Axe Sharping

[Stateguy]

What type of stone do you guys use to sharpen your edge of your axe

 

[bigbarf48]

A bastard file but I don't really think that's the proper way haha

 

[FrankMA]

I use a bastard file as well and never had any issues (that I know of...). I usually just file off any burrs or nicks and give it a bit of an edge. Seems to work OK for me.

Edit: I do often use a mill file to fine tune and clean up the edge a bit after a session with the bastard file. Something similar to honing the edge after a using a coarse sharpening stone. A good mill file can give an axe quite a hard working edge if used properly.

 

[ScotO]

I use an 80-grit flapdisc on my 5" grinder......makes a razor sharp edge (on axes, scrapers, shovels, hoes, edgers, lawnmower blades, etc.) literally in minutes. The key is to NOT get the edge hot. Take your time, don't press the disc onto the metal (let it eat at it's own pace), working the disc back and forth. Grind the edge TOWARD the axe, not away from it.....

 

[bigbarf48]

Ah we'll I'm glad to see I'm not alone. Always seems to work fine for me. If youre splitting with this axe it doesn't need to be shaving sharp anyways

 

[Jon1270]

My Fiskars tends to develop a substantial wire edge off the file or grinder, so I stone it as a final step just to get rid of that. I'm a woodworker and have several medium/coarse stones sitting around -- some carborundum, some cheap water stones. I wouldn't bother with the finer stones typically used on kitchen knives or chisels. A coarse diamond file would be a nice choice if you're shopping for something.

 

[Thistle]

I use 220 grit diamond stone and/or washita/soft arkansas natural stone soaked in water for a few minutes for the X25.Other axes/adzes/drawknives etc get either fine carborundum stone,soft arkansas stone,mill file,diamond or carborundum honing cone or 600 grit diamond stone depending on the specific tool & its intended use.

What can I say? I'm old school.

 

[wingsfan]

I use this sharpener my FIL bought me, It is a belt type sharpener and it sharpens everything.It does a real good job,I think he got it at Northern Tool.

 

[Bigg_Redd]

A bastard file but I don't really think that's the proper way haha

Same here, till recently. My old man picked me up one of the Fiskars sharpeners. Seems to work good.

 

[Jack Fate]

I use an 80-grit flapdisc on my 5" grinder......makes a razor sharp edge (on axes, scrapers, shovels, hoes, edgers, lawnmower blades, etc.) literally in minutes. The key is to NOT get the edge hot. Take your time, don't press the disc onto the metal (let it eat at it's own pace), working the disc back and forth. Grind the edge TOWARD the axe, not away from it.....

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These are super useful tools .My other favorite is a cup brush (not good for sharping but cleans up rust fast)

everyone needs a Matabo!


If my Matabo is to far away I've used a orbital palm sander & a vice also]