How to Care for and Sharpen an Ax
How to Properly Sharpen an Ax
A brand-new ax right from the store isn’t usually as sharp as it should be, so even if it’s new, you should sharpen it before the first use. To properly sharpen the blade of an ax you’ll require a vise and a medium-grade mill file. Although it seems a power grinder would make sharpening easier, never use a power grinder. A power grinder can damage the blade. A mill file will allow for better control while you sharpen the blade.
To sharpen the blade, begin by clamping the head of the ax with the edge facing up into a strong vise. Make sure the vise is securely clamped around the head of the blade. Place the medium-grade mill file flat against the blade while drawing it upwards toward the edge. Lift the file off the blade at the end of every stroke. The goal is to sharpen the blade into a convex shape while being careful not to taper the corners. The ax blade should slowly taper from a wide width down to a narrow sharpened edge. Complete the sharpening process on both sides of the blade. Look down the length of the blade to check for uniformity, and continue to sharpen the blade accordingly. After using the mill file, hone the ax blade, and sharpen it to perfection with a well-oiled round stone. Move the ax stone in a circular motion. The newly sharpened ax blade should be lubricated to complete the sharpening process.
Lubricating the Blade
Give your ax the care it requires to avoid rust. To prevent rust, the blade should be lubricated after you sharpen it, and after each use. Lubricate the blade using machine oil or rust inhibitor and fine cut steel wool. Use the steel wool as you would a rag to apply the lubrication. Provide your ax the care and lubrication it requires and it will remain dependable and reliable for years.
Replacing the Handle
It’s not surprising that the handle would break after numerous hours of hard use. It’s for this reason that an extra ax handle should be kept on hand in case it breaks. Don’t continue to use an ax with a loose or split handle. It’s easy to replace a broken handle or to re-wedge a loose one.
Remove the old handle by placing the head of the blade in a vise clamp. Saw off the broken handle near the head of the ax. The next step is to make holes in the remaining handle using a power drill. Carefully push out the old handle using an old wood chisel or screwdriver.
Take the head of the ax to the store when searching for a new handle, and make sure the new handle comes complete with a hardwood wedge. Don’t make the mistake of buying the new handle too small. You can always sand down the new handle to properly fit the head. The new handle should fit tightly, even without the hardwood wedge. Finish installing the new ax handle by driving the hardwood wedge between the blade and the handle by pounding it in using a piece of scrap wood and a heavy mallet.
After the handle is securely in place, sand any unfinished or rough areas of the handle with fine-grade sandpaper. Use a cloth rag to apply a protective coating of linseed oil over the sanded surface.
How to Properly Store an Ax
Proper care is essential, and an ax should be sufficiently lubricated before storage. Store your ax in an area of low humidity, preferably in a leather ax sheath. Keep the ax blade in a leather sheath when not in use. When you properly sharpen, care for, and store your ax, it will last a lifetime, and you’ll be able to pass it onto future generations.
