I skimmed through 38 axe sharpen videos on TH-cam and in my opinion this is the best one and the method I now use. So easy fast and razor sharp effective. Thanks a million.
Jimmy Joseph that’s great really pleased that you liked the video and it has helped get your axe razor sharp. Thanks for the comment, all the best cheers, Ben
FINALLY, clear instructions on what angle to go for!!! This is the only bushcrafting axe sharpening video that is an actual bushcrafting axe sharpening video on all of internet!
I’ve never sharpened an axe before and I used this very technique after watching this video. And afterwards it passed the paper test. I was very pleased. The video has a fantastic format with an idiot proof technique to sharpening. Cheers Ben thanks you for the knowledge. 👍👍👍
After watching dozens of how to videos on sharpening your video is probably the best one I've seen. Succinct with compelling arguments and can be done anywhere.
I have been putting an edge on knifes,axes,for over 50 years and have used every way you can think of and still like to use this way when I have the time. Good video...
I just restored my Norlund hatchet and was at the sharpening stage. Typical to how I sharpen my kitchen knives, I using my King stones in a stationary position to hone my axe - with decent results. Your short concise instructional video was instrumental in my being able to get a hair witling sharp axe with a correct convex profile.
I just got a Gransfor small forest axe and a puck. Sharpening it intimidated me a lot because it came with a hairshaving edge and its almost as if I didn't want to use it just to maintain the edge. These types of videos are great as it just gave me the confidence to buy some waterstones and attack the edge when it will reach an "in need of sharpening" stage. Thank you for this, very helpful and easy to understand, that marker trick will help in all my sharpening needs ahead :)
I love the thorough explanation of the advantages of the bench stone over the puck sharpener. From watching Wranglerstar, I always thought he was last word until now... The proof was in the paper-test! WOW!!
Hey, easy now. he's do e his paper tests too which proven his method. I like watching Wranglerstar for their simpler life and his Manly Manners are usually good.
I went to your TH-cam to see how professionals do it. All I found was gaming videos. I think I will stick with Cody. He does it for real, not in fantasy. Have a great day.
Actually I need to be discovered for accomplishing some firsts in that game. In 1440p. I'm not a daily-ish vlogger like W or most gamers. Check them out if you have the interest, and if you have something to say, leave a comment and I'll respond like you did? Don't worry, I think people have more than one interest. Anyway. Point is, watch W to find out how to not do things. You could watch his victim response videos where he attacks 'everyone who is against him', like actual metal workers... but it's really ugly for him. Wouldn't recommend it.
Thank you Ben. You have a gift for explaining things clearly. I am working on bringing back a very dull axe. Starting with my coarsest whetstone and using your technique, which seems to work very well. I have a lot of work ahead before I will make it to the 1000 waterstone. Then I need to rehaft, too!
I would have rehafted it first: while sharp tools are safer in use, full told are safer if you are rehafting them. I'm assuming it's a job long since completed and simply info for someone else wandering around here.
Great vid! Never thought of sharpening with large flat stone, but once shown it's obvious. Also, THANK YOU for explaining importance of edge geometry!! Most new to sharpening miss that important element and only focus on the sharp edge
Pretty much what everyone else said. Thanks for the video. My only observation would be that you have an unfair head start since I doubt you own a single dull edge- except the ones still in the making!
Hi Kani Fuker LOL ! 😀 Tell me about Yank videos! Boring buggers love the sound of their own voices. This is a brilliant video by Ben. Straight to the point and easily understood.
Thanks for showing the technique! I used a wooden block and different types of sand paper though, since it started to ate away the only grinding stone that I own. Had to correct a grind that was way to steep, so basically I had to start from the scatch, which was with an 800 grid wet stone and different metal files, a fruitless attempt. 40, 80, 120, 400, 800, 2000 grid sand paper worked for me (dry). The poor man's choice, which also works great on Mora knives, but with a different technique. Cheers!
Of the few videos that I have watched of yours, your thorough instructions are very easily understood. Amazingly too, your accent, your speech pattern, and British wording, do make it very enjoyable to listen to! Thank you so much! : )
I kind of cheat sharpening my Cold Steel Trail Boss. I use the Worksharp belt sharpener. It put a convex grind on the bit, and the polishing belt is 6000 grit. After that, it to the strop I made using green stropping compound. I have it where it sliced through paper just like that.
I see a GB Swedish carving axe on the wall that looks like it's seen a few battles. Just ordered one from Country Workshops and a DMT Dia Sharp 6"x2" fine to hone my junk with. Thanks for the proper demo.
Ben, I recently bought a beautiful vintage Ochsenkopf cleaver. Beautiful. I think the handle is ash as it's very pale wood. Anyway, beautiful as it is it's about as sharp as a cucumber. Do the same principles apply for sharpening the cleaver apply as for sharpening an axe?
Excellent video, very clear and easy to follow, I need to sharpen an old axe to chop kindling wood. I'm unsure about what grit size to buy when I buy a whetstone, there seem to be various options. I may ask on your website.
Glad you found the video useful. Well we use a 1000/6000 grit stone in this video which is a great all round grit. But if you need to restore a axe from a bad state you will need something coarser. The main problem with a coarser grit stone is they are quite soft and become un flat very quickly. I would suggest using a flat chainsaw file to get the initial edge then move to the stone. Hope that helps many thanks cheers Ben
@@BenOrford Many thanks! I have a new axe that I want to keep sharp so will get the 1000/6000, will also look for the chain saw file for the old axe that I'd like to rejuvenate.
As I instructed another viewer, you have to get a Japanese water stone and sharpen your axes with them in nine years and seven months. After which you will be instructed further.
Great video, i have the same axe and same stone which i use for my knives, going to have to try it on the axe blade when it gets dull, i liked the marker tip too, sure will help put the right bevel and grind on!
Hi. GREAT video and MUCH simpler than anything else I've seen. Question. I just received a Gransford Bruk Small Forrest Axe a couple weeks ago and while it looks great and the handles looks like a nice straight grain, it came very dull. Either way. I got that KING combination stone u use and after 30+ minutes following your instructions, I still can't shave hairs with it. I feel I should be able to get that razors edge on it. I realize it's most likely me that just are not good enough at getting those levels right and matching the edge. It has a convex edge and I'm used to flat grind kitchen knifes that become razor sharp pretty easy, so am I expecting too much of this axe? I mean with a convex edge is that same sharpness possible? I'd assign convex will never be as sharp as a flat grind when you can get the perfect angle to shave with. I'm a total novice, so forgive me my ignorance. Thanks for the help, Jacob
yer videos are the tops i have never seen a method like that i may try that myself i just need to go to lee valley and pick me up some stones is 800 grit too coarse and what do you think about sharpening with a belt sander?
Excellent video, Ben. I have the Norton combo stones ... 220/1000 and 4000/8000. With this set of stones, would it be correct to make the first pass with the 1000, smooth with the 4000 and then take the burr off with the 8000? Thanks ...
Enjoyed your technique in sharpening. Do you us any other axes? I kinda prefer those with more of a bearded style, that said I’m still learning. My main reason I like that style is im restricted to a wheelchair.
I've got an axe and a hatchet, both have a red butt with a silver blade edge. What are they called? I have a smiths since 1886 whetstone with a knife sharpener attachment I got from Wal Mart. The axe has some gashes from use in the blade. How do I get rid of them? I used both pieces to sharpen both the axe and hatchet. I looked up a previous video on how to sharpen stuff and it said to take the blade, fix at a 45 degree angle and stroke forward. Now that I have watched this I am not so sure.
hey, this may be a stupid question, but what can i use, if i am in the wild, and i dont have a wetstone, or whatever, is there a particular kind of stone i could use to sharpen my axe/knife?
i've not been particularly confident with using sharpening stones, i used an old one my dad had, to try and sharpen a pen knife once and i swear i blunted the thing.However i've just bought an axe and whilst the blade seems to have something of an edge it couldn't cut paper like that, does it need to be that sharp to do a good job on branches and fallen wood?
i have 2 axes one is a hatchet and the other a double head axe im not sure what type of grind i should use i always thought that i should use a number 3 the v shape but your using a concave shape number 6 do you use a sertin type of grind thats needed for the job that axe would do or is it buy the shape of the axe head that needs a specific grind let me know thanks for the video
I skimmed through 38 axe sharpen videos on TH-cam and in my opinion this is the best one and the method I now use. So easy fast and razor sharp effective. Thanks a million.
Jimmy Joseph that’s great really pleased that you liked the video and it has helped get your axe razor sharp. Thanks for the comment, all the best cheers, Ben
FINALLY, clear instructions on what angle to go for!!!
This is the only bushcrafting axe sharpening video that is an actual bushcrafting axe sharpening video on all of internet!
I’ve never sharpened an axe before and I used this very technique after watching this video. And afterwards it passed the paper test. I was very pleased. The video has a fantastic format with an idiot proof technique to sharpening. Cheers Ben thanks you for the knowledge. 👍👍👍
Well that’s fantastic news so pleased it worked for you.
Many thanks for the comment.
All the best
cheers Ben
After watching dozens of how to videos on sharpening your video is probably the best one I've seen. Succinct with compelling arguments and can be done anywhere.
I learn so much from your videos. Very straight forward and to the point. Thank you for them.
Best axe sharpening tutorial, I have seen! Thanks Ben!
Thanks Much appreciated.
Great lesson Ben, thank you for sharing it.
The best, most logical and hassle-free method I've ever seen. Good show mate!
Great and simple info on how to sharpen an axe safely.
best video on youtube about axe sharpening. thank you so much!!
Superbly clear advice on a simple technique. Thanks.
I have been putting an edge on knifes,axes,for over 50 years and have used every way you can think of and still like to use this way when I have the time. Good video...
I just restored my Norlund hatchet and was at the sharpening stage. Typical to how I sharpen my kitchen knives, I using my King stones in a stationary position to hone my axe - with decent results. Your short concise instructional video was instrumental in my being able to get a hair witling sharp axe with a correct convex profile.
Awesome explanation
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks
Superb video, thank you. The marker pen idea is simply brilliant
you started me on the tormek paste and stropping and sharpening well in general. thank you
Ben, has to be one of the best on TH-cam, to teach 👌🏻
Ben - thanks very much for the lesson. Never knew you could sharpen an axe in that manner.Learn something new everyday.Thanks again!
I just got a Gransfor small forest axe and a puck. Sharpening it intimidated me a lot because it came with a hairshaving edge and its almost as if I didn't want to use it just to maintain the edge. These types of videos are great as it just gave me the confidence to buy some waterstones and attack the edge when it will reach an "in need of sharpening" stage. Thank you for this, very helpful and easy to understand, that marker trick will help in all my sharpening needs ahead :)
Nice job! Right to the point, and it's nice to see a axe that looks like it actually gets used.
Top video Ben, as always the information is clear, the demonstrations are also clear and easy to understand and follow.
Straightforward and easy to understand 👍
I love the thorough explanation of the advantages of the bench stone over the puck sharpener. From watching Wranglerstar, I always thought he was last word until now... The proof was in the paper-test! WOW!!
Hey, easy now. he's do e his paper tests too which proven his method. I like watching Wranglerstar for their simpler life and his Manly Manners are usually good.
Sorry, I just think Wranglerstar isn't a wrangler nor a star. I don't know why people watch his stuff, I find it unbearably klutzy and amateurish.
I went to your TH-cam to see how professionals do it. All I found was gaming videos. I think I will stick with Cody. He does it for real, not in fantasy. Have a great day.
Actually I need to be discovered for accomplishing some firsts in that game. In 1440p. I'm not a daily-ish vlogger like W or most gamers. Check them out if you have the interest, and if you have something to say, leave a comment and I'll respond like you did? Don't worry, I think people have more than one interest. Anyway. Point is, watch W to find out how to not do things. You could watch his victim response videos where he attacks 'everyone who is against him', like actual metal workers... but it's really ugly for him. Wouldn't recommend it.
I am not all into the victim, he said she she drama game. Good luck in your gaming thing.
Thank you Ben. You have a gift for explaining things clearly. I am working on bringing back a very dull axe. Starting with my coarsest whetstone and using your technique, which seems to work very well. I have a lot of work ahead before I will make it to the 1000 waterstone. Then I need to rehaft, too!
I would have rehafted it first: while sharp tools are safer in use, full told are safer if you are rehafting them. I'm assuming it's a job long since completed and simply info for someone else wandering around here.
Excellent instruction very clear and practical.
Short, simple to the point. Excellent video. Can't wait to get a good edge on my new camp hatchet.
Just a great video; plain, simple, straight to the point. Well done sir.
Great vid! Never thought of sharpening with large flat stone, but once shown it's obvious. Also, THANK YOU for explaining importance of edge geometry!! Most new to sharpening miss that important element and only focus on the sharp edge
11 people don't own an axe thanks for taking the time to make this.
That is by far the best axe instructional vid I have seen, thanks very much.
Best axe sharpening video I have watched! Thank you.
Thanks Ben, yet another great video
Best wishes - Steve
Ben you need to do a full DVD of techniques! I'd buy it immediately
top vid ben,simple to follow the felt-tip pen technique is brillant thanks
Excellent video as always. Nice tip with the colouring in the bevel. I'm working on making my own strop now.
Now this is a great sharpening tutorial. Thank you 🪓
Great film again Ben 👍
Pretty much what everyone else said. Thanks for the video.
My only observation would be that you have an unfair head start since I doubt you own a single dull edge- except the ones still in the making!
Very informative and well presented. Thank you!
Hi Kani Fuker
LOL ! 😀 Tell me about Yank videos! Boring buggers love the sound of their own voices.
This is a brilliant video by Ben. Straight to the point and easily understood.
Glad You finally getting some more publicity... You earned It!
Thanks; I just got my first GB Small Forest Ax and it's good to know how to maintain that excellent edge.
Ben, awesome video, thanks for your time!
Yo, Ben. It's not extreme getting an edge that sharp. Its just the right thing to do. Period.
So practical and au naturael... Nice exchange.
Thanks a lot glad you enjoyed it. Many thanks cheers, Ben
Incredibly helpful info. Thank you!
Great Video, short and to the point.
Best sharpening video out there.
Thanks for showing the technique! I used a wooden block and different types of sand paper though, since it started to ate away the only grinding stone that I own. Had to correct a grind that was way to steep, so basically I had to start from the scatch, which was with an 800 grid wet stone and different metal files, a fruitless attempt. 40, 80, 120, 400, 800, 2000 grid sand paper worked for me (dry). The poor man's choice, which also works great on Mora knives, but with a different technique. Cheers!
Wonderful video, and an excellent technique and you've taught it well.
Of the few videos that I have watched of yours, your thorough instructions are very easily understood. Amazingly too, your accent, your speech pattern, and British wording, do make it very enjoyable to listen to! Thank you so much! : )
Wow thank for the kind words. really glad you found the video useful. if you need any further assitance let us know. all the best cheers, Ben
I kind of cheat sharpening my Cold Steel Trail Boss. I use the Worksharp belt sharpener. It put a convex grind on the bit, and the polishing belt is 6000 grit. After that, it to the strop I made using green stropping compound. I have it where it sliced through paper just like that.
Been looking for a good axe sharpening vid!! Awesome job
great video.I have just been out to the woodshed with a sheet of paper. I'm back ,with an intact sheet of paper, to watch the video again!
love your videos and love your hand made tools!, one day I will have an Orford blade in my collection! thanks for the video, very helpful.
Great teaching, thank you Ben.
What grit was the stone(s)?
Looks like a King KDS combination stone 1000/6000 grit.
I see a GB Swedish carving axe on the wall that looks like it's seen a few battles. Just ordered one from Country Workshops and a DMT Dia Sharp 6"x2" fine to hone my junk with. Thanks for the proper demo.
Ben, I recently bought a beautiful vintage Ochsenkopf cleaver. Beautiful. I think the handle is ash as it's very pale wood. Anyway, beautiful as it is it's about as sharp as a cucumber. Do the same principles apply for sharpening the cleaver apply as for sharpening an axe?
Excellent video, very clear and easy to follow, I need to sharpen an old axe to chop kindling wood. I'm unsure about what grit size to buy when I buy a whetstone, there seem to be various options. I may ask on your website.
Glad you found the video useful. Well we use a 1000/6000 grit stone in this video which is a great all round grit. But if you need to restore a axe from a bad state you will need something coarser. The main problem with a coarser grit stone is they are quite soft and become un flat very quickly. I would suggest using a flat chainsaw file to get the initial edge then move to the stone. Hope that helps many thanks cheers Ben
@@BenOrford Many thanks! I have a new axe that I want to keep sharp so will get the 1000/6000, will also look for the chain saw file for the old axe that I'd like to rejuvenate.
thanks for this great video Ben.Its been very useful,
Thanks for the advice Ben,
Wow this is the best instructional video ever!! :)
excellent tutorial! remember to alternate the cutting face of your oil/wet stone so as to not ruin it and therefore your axe
Great technique! Thanks for sharing!
Where am i going to get a Ben Orford to sharpen my axe with?
You have to wonder if he has a hard side and a soft side ...
As I instructed another viewer, you have to get a Japanese water stone and sharpen your axes with them in nine years and seven months. After which you will be instructed further.
Sorry love im taken, the last of them!
Damn, I came here only to write just that. 4 years too late I guess 😅
Amazon
Very impressed!
Great video, i have the same axe and same stone which i use for my knives, going to have to try it on the axe blade when it gets dull, i liked the marker tip too, sure will help put the right bevel and grind on!
Hi. GREAT video and MUCH simpler than anything else I've seen. Question. I just received a Gransford Bruk Small Forrest Axe a couple weeks ago and while it looks great and the handles looks like a nice straight grain, it came very dull. Either way. I got that KING combination stone u use and after 30+ minutes following your instructions, I still can't shave hairs with it. I feel I should be able to get that razors edge on it. I realize it's most likely me that just are not good enough at getting those levels right and matching the edge.
It has a convex edge and I'm used to flat grind kitchen knifes that become razor sharp pretty easy, so am I expecting too much of this axe? I mean with a convex edge is that same sharpness possible? I'd assign convex will never be as sharp as a flat grind when you can get the perfect angle to shave with. I'm a total novice, so forgive me my ignorance.
Thanks for the help,
Jacob
Excellent tutorial.
yer videos are the tops i have never seen a method like that i may try that myself i just need to go to lee valley and pick me up some stones is 800 grit too coarse and what do you think about sharpening with a belt sander?
Great stuff Ben. Thank you.
Great Video! Razor Strop Fungus works quite well too in a pinch
Never thought about using a marker for that, thanks!
Great video, very helpful! Making my first homemade axe and needed to know how to sharpen it. Thanks!
Wow nice work!
Great video! Thank you for sharing.
Excellent video, Ben. I have the Norton combo stones ... 220/1000 and 4000/8000. With this set of stones, would it be correct to make the first pass with the 1000, smooth with the 4000 and then take the burr off with the 8000?
Thanks ...
This is a unique way of doing this
Enjoyed your technique in sharpening. Do you us any other axes? I kinda prefer those with more of a bearded style, that said I’m still learning. My main reason I like that style is im restricted to a wheelchair.
As always Ben, excellent instruction. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
great vid indeed, i had a neighbor bring his ax toe, its very dull, what is needed stone wise, to get a good bevel ?
Great video !!
Very informative. Thanks!
I've got an axe and a hatchet, both have a red butt with a silver blade edge. What are they called? I have a smiths since 1886 whetstone with a knife sharpener attachment I got from Wal Mart. The axe has some gashes from use in the blade. How do I get rid of them? I used both pieces to sharpen both the axe and hatchet. I looked up a previous video on how to sharpen stuff and it said to take the blade, fix at a 45 degree angle and stroke forward. Now that I have watched this I am not so sure.
Very helpful, as usual. Thank you.
great video
Good vid... cheers from the axe throwing community ;)
Ben happy new year!! Do you create secondary bevel in your axes, if they are flat grind, in order to prevent chips or doesn’t matter for you?
hey, this may be a stupid question, but what can i use, if i am in the wild, and i dont have a wetstone, or whatever, is there a particular kind of stone i could use to sharpen my axe/knife?
Olá. belos videos , gostaria de saber qual a melhor maneira de pendurar meus machados afiados. grato
I got a Japanese waterstone from amazon ($39). It has a 1000 Grit (medium), and a 6000 grit (fine) surface to remove nicks, and scratches.
i've not been particularly confident with using sharpening stones, i used an old one my dad had, to try and sharpen a pen knife once and i swear i blunted the thing.However i've just bought an axe and whilst the blade seems to have something of an edge it couldn't cut paper like that, does it need to be that sharp to do a good job on branches and fallen wood?
What was the 2 grits of the combination water stone you used ?
i have 2 axes one is a hatchet and the other a double head axe im not sure what type of grind i should use i always thought that i should use a number 3 the v shape but your using a concave shape number 6 do you use a sertin type of grind thats needed for the job that axe would do or is it buy the shape of the axe head that needs a specific grind let me know thanks for the video
Very good video
Where do you get the sharpening tools for the axe
This video only shows how to sharpen an axe with stones. I want to know how to sharpen an axe with Ben Orford!
You have to do this first and continue doing this in 9 years and 7 months. Then you come here and we talk about the further process.
rjfc2 LMBO
Great video!! Learned a lot!
What grit stone do you yours? Who’s the manufacturer of the stone? Thanks