe with a File
File sharpening is the most traditional and reliable method for maintaining your axe. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Preparation
- Secure the axe: Clamp the axe in a vise if available, or secure it firmly on a stable surface. For hand-held sharpening, you can sit and place the axe handle between your legs with the head pointing away.
- Assess the edge: Examine the edge for nicks, chips, or unevenness. Determine how much material needs to be removed.
- Mark the bevel: Use a marker to color the entire bevel. This will help you track your progress as you file.
Filing Technique
- Position the file: Hold the file at the correct angle matching your axe’s bevel (typically 25-30 degrees).
- File direction: Always file into the edge (from cheek toward edge), never back and forth. Lift the file on the return stroke to avoid dulling it.
- Use smooth, even strokes: Apply moderate pressure and make full strokes across the entire edge.
- Maintain the angle: Keep the file at a consistent angle throughout each stroke.
- Check your progress: The marker will wear away where the file has contacted the metal. If some marked areas remain untouched, adjust your angle to ensure even filing.
- Balance both sides: Count your strokes and do an equal number on each side of the axe to maintain a centered edge.
- Feel for a burr: When a small burr (a thin ridge of metal) forms along the opposite side of the edge, you’ve filed enough on that side. Switch to the other side and repeat.
Refinement
- Switch to a finer file: Once the basic shape is established with the bastard file, you can switch to a finer file for refinement.
- Remove the burr: File lightly on alternating sides until the burr is removed.
How to Sharpen an Axe with Sharpening Stones
After filing, sharpening stones are used to refine the edge further:
Using a Sharpening Puck
- Apply lubricant: Wet the stone with water or oil (depending on the stone type).
- Circular motion: Hold the stone in your hand and use small circular motions across the bevel.
- Maintain the angle: Keep the stone at the same angle as your file work, typically 25-30 degrees.
- Work both sides equally: Alternate between sides, keeping track of how many circles you make on each side.
- Progress through grits: If you have multiple stones, start with the coarsest and progress to finer grits.
Using Bench Stones
- Secure the stone: Place your sharpening stone on a non-slip surface.
- Apply lubricant: Wet the stone with the appropriate lubricant.
- Hold the axe securely: Grip the axe head firmly and maintain the proper angle against the stone.
- Use sweeping motions: Move the axe in semicircular or straight strokes across the stone.
- Work both sides equally: Alternate between sides to maintain an even edge.
Using Power Tools to Sharpen an Axe
Power tools can speed up the sharpening process but require careful handling:
Bench Grinder Technique
- Prepare the grinder: Ensure the grinding wheel is appropriate for tool sharpening and properly dressed.
- Adjust the tool rest: Set it to match your desired bevel angle.
- Use light pressure: Let the grinder do the work; don’t force the axe against the wheel.
- Keep it cool: Dip the axe in water frequently to prevent overheating.
- Move constantly: Never hold the axe in one spot on the wheel.
- Finish with hand tools: Use files and stones for final refinement.
Belt Sander Method
- Select the right belt: Start with a coarse grit (60-80) for reshaping, moving to finer grits for finishing.
- Hold the axe securely: Maintain a consistent angle against the belt.
- Use light pressure: Let the sander do the work.
- Keep it moving: Move the axe across the belt to prevent hot spots.
- Check often: Frequently check your progress and cool the axe as needed.
Advanced Axe Sharpening Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you might want to explore some advanced techniques:
Creating a Micro Bevel
A micro bevel is a small secondary bevel right at the cutting edge that adds strength without sacrificing much cutting ability:
- After completing your primary bevel sharpening, increase the angle by about 5 degrees.
- Make a few light passes with your fine stone at this slightly steeper angle.
- This creates a stronger edge that still cuts well and requires less frequent sharpening.
Convex Edge Sharpening
Maintaining or creating a convex edge requires a different approach:
- Use a slightly flexible backing pad with sandpaper or a leather strop with compound.
- Rock the edge slightly during sharpening strokes to create the convex profile.
- Progress through finer grits, maintaining the rocking motion.
Edge Testing
To test your edge without risking your fingers:
- Paper test: Try slicing through a piece of paper. A sharp axe should cut cleanly.
- Thumbnail test: Gently rest the edge on your thumbnail (don’t slide it). A sharp edge will “catch” slightly rather than slide.
- Wood shaving test: Try to take thin shavings from a piece of softwood. A well-sharpened axe should cut clean shavings.
Sharpening Different Types of Axes
Different axe types may require slightly different approaches:
Felling Axe Sharpening
Felling axes need to cut efficiently across wood grain:
- Sharpen to a 20-25 degree angle per side
- Focus on creating a keen, slightly convex edge
- The edge should be sharp enough to slice paper easily
Splitting Axe Sharpening
Splitting axes need a more durable edge:
- Sharpen to a 30-35 degree angle per side
- The edge can be somewhat less refined than a felling axe
- Focus on edge strength over extreme sharpness
Hatchet Sharpening
Hatchets often serve multiple purposes:
- For general-purpose hatchets, aim for a 25-30 degree angle
- For carving hatchets, use a slightly finer 20-25 degree angle
- Pay special attention to the toe and heel of the edge, which often see the most use
Maintaining Your Axe Between Sharpenings
Proper maintenance extends the time between major sharpenings:
Regular Cleaning and Storage
- Clean the axe head after each use
- Apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust
- Store in a dry place with edge protected
Touch-Up Maintenance
- Carry a small sharpening puck for field touch-ups
- Address edge damage promptly before it worsens
- A leather strop with polishing compound can quickly refresh an edge
Troubleshooting Common Sharpening Problems
Even experienced axe users encounter sharpening challenges. Here’s how to address common issues:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Edge chips easily | Angle too shallow | Increase the edge angle by 5-10 degrees |
| Axe doesn’t cut well | Edge too thick or dull | Thin the edge slightly and refine with finer stones |
| Off-center edge | Uneven sharpening | Focus filing on the thicker side until centered |
| Edge rolls over | Poor steel quality or angle too low | Increase angle and create micro bevel |
| Can’t get it sharp | Improper technique or inadequate tools | Return to basics, ensure proper angle, upgrade tools |
Traditional and Improvised Sharpening Methods
Sometimes you may need to sharpen an axe without ideal tools:
Field Expedient Methods
- Natural stones: Smooth river rocks can serve as improvised sharpening stones
- Ceramic bottom of a coffee mug: The unglazed ring can work as a makeshift sharpening surface
- Car window: The top edge of a partially rolled-down car window can work in an emergency
Traditional Methods
- Water-powered grinding wheels: Traditional large stone wheels turned by water power
- Sandstone wheels: Hand-cranked grinding wheels used by frontiersmen
- Leather stropping: Final edge refinement using leather and abrasive compounds
Frequently Asked Questions About Axe Sharpening
How often should I sharpen my axe?
The frequency of sharpening depends on usage. For regular use, a light touch-up after each use is ideal, with more thorough sharpening when the edge shows significant wear or damage. For occasional users, examine your axe before each use and sharpen as needed. An axe that requires excessive force to cut effectively is overdue for sharpening.
What angle should I sharpen my axe to?
The ideal angle depends on your axe type and intended use. For general-purpose axes, a 25-30 degree angle per side (50-60 degree included angle) provides a good balance of sharpness and durability. Splitting axes can be sharpened to 30-35 degrees per side, while felling axes perform best at 20-25 degrees per side. Specialized carving axes may use even finer angles of 15-20 degrees per side.
Should an axe be razor sharp?
Unlike kitchen knives, axes don’t need to be razor sharp. A properly sharpened axe should be sharp enough to slice through wood fibers effectively but not so sharp that the edge becomes fragile. The ideal sharpness allows the axe to bite into wood without bouncing off, while being durable enough to withstand repeated impacts. The edge should be able to slice paper, but don’t aim for razor sharpness as it will quickly deteriorate during use.
How do I fix chips in my axe blade?
For minor chips (less than 1/16 inch), use a bastard file to carefully work the damaged area until it’s even with the rest of the edge. File at the proper angle and check your progress frequently. For larger chips, you may need to regrind the entire edge to restore its proper shape. This is best done with a file or belt sander, taking care not to overheat the metal. After removing the chip, proceed with normal sharpening procedures to refine the edge.
Can I use a grinder to sharpen my axe?
Power grinders can be used to sharpen axes, but they require careful technique to avoid damaging the tool. The primary risk is overheating the metal, which can ruin the temper and permanently weaken the edge. If using a grinder, apply very light pressure, keep the axe moving constantly across the wheel, and frequently dip the head in water to cool it. Never grind until the metal turns blue, as this indicates the steel has overheated. For most users, traditional hand tools (files and stones) offer a safer approach with excellent results.
A sharp axe is a joy to use and makes your work more efficient and safer. By understanding the fundamentals of axe geometry and mastering proper sharpening techniques, you can keep your axes in peak condition for years of reliable service. Remember that sharpening is a skill that improves with practice, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect. With patience and attention to detail, you’ll soon be sharpening your axes with confidence and precision.
Learn more about axe sharpening at This Old House
Discover detailed sharpening techniques at Knives and Tools
Explore axe sharpening methods at Outdoor Life
