How do you sharpen an axe?

[Schmitty]

I bought a double bit Michigan Axe (for tree felling) the other day and the blades are ridiculously dull on it; so I need to sharpen it. So here's the thing, google has failed me on providing me enough info on how to sharpen and axe. And to top it off, the info I could find was contradicting (some people say use a grinder, others say no).

So from what I researched, I have determined that I shall use a bench grinder, but have water on hand and judiciously douse my blade to avoid heating.
Once I get the basic shape down I was going to use my file to get a finer edge on.
I don't have any of those fancy round axe sharpening stones, so I'll have to use my knife sharpening set ones (they are linear). Or I could just pic up one of the round stones.
I also read something about using a belt sander in part of the process. Do any of you fellas use one when sharpening your axes?

Any help is appreciated. :thumbup:

[vpost]

I use a file. ONLY A FILE. Bench grinders can be unforgiving. If you have a good file, it won't take you as long as you may think.

Vince

[k98k792]

2nd that. The angle should be convex,so the bit won't wedge. A lot of the old woodsman guys would keep a different angle on each of the bits,with one blade at a lesser angle,and sharpened to a shaving edge. They would use the coarser edge for deep cutting and the finer edge for trimming branches off the log.

[turbothis]

i love a sharp file!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
maybe a good polish job with a scotchbrite sander?:icon_biggrin:

[Optimus Prime]

Big flat file. That's how I learned from Grandpa, that's what they reenforced in Scouts, and what I still teach in Scouts.

[Schmitty]

Okay, I shall try the file technique. I have all of next week off and lots of patience, so I will do it then. :thumbup:

Although my grandpa's grinder is very tempting. :D

[rustypirate]

Steer clear of the grinder!

Like the others have stated, use a file ONLY.

It will be worth your while to buy the largest medium grade flat file that you can find.

[okie shooter]

I would say fille too, and to keep the edge a wetstone will do. Thats from scouts too. You dont always have to refile, you can use the wetstone to redo the edge between getting the file out.

[Otis61]

I use an ax all the time at work. If I get a new ax that is super dull then I do use a grider to bring it into shape then a file to finish, but mine aren't double bits, just single, and aren't super spendy. About $45.00. Once I get the shape I don't ever use the grinder again. When you file, stick the edge you not working on in a piece of wood, and then file down on the one you are woking on. You have to be careful, and use good gloves. That way you have good control of the edge, and you wont leave burrs on the edge either.

K98 has it right. That is how they did it in the old days. One thick edge, and one skinny.

[omerta123]

my.02 my roommate made my cetme bayo a razor with a glass polisher when he worked glass, otherwise a file

[Norton]

A number 2 file works most of the time. I only use the grinder if the axe blade hits a rock or something.

[walt-oxie1]

When sharpening an ax you want a sharp rolled edge, not a flat edge. When filing it kind of rock the file from the handle towards the working edge of the ax. The edge will hold up better and not be as prone to getting stuck.

[wonderwolf]

I usually keep a 6" file with each of the axes for touch ups. Otherwise just a big flat file is what I hit them with if its something that looks like its been used as a war club instead of a axe.

[MicroPilot]

A good file is a wondrous tool to use. You'll be amazed at what you can do with just a few strokes of the file.

[SteelCore]

I also read something about using a belt sander in part of the process. Do any of you fellas use one when sharpening your axes?

I've used stones, files, grinders, belts, etc. Now I use a slack belt grinder with a 120 grit belt, which enables me to get a really nice convex grind, then finish the edge with a stone or file, then finish the esge with a burnishing steel or butcher's steel if it ain't razory yet.