@@jacksonelliott2574 most people run to a grinder and put an angled edge on the axe head when an axe head should have a convex edge,with a file it's easy to shape the cutting edge properly,at least that's how I learned how to sharpen them.
@@lsmith2129 Yes the way I was taught too But last week when I got my recent axe out to use & I tried to sharpen it with a file & it just glazed over it....:-(
I tried to find a non power tool way to sharpen an axe, and there are a lot of other videos out there on it that are really long winded. Yours is straight to the point, simple, and effective. I appreciate it.
I have been a wildfire sawyer for 23 years and for my hand tools and axes this is absolutely the method to use followed with a pocket puck and a pocket finishing stone. There is nothing more dangerous than a tool that should be sharp and is not …. It is very easy to get a axe to the point where you can shave with it and in fact the strop method after finishing stone and should be ready to shave and shave test should be the go to. Good video !
Having declared my dissatisfaction with this sharpener last night th-cam.com/users/postUgkxDcr-y2Pf6xdnrFHrSP7dl9kpKaCozcSQ I thought about the problem some more. It occurred to me that I might be undoing each attempt at achieving a sharp edge by the repeated attempts. So, I tried to clean up the unsatisfactory result by honing with only positions 3 and 4.Miracle!! A really nicely sharpened chef's knife, more than enough to handle my needs. Admittedly, it did not reach professionally sharpened razor-fineness, but it is now significantly sharper than it was. A bout of breaking down carrots convinced me. So, major apologies to the manufacturer, Amazon, and all happy and potential owners! Follow the directions: don't buy it if you have ceramic blades; and don't overwork your knife blade.
Thank you for the very clear and easy to follow video. I recently moved to the rural PNW and have a lot of trees to thin and also fallen trees that have inspired me to learn wood working.
I like your tutorial. Straight to the point, you actually demonstrate what's going on and accurate information. Your so called blunt axe head still looks in better condition than mine 😄
Just three tips for you. (1) Finish with alternating laps. A stroke on one side, stroke on the other. This helps to prevent burr buildup, which can be beneficial while setting the bevel but is your enemy at the finish, because a burr becomes a wire edge. It folds over readily. (2) Apply a compound bevel when you think you are finished. Simply add a few very light laps at a slightly higher angle for a microbevel. This makes the edge much more robust. (3) You don't need the paddle strop and CrOx. There is no need to go any finer than 1k grit, which is around 13 μm. CrOx is around .5μm or roughly 30k grit. I your application it has some benefit but only in temporarily aligning the edge and removing SOME of the burr. A 1k stone or a natural of similar effect for finishing your edge would be better, IF PROPERLY USED. (4) Oops yeah one more. The way you clamped the ax allows it to rotate a good bit, which results in a very slight convexing. Not a dealbreaker but not optimum, either. Try clamping the ax head in your bench vise. If you can get just the back 3/4" solid in the vise, good enough. (5) Glad to see you are using a handle on your file. It should be stressed that a handle on the file tang has saved a LOT of hands from getting very nasty slices, and not using one has resulted in some crazy cuts, often resulting in trips to the ER.
@@butterypigeons1089 A compound bevel is when you form a primary bevel and then apply a few final laps at a slightly higher angle. This gives you much of the advantage of a more acute bevel, with some of the robustness of a more obtuse bevel. In other words it cuts good but the edge is not as easily damaged.
Great video I have an axe that is about 35 to 40 years old, it's in fair shape, I'm going to restore it. Now I know how to restore the cutting edge. Blessings to you and your family
I got to 4:20 seconds Into the video, and then I paused it and I bought Lanskys sharpening Puck and 3 in 1 Oil, never heard of either brand before but just on the basis of this video I trusted the guy and I did it
I know this is a older video now but, this is the most helpful video I've ever seen. I immediately was able to sharpen my old axe to a frightening level, after being afraid to mess it up for years now. Thank you!
I'd be lost without this video, my first time having an axe and sharpening one. I'm having a tough time making it sharp enough to shave, but it cuts paper with ease. Thanks👍
THANKS FOR POSTING !!! First of all, you're about the only person, that I have found that holds the "Old School" truths of file handling, ( back and forth), dulls a file. You're absolutely right! Lots of school systems have discontinued teaching basic shop classes and it's depriving our young, the necessary basic knowledge of how stuff works and how to fix things. When I was in school, Industrial Arts was a required course for the boys and Home EC was required for the girls. It taught them to sew, cook, clean, do laundry, etc and manage a family. Sex education...all of what they would soon, need, to start a family. The boys were invested with OJT (On the Job Training), to be ready to hold down a job and be the bread-winner of the family. The smart phones in our youth's hands have brought them up in a two dimensional alter reality and the lack of shop training, no wonder our country is going down the tubes! This young man exhibits the fact that he was brought-up knowing right from wrong as well as having good holdsome training! Keep right on doing your thing, young feller! THANKS AGAIN for posting! If you'll draw-file the edge first, it will save you lots of work.
Thanks my friend. I too had all sorts of shop classes in school, as well as Home Economics. I took as many of those classes as I could. Thats a good call on the draw filing. I should have started with that. Thats how I sharpen my mower blades.
You know what, man? I was looking on TH-cam for a video to sharpen my axe. I found your video here, and you pulled out the exact same axe I have. Same company and size. Apart from having the same axe, all of these sharpening techniques are great! This is probably the most useful help video, I’ve ever found for myself!
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” ― Abraham Lincoln Abe should have watched your video so he'd know how to sharpen an axe more effectively and not waste a whole four hours.
@@MAILER-DAEMON I suppose your name really describes you. I know as well as you that Axes don't have to be razor sharp, but it's a damn hobby. If people want to sharpen axes, then they might as well do it to the best of their ability, because human beings all have our things we get into. I have all sorts of odd hobbies. I'm making a Jason mask for Halloween, and today I spent 5 hours on just painting and sanding, because I want it done to the best of my ability. I'm not selling it, and NOBODY in the world would notice the extra difference, but it means something to me. I suppose correcting people for your own satisfaction would be your hobby. I'm sure it earns you many friends :)
Have it on good authority that during those four hours of sharpening his axe, Honest Abe dictated the Ghettysburg Address to his secretary which he transcribed later.
Stumbled across this vid while wrapping up a random surfing. I wanted to learn how to sharpen my hardware store axes, and this is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!
How can I get the top point of the axe sharp? I sharpen in a downward angle. The bottom tip is sharper, but I guess thats normal? Thank you! I've learned in 5 minutes in this video more than watching others and picking up tips through the years!
I've done half-assed jobs sharpening axes before, but I just ordered a great bearded axe and want to take great care of it. You're very personable and made me glad I watched this video. Every word stuck. Great job dude! Thanks.
thanks Jeff. Fun story how I got my axe. It was something out of a movie. Christmas night when I was about 10 or something. It was super snowy here in sweden and strong winds. Be and my cousins decided to go out to the communal area of my neighboorhood and play in the snow. The winds blew like crazy and you could barely see anything. I was young and short so the snow was about up to my knees and made it hard to walk. From the street lights I then saw a glimmer of something in the tree grove where there where benches and stuff. I pushed on through and like the sword in stone i found an axe in snow. I took it out, shouted and showed my cousins then we all went inside. I’m now 20 and have had it all this time. Now I’m thinking about sharpening it so this was very useful
i want to own a tomahawk and grandfors bruks but i keep thinking "oh god, what will i do when it needs to be sharpened, i don't have a vice or anything!" then i think back on the times when axes were used but vice grips weren't a thing, and realized i didn't really need such a thing to sharpen the tool i would want to have. I'm definitely happy i came across your video here, as this helped translate the small things i would want to have. may even used my old leather belt for strapping or stropping, i dunno, eitherway, its genuine leather! thank you very much!
Thanks for not abusing that file. I can't stand it when people do that. I bought a farm store ax and it's is a challenge to get the right angle and edge. Only one axe head had any decent "ring" to it. The handles nowadays are wretched. Nothing but grain runout. Great video. Thanks.
I find myself doing it too then I remind myself to stop it. It was a challenge to not go crazy for the video. For an inexpensive axe, this one has worked ok.
My cat loved it!those sounds you made with the file drew him in he was yours from then on. don't need a axe I can shave with but if I do I will not stop at the stone. thanks good info
I wouldn't use any oil on the stone personally. It clogs up the stone surface and reduces friction hence takes longer to get the results you want. Just plain water or kerosene I've found works better. Good vid especially the file direction.........and the blooper! Lol
Thanks for the vid. If it’s damaged hit it w the file and touch up w a stone and strop. Not much to it. Some people go nuts about sharpening their axe or hatchet. Let’s be real you’re not using a competition axe. Keep it sharp and in good shape and it’ll get the job done for years.
Good to the point video, thanks for sharing. In the field I use one of the inexpensive pocket sharpeners with the carbon steel and ceramic sticks on the other side. now I need to really sit down and put a good edge on my axe, thanks this is helpful.
Smooth the edge with a coarse stone or a fine file then polish the edge with fine stone and strop the edge with a compound charged leather belt. Keep a fine stone in your pocket to touch up the edge while you are using the ax. If you hit a rock go back to step one.
How the heck did TH-cam know I’ve been wanting to sharpen my axe? I had only been thinking about it this morning! Hey, I have that file...and those exact wooden clamps, a whet stone, and geez the leather strap thing, too! (All inherited from Dad’s workshop) *feeling fully equipped for once* I’m just starting out trying to equip myself after my divorce and my axe edge is full of dings. 🤷🏽♀️ Thanks for showing how to do this!
Hate to ask a stupid question, but did you have it in a vice? Gloves are a good idea, but people are much more likely to cut themselves if they just file, and sharpen in the hand. I've had to stop being lazy, and take things down into the basement vice to avoid issues.
In the fire department they have the new guy sharpen the axes. Then the captain with come in and run the file on the freshly sharp edge. This is because a super sharp are has the tendency to get stuck. Most axes people use are for chopping wood. This was really informative. Good video.
As my grandma would say: "STUMP BURNING PARTY!!!!" :D Thanks for the vid! Don't forget your Canadian viewers! Would have liked to support your amazon links but need some .ca links! :)
I honestly didn't know they were unavailable to you. I just added Canada and several other countries. Looks like CA links should be available. Thanks for letting me know that.
6:41 so true once I got into sharpening my own knives I stopped putting them in a dishwasher or leaving them in a dirty sink after I was done using them.
Its good to sharpen an axe Id recommend maybe thinning the handle down a bit so you can close your hand most of the length if not the whole length makes the work more comfortable I find.
A dull axe saved my life once. I was a teenager that hadn't ever seen an axe. Went to a place that had an axe and firewood outside. With no prior experience I decided to go wild on the woodpile. After a few swings, I missed the log, and my poorly placed leg took the blade end of the axe directly to the shin. Luckily the edge was dull as a butter knife 😂 That's why I appreciate dull axe blades to this day
Part of me feels that if the axe was sharp then you wouldn't have been swinging so hard and so wildly , thus, you may not have hit yourself in the first place possibly?
Home Built Workshop it’s alright, said you were going to use the coarse side and then used the fine side lol. I notice little things like that sometimes, great video though
Hello, just bought a new axe. Feels pretty blunt. Will get the file out tomorrow and give your method a go. Thanks , from a very wet ( no axing today) Wales in the UK.
This was so awesome. I was actually doing a Bible study on the scripture in Ecclesiastes 10:10, which says, "When the axe is dull and the edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill brings success". Skill comes through repetition and applied pressure, that's what sharpens. Wow gave me some really great insights and now I know how to sharpen an axe, (and myself?) lol. Loved it!
Hey just found this video and I thought it was really helpful, I say this because I've got axe's and I've been trying to get mine that hair cutting sharp with no success.
I have a bunch of 4" squares cut from 1/2" thick rubber horse stall mats I put in between clamps and anything I don't want to damage the surface of. Seems to work pretty well.
I just found a Sears Craftsman Bicentennial axe at a yard sale for $5. I polished the head to a mirror shine and getting ready to sharpen it. I bought it for axe throwing, but one sold on ebay for $150 so i'm having second thoughts lol. It's a nice display piece.
If I use a file I fold a rag and set it on the cheek until it holds the file at the right angle and rotate it. I usually tack sandpaper to a paddle and go through the grits and strop at the end.
The circular grinding with the whetstone was killing me. It's better to grind in straight lines and then grind perpendicular to the way you did with the rougher grit
heya caroline, think about the environment, not all of the gasoline burns, it always seeps into the earth and pollutes the environment you should think of that. in the future, our children also want to drink clean water. i wish you and your family all the best.
Good information. I am a little OCD and have to remove the manufacturers stickers from any tool I have. Also each time I sharpen I like to clean up the axe handle with a medium grit sandpaper and give it a coat of boiled Linseed oil. I found if the handle is too smooth it is hard to hang on to and if it is to rough you will get blisters.
when working with the stone hands are in the line of fire so cut resistant gloves are needed to mitigate the hazard, good job and thank you for the video.
Here is an updated link to the sharpening puck. amzn.to/3qvgSm2
You made me so happy when you said you were going to use a plain old file,way to go young man.
Thanks. That's how I was taught by my Grandpa lots of years ago.
L
Grey wolf, why?
@@jacksonelliott2574 most people run to a grinder and put an angled edge on the axe head when an axe head should have a convex edge,with a file it's easy to shape the cutting edge properly,at least that's how I learned how to sharpen them.
@@lsmith2129 Yes the way I was taught too
But last week when I got my recent axe out to use & I tried to sharpen it with a file & it just glazed over it....:-(
I tried to find a non power tool way to sharpen an axe, and there are a lot of other videos out there on it that are really long winded. Yours is straight to the point, simple, and effective. I appreciate it.
Thanks, I'm glad it was helpful.
Yes, I agree. Thank you!
I have been a wildfire sawyer for 23 years and for my hand tools and axes this is absolutely the method to use followed with a pocket puck and a pocket finishing stone. There is nothing more dangerous than a tool that should be sharp and is not …. It is very easy to get a axe to the point where you can shave with it and in fact the strop method after finishing stone and should be ready to shave and shave test should be the go to. Good video !
I liked the way you sped up your video. You could've stretched it out to over 10 minutes sooo easily. Respect and a thumbs up.
Awesome. Thanks. I didnt want to drag it out too much. 👍
Roland Schitt just taught me how to sharpen an axe
Chris Elliot is looking pretty good
I was looking for this comment
Having declared my dissatisfaction with this sharpener last night th-cam.com/users/postUgkxDcr-y2Pf6xdnrFHrSP7dl9kpKaCozcSQ I thought about the problem some more. It occurred to me that I might be undoing each attempt at achieving a sharp edge by the repeated attempts. So, I tried to clean up the unsatisfactory result by honing with only positions 3 and 4.Miracle!! A really nicely sharpened chef's knife, more than enough to handle my needs. Admittedly, it did not reach professionally sharpened razor-fineness, but it is now significantly sharper than it was. A bout of breaking down carrots convinced me. So, major apologies to the manufacturer, Amazon, and all happy and potential owners! Follow the directions: don't buy it if you have ceramic blades; and don't overwork your knife blade.
Nice to see there are smart people out there who still do things the old fashioned way.
The old way is still the good way in a lot of cases.
Linus sharpening axes when not doing PCs
Lmao
Was looking for this in the comments! I'm glad it wasn't just me that thought so!
❤
This got me laughing so hard 😂😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂 thought the face was familiar to someone else haha
I appreciate that you used simple tools to sharpen the axe, the video was easy to follow. I took notes and will go try to sharpen my axe. Thank you!
Thank you for the very clear and easy to follow video. I recently moved to the rural PNW and have a lot of trees to thin and also fallen trees that have inspired me to learn wood working.
Thanks for this instruction and for keeping it clean. My ten year old son could watch it too. We’re going to have a go at it!
Thank you. You can do this. Its not too hard.
Nice good basic sharpening video, you made it look easier than I've seen anyone else explain before, thanks
Thank you. Its really that easy too.
I like your tutorial. Straight to the point, you actually demonstrate what's going on and accurate information. Your so called blunt axe head still looks in better condition than mine 😄
Thanks!
Just three tips for you. (1) Finish with alternating laps. A stroke on one side, stroke on the other. This helps to prevent burr buildup, which can be beneficial while setting the bevel but is your enemy at the finish, because a burr becomes a wire edge. It folds over readily. (2) Apply a compound bevel when you think you are finished. Simply add a few very light laps at a slightly higher angle for a microbevel. This makes the edge much more robust. (3) You don't need the paddle strop and CrOx. There is no need to go any finer than 1k grit, which is around 13 μm. CrOx is around .5μm or roughly 30k grit. I your application it has some benefit but only in temporarily aligning the edge and removing SOME of the burr. A 1k stone or a natural of similar effect for finishing your edge would be better, IF PROPERLY USED. (4) Oops yeah one more. The way you clamped the ax allows it to rotate a good bit, which results in a very slight convexing. Not a dealbreaker but not optimum, either. Try clamping the ax head in your bench vise. If you can get just the back 3/4" solid in the vise, good enough. (5) Glad to see you are using a handle on your file. It should be stressed that a handle on the file tang has saved a LOT of hands from getting very nasty slices, and not using one has resulted in some crazy cuts, often resulting in trips to the ER.
Jesus. I didn’t know sharpening an axe is that in-depth! Thanks for the info
I'm sure those are all good points, but it sounds like it becomes no longer "easy". :) "How to Sharpen an Axe (Its Easy)"
@@kwebster62 no... it is detailed and written by a 'detail guy'. Sharpening an axe is not very difficult.
Whats a compound bevel?
@@butterypigeons1089 A compound bevel is when you form a primary bevel and then apply a few final laps at a slightly higher angle. This gives you much of the advantage of a more acute bevel, with some of the robustness of a more obtuse bevel. In other words it cuts good but the edge is not as easily damaged.
Great video I have an axe that is about 35 to 40 years old, it's in fair shape, I'm going to restore it. Now I know how to restore the cutting edge. Blessings to you and your family
How'd it go?
I got to 4:20 seconds Into the video, and then I paused it and I bought Lanskys sharpening Puck and 3 in 1 Oil, never heard of either brand before but just on the basis of this video I trusted the guy and I did it
That has to be the most straight forward and easy way to sharpen an axe. Thank you very much!
And now I have sone filing to do!
I know this is a older video now but, this is the most helpful video I've ever seen. I immediately was able to sharpen my old axe to a frightening level, after being afraid to mess it up for years now. Thank you!
I'd be lost without this video, my first time having an axe and sharpening one. I'm having a tough time making it sharp enough to shave, but it cuts paper with ease. Thanks👍
THANKS FOR POSTING !!!
First of all, you're about the only person, that I have found that holds the "Old School" truths of file handling, ( back and forth), dulls a file. You're absolutely right! Lots of school systems have discontinued teaching basic shop classes and it's depriving our young, the necessary basic knowledge of how stuff works and how to fix things. When I was in school, Industrial Arts was a required course for the boys and Home EC was required for the girls. It taught them to sew, cook, clean, do laundry, etc and manage a family. Sex education...all of what they would soon, need, to start a family. The boys were invested with OJT (On the Job Training), to be ready to hold down a job and be the bread-winner of the family. The smart phones in our youth's hands have brought them up in a two dimensional alter reality and the lack of shop training, no wonder our country is going down the tubes!
This young man exhibits the fact that he was brought-up knowing right from wrong as well as having good holdsome training! Keep right on doing your thing, young feller!
THANKS AGAIN for posting!
If you'll draw-file the edge first, it will save you lots of work.
Thanks my friend. I too had all sorts of shop classes in school, as well as Home Economics. I took as many of those classes as I could. Thats a good call on the draw filing. I should have started with that. Thats how I sharpen my mower blades.
You know what, man? I was looking on TH-cam for a video to sharpen my axe. I found your video here, and you pulled out the exact same axe I have. Same company and size. Apart from having the same axe, all of these sharpening techniques are great! This is probably the most useful help video, I’ve ever found for myself!
Wow. That's cool. What are the chances? 👍
haha, same!
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
― Abraham Lincoln
Abe should have watched your video so he'd know how to sharpen an axe more effectively and not waste a whole four hours.
Yes! I really like this quote.
Good old Abe , he had work with the equipment of the day and is why he took so long to sharpen his ax I guess.
@@MAILER-DAEMON I suppose your name really describes you. I know as well as you that Axes don't have to be razor sharp, but it's a damn hobby. If people want to sharpen axes, then they might as well do it to the best of their ability, because human beings all have our things we get into. I have all sorts of odd hobbies. I'm making a Jason mask for Halloween, and today I spent 5 hours on just painting and sanding, because I want it done to the best of my ability. I'm not selling it, and NOBODY in the world would notice the extra difference, but it means something to me. I suppose correcting people for your own satisfaction would be your hobby. I'm sure it earns you many friends :)
Have it on good authority that during those four hours of sharpening his axe, Honest Abe dictated the Ghettysburg Address to his secretary which he transcribed later.
“If I was two faced do you think I would be wearing this one?”
Stumbled across this vid while wrapping up a random surfing. I wanted to learn how to sharpen my hardware store axes, and this is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!
Awesome. Its easy to do.
How can I get the top point of the axe sharp? I sharpen in a downward angle. The bottom tip is sharper, but I guess thats normal? Thank you! I've learned in 5 minutes in this video more than watching others and picking up tips through the years!
I needed a refresher course on how to get my axe sharp enough to actually be useful. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for stopping by.
I've done half-assed jobs sharpening axes before, but I just ordered a great bearded axe and want to take great care of it. You're very personable and made me glad I watched this video. Every word stuck. Great job dude! Thanks.
Awesome. Thank you so much. I like a bearded axe. I think they look so nice. I'm sure you'll love it.
thanks Jeff. Fun story how I got my axe. It was something out of a movie. Christmas night when I was about 10 or something. It was super snowy here in sweden and strong winds. Be and my cousins decided to go out to the communal area of my neighboorhood and play in the snow. The winds blew like crazy and you could barely see anything. I was young and short so the snow was about up to my knees and made it hard to walk. From the street lights I then saw a glimmer of something in the tree grove where there where benches and stuff. I pushed on through and like the sword in stone i found an axe in snow. I took it out, shouted and showed my cousins then we all went inside. I’m now 20 and have had it all this time. Now I’m thinking about sharpening it so this was very useful
What a neat story, thank you for sharing that. I hope your axe serves you well.
Thank you a lot, helped me get my requirement for Tenderfoot in Boy Scouts.
I'm so glad to hear this. I grew up a Scout myself. Stick with it. The things you learn in scouting will stick with you forever.
My brother is a Eagle Scout now it’s cool to watch them grow up and he is older then me lol 😂😂😂
I’m working on that too! It’s just a bit hard with COVID
I like how you get with it and talk at the same time and give great information.
Dull axe✅, file✅,sharpening stone✅, super helpful instructions✅. Thanks.
Thank You.
I found this video clear, not too long, not too short, effective and informative. Like and sub.
Nice tips!
I personally don't deal much with classical (long handle) axes, but will definitely use this on my hatchets, and Tomahawks!!
It'll work for all of those.
i want to own a tomahawk and grandfors bruks but i keep thinking "oh god, what will i do when it needs to be sharpened, i don't have a vice or anything!" then i think back on the times when axes were used but vice grips weren't a thing, and realized i didn't really need such a thing to sharpen the tool i would want to have. I'm definitely happy i came across your video here, as this helped translate the small things i would want to have. may even used my old leather belt for strapping or stropping, i dunno, eitherway, its genuine leather! thank you very much!
Make sure to wear some work gloves if you aren't holding it down in a vice. Cutting your fingers isn't fun. Lol.
It’s the time of year to camp in the warm climate thanks for this
Camping season!
Thanks for not abusing that file.
I can't stand it when people do that.
I bought a farm store ax and it's is a challenge to get the right angle and edge.
Only one axe head had any decent "ring" to it. The handles nowadays are wretched. Nothing but grain runout.
Great video. Thanks.
I find myself doing it too then I remind myself to stop it. It was a challenge to not go crazy for the video. For an inexpensive axe, this one has worked ok.
Thanks for sharing the tips. Gives me motivation to sharpen my ax. Just found your channel and am liking what I have watched so far.
Thank You.
Thanks for taking the time to make this, you saved me a bunch of money and time
Awesome, I'm happy it helped you out.
My cat loved it!those sounds you made with the file drew him in he was yours from then on. don't need a axe I can shave with but if I do I will not stop at the stone. thanks good info
ghostshaman Burleson what will you stop at? The stone is the tool you need to get a shaving edge.
Cheap and effective and simple, thank you. Weren't you in the movie, "Groundhog Day"?
I wouldn't use any oil on the stone personally. It clogs up the stone surface and reduces friction hence takes longer to get the results you want. Just plain water or kerosene I've found works better. Good vid especially the file direction.........and the blooper! Lol
hehe, don't see bloopers often at the end. I like it. Keep it up. This was actually help to see the steps in action.
I like including them. They make it fun.
Thanks for the vid. If it’s damaged hit it w the file and touch up w a stone and strop. Not much to it. Some people go nuts about sharpening their axe or hatchet. Let’s be real you’re not using a competition axe. Keep it sharp and in good shape and it’ll get the job done for years.
Exactly. This method works, and doesn't cost a lot of money.
Nice job, good video for the the home owners that have axes. Or just people that have axes that don’t have any experience sharpening axes.
Thanks, Its great for anyone to know.
Good to the point video, thanks for sharing. In the field I use one of the inexpensive pocket sharpeners with the carbon steel and ceramic sticks on the other side. now I need to really sit down and put a good edge on my axe, thanks this is helpful.
Those pocket stones are great. I have one around here somewhere.
I have the same axe. I found your video inspiriting. I'm from Devon England. A big thumbs up.
Smooth the edge with a coarse stone or a fine file then polish the edge with fine stone and strop the edge with a compound charged leather belt. Keep a fine stone in your pocket to touch up the edge while you are using the ax. If you hit a rock go back to step one.
Yes, if I hit a rock now, I cry for a second or 2. lol.
I never thought of using a file and then the stone. Will give it a try thanks 😮
is there a particular coarseness of file to go with for an axe?
I am an idiot and you’re the only person that’s laid out a simple and effective method without assuming I already know how to do it. Thank you
How the heck did TH-cam know I’ve been wanting to sharpen my axe? I had only been thinking about it this morning!
Hey, I have that file...and those exact wooden clamps, a whet stone, and geez the leather strap thing, too! (All inherited from Dad’s workshop)
*feeling fully equipped for once*
I’m just starting out trying to equip myself after my divorce and my axe edge is full of dings. 🤷🏽♀️ Thanks for showing how to do this!
Great video. I have never seen anyone shave their arm before to know how sharp something was except my Father did after sharpening his pocket knife.
Pro tip: wear gloves, I just got a nasty cut on my finger while filing my axe
Safety First. I hope you're OK.
Home Built Workshop thanks, it’s healing up well, 👍
I know that feeling. There are scars on my hands because I don’t like using gloves while filing.
Lol cut my finger right before I read this
Hate to ask a stupid question, but did you have it in a vice? Gloves are a good idea, but people are much more likely to cut themselves if they just file, and sharpen in the hand. I've had to stop being lazy, and take things down into the basement vice to avoid issues.
In the fire department they have the new guy sharpen the axes. Then the captain with come in and run the file on the freshly sharp edge. This is because a super sharp are has the tendency to get stuck. Most axes people use are for chopping wood. This was really informative. Good video.
As my grandma would say: "STUMP BURNING PARTY!!!!" :D
Thanks for the vid! Don't forget your Canadian viewers! Would have liked to support your amazon links but need some .ca links! :)
I honestly didn't know they were unavailable to you. I just added Canada and several other countries. Looks like CA links should be available. Thanks for letting me know that.
Thanks! Im new to chopping wood, its for the campfire to burn,
Great video man 👍
Love your energy and sincerity, keep up the good work 🙏
I’m proud of you ....you sure have come a long way from cabin boy.. no more fancy lad..good video
Lol, Thanks.
I hand dig out about 45 apricot stumps, very tough work.
I feel your pain my friend.
6:41 so true once I got into sharpening my own knives I stopped putting them in a dishwasher or leaving them in a dirty sink after I was done using them.
It makes a difference for sure.
Its good to sharpen an axe Id recommend maybe thinning the handle down a bit so you can close your hand most of the length if not the whole length makes the work more comfortable I find.
Also getting the trash polyurethane off the handle and oiling it makes an axe or hatchet more comfortable to use.
I agree, I need to sand it down and add some Boiled Linseed Oil. This handle is pretty slick.
Thanks for the easy to follow instructions on how to sharpen my axe.
A dull axe saved my life once. I was a teenager that hadn't ever seen an axe. Went to a place that had an axe and firewood outside. With no prior experience I decided to go wild on the woodpile. After a few swings, I missed the log, and my poorly placed leg took the blade end of the axe directly to the shin. Luckily the edge was dull as a butter knife 😂
That's why I appreciate dull axe blades to this day
Wow, thats crazy. Could have been a lot worse. Thanks for sharing that.
Same thing happens to me one my first big wood splitting job 😆
Did it break you leg? If not the ax was neatly stopped.
Part of me feels that if the axe was sharp then you wouldn't have been swinging so hard and so wildly , thus, you may not have hit yourself in the first place possibly?
@@Sooper8 I had no idea how sharp this thing was or was not. Also, I was a teenager so caution did not exist 🤣
I work at an Ax Throwing Bar and appreciate the video. Thank you!
This was an excellent tutorial. Thanks for the share!
Thank you very much.
I just bought one of those sharpening stones today, and after only a couple of minutes it made such a difference.
Its a great little stone.
I have been sharpening knives on a stone for decades, but there's something about the shape of this stone that just works for an axe. Thanks again.
You started off using the lansky on the medium side, not the coarse side. I’d recommend starting with the coarse than moving to the medium grit.
That was the intention but I believe I messed that up in the video edit. Sorry for the confusion.
Home Built Workshop it’s alright, said you were going to use the coarse side and then used the fine side lol. I notice little things like that sometimes, great video though
I've got a found-by-the-side-of-the-road axe which could use a good sharpening. Spring is right around the corner, after all. Thanks for sharing!
Those are the best kind. It'll sharpen right up.
Good vid- some patience with the right set up to hold the axe and file/stones to complete the job.
Its a pretty simple method that just plain works.
Hello, just bought a new axe. Feels pretty blunt. Will get the file out tomorrow and give your method a go. Thanks , from a very wet ( no axing today) Wales in the UK.
Awesome, You'll have that new axe nice and sharp in no time.
I really enjoy this woodworking channel featuring TV’s Chris Elliot...
LOL!
Awesome video perfect for someone trying to do this without spending too much money. Thanks
Glad to help
very simple and good video....thanks
This was so awesome. I was actually doing a Bible study on the scripture in Ecclesiastes 10:10, which says, "When the axe is dull and the edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill brings success". Skill comes through repetition and applied pressure, that's what sharpens. Wow gave me some really great insights and now I know how to sharpen an axe, (and myself?) lol. Loved it!
Proverbs 27:17 - «As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.»
I was wondering what ever happened to Chris Elliot.
Just over here sharpening my axe. Lol.
Show Cat 🤣😂 I kept thinking the same thing!!
He could use that axe to “stir your potatoes”......😆
Thanks for the video !
Hey just found this video and I thought it was really helpful, I say this because I've got axe's and I've been trying to get mine that hair cutting sharp with no success.
Glad it helped!
Dragging your file in reverse just dulls it quicker as well : ), thanks for sharing.
I have a bunch of 4" squares cut from 1/2" thick rubber horse stall mats I put in between clamps and anything I don't want to damage the surface of. Seems to work pretty well.
Thats a good idea. I have a couple pieces like that. I'll have to try it out. Thanks for sharing that tip.
Awesome tutorial, thanks for showing us! I love your accuracy!
I didn't know Chris Elliott had a TH-cam channel.
Great video. Just bought a Grayvik hatchet and since they are Vaughn seconds they come dull. This video just the ticket. Thanks!!!
Cool, Have fun getting it sharpened. I'm happy it was helpful.
Sharpen right to left as you were doing but as you can see the front is not even so sharpen right to left left to right , makes even Steven!!
I just found a Sears Craftsman Bicentennial axe at a yard sale for $5. I polished the head to a mirror shine and getting ready to sharpen it. I bought it for axe throwing, but one sold on ebay for $150 so i'm having second thoughts lol. It's a nice display piece.
Sounds like a nice yard sale score.
I'm in the same situation with the stumps but my ax is dull, very dull. Lol
Stumps are the worst. I'm glad to have mine done with. Lol.
If I use a file I fold a rag and set it on the cheek until it holds the file at the right angle and rotate it. I usually tack sandpaper to a paddle and go through the grits and strop at the end.
Thats a good idea. I may have to experiment with that.
The circular grinding with the whetstone was killing me. It's better to grind in straight lines and then grind perpendicular to the way you did with the rougher grit
I just got a nice hatchet as a gift, but it hasn't really had a proper sharpened edge on it yet. This was really helpful to watch! Thank you!
Thanks, I'm glad it was helpful.
Looks like Linus Tech Tips, sounds like him too.
I was going to make this same observational comment... You beat me to it!
Very well demonstrated and explained.
Thank you!
Congratulations on knowing how to use a file and having a sharp one.
Thanks a bunch I look forward to getting a nice edge on my dad's very old axe.. It is easily 40 years old
That is awesome!
Now I know what happened to Chris Elliott!! He found the fountain of youth!!
Bwuaaaahaaa!
I really appreciate this straightforward approach. Well done.
Burn the stump, on u tube there’s a guy that drilled a large hole in stump, pour gas in the stump hole & BURN!
I've seen that done before. I can't open burn where I live.
heya caroline,
think about the environment, not all of the gasoline burns, it always seeps into the earth and pollutes the environment you should think of that.
in the future, our children also want to drink clean water.
i wish you and your family all the best.
Good information. I am a little OCD and have to remove the manufacturers stickers from any tool I have. Also each time I sharpen I like to clean up the axe handle with a medium grit sandpaper and give it a coat of boiled Linseed oil. I found if the handle is too smooth it is hard to hang on to and if it is to rough you will get blisters.
I thought about removing the label. This axe handle needs to be sanded. Its really slick. I've lost it a time or 2. Kinds dangerous.
Lmao you think THAT edge is bad? Hahaha, my dads axe is literally bent on the top and bottom of the edge. And there pretty much IS no edge.
Oh so its a tree wedge now 😁
Yeah bro....good job...
I also need to sharpen my carbon iron axe........with this procedure....good
Thanks 👍
How many days does this take??? 🤔 💭
Oh not days not weeks not even months a couple of years... LMAO 😂
when working with the stone hands are in the line of fire so cut resistant gloves are needed to mitigate the hazard, good job and thank you for the video.
Wear gloves when sharpening an axe.
Why not necessary if you are careful
@@duett445 hay man.. Listen to Chris he only has 7 fingers...