HOW TO SHARPEN AN AX AND THE TOOLS YOU WILL NEED

How to Sharpen an Ax

Sharpening an ax is an essential skill for anyone who works with wood or spends time in the great outdoors. A dull ax can make cutting wood more difficult and dangerous, so it's important to know how to properly sharpen your ax. We will go over the steps to sharpen an ax and the tools you'll need to do so.

Tools Required:

• Flat file

• Round file

• Honing stone or sharpening puck

• Honing oil or water

• Gloves (optional)

• Safety glasses (optional)

Steps to Sharpen an Ax:

1. Secure the ax: Begin by securing the ax in a vise or clamp. This will make it easier to work on the blade and ensure that the ax remains stable during the sharpening process. If you don't have a vise or clamp, you can ask someone to hold the ax steady for you.

2. Assess the blade: Take a close look at the blade of the ax to see if there are any nicks or chips. If there are any significant defects, you may need to use a metal file to remove them before you can begin sharpening the blade. If the blade is in good condition, you can proceed to the next step.

3. File the blade: Using a flat file, start at the top of the blade and work your way down to the edge, following the angle of the blade. Use long, smooth strokes, and apply even pressure to the file. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can cause the file to slip and damage the blade.

4. Sharpen the blade: Next, use a round file to sharpen the blade. Again, start at the top and work your way down to the edge, following the angle of the blade. Use short, quick strokes, and apply light pressure to the file. Be sure to maintain the same angle throughout the sharpening process.

5. Hone the blade: Once you've filed and sharpened the blade, it's time to hone it. You can use a honing stone or sharpening puck to do this. Apply a few drops of honing oil or water to the stone or puck, and then hold the ax at a slight angle against it. Move the blade back and forth across the stone or puck, using a circular motion. Repeat this process until you've honed the blade to your satisfaction.

6. Test the blade: After you've finished sharpening the blade, test it by making a few cuts into a piece of wood. If the blade feels sharp and cuts easily, you've done a good job. If the blade still feels dull, you may need to repeat the sharpening process.

Photo: Tony Litvyak @justatony

Tips When Sharpening an Ax:

• Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes during the sharpening process.

• Make sure to maintain the same angle throughout the sharpening process to avoid damaging the blade.

• Take your time and be patient. Sharpening an ax can take some time, but it's worth it in the end.

• Always use a vise or clamp to secure the ax during sharpening to prevent accidents.

Conclusion

Sharpening an ax is an important skill that can make cutting wood easier and safer. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can sharpen your ax to perfection. Remember to take your time, be patient, and always use caution when working with sharp tools.

Northern Survivalist