How to sharpen an axe

Contents:

• Why sharpen an axe?
• Tools needed
• How to sharpen an axe with a file
• Sharpening with a sharpening stone
• Sharpening an axe with an angle grinder
• Sharpening an axe with a bench grinder
• How to maintain your axe blade

A sharp axe improves safety and ensures efficient wood cutting, producing a clean cut each time with fewer swings and much less effort. Whether you're doing work around your home or at an on-site job, a sharp axe will produce much greater (and faster!) results than a dull one.

Axes come in various types, each designed for a specific purpose. Three of the most common axe types include a hand axe (hatchet), a felling axe and a splitting axe. 

Lighter and more portable than larger axes, a hand axe is ideal for one-handed use, such as chopping, kindling, small branches and general campsite tasks. A felling axe is designed for deep, clean cuts with each swing, requiring a sharp and precise edge. It’s typically used for chopping down trees and cutting logs to size. Splitting axes are best for splitting logs into firewood rather than cutting across the grain. Unlike a felling axe, a splitting axe doesn’t need to be razor-sharp. Its weight and wedge shape do the work.

In this guide, we'll discuss why you need to sharpen your axe and how to tell when your axe needs sharpening before explaining how to sharpen an axe and outlining some of the tools you'll need to do it.

As always, when working with sharp blades, be sure to wear appropriate safety gear (such as gloves and eye protection) to ensure your safety during the process.

Before we get into the details of how to sharpen an axe, let's first explain why you need to sharpen it.

The two main reasons for keeping an axe sharp are efficiency and safety.

Unlike a blunt blade, a sharp axe bites into the wood more effectively and splits the wood with much less force. As a result, you'll need fewer swings to cut through the wood, saving you both time and energy. User fatigue is one of the most common reasons for woodcutting injuries. So, when you're working long sessions, reducing physical fatigue is essential to keep up productivity and prevent accidents.

Safety is another crucial reason why you need to sharpen your axe.

A dull axe can bounce or deflect unpredictably, reducing control and increasing the chance of injury. A sharp axe minimises the risk of bouncing or deflection because it grips the wood better on impact. Equally, you'll often end up overcompensating when the blade is blunt, which can also lead to loss of control. However, with a sharp blade, you can ensure accurate, controlled swings to reduce the chance of slipping or cutting yourself.

It's also worth noting that a full blade puts stress on the axe, straining the head or handle and leading to faster wear or even breakage. So, if you want to prolong the life of your tool and get the most out of it, make sure you learn how to sharpen your axe.

Now you understand why you need to sharpen your axe, how do you tell when it's time to sharpen it? Fortunately, there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for.

The first sign your axe needs sharpening will likely be a physical one. Similar to a pruning saw, if you find you have to exert more effort to achieve the same results (for example, if you have to take multiple swings to split the wood or cut much harder than usual), chances are your blade has lost its sharpness. A dull blade will bounce off the surface of the wood; a sharp blade will bite deeply, embedding itself into the wood easily with each swing.

Another clue your axe needs sharpening is in the wood itself. If your axe is sharp, it will make neat, clean cuts through the wood. However, if your axe is blunt, it will typically tear or crush the wood, leaving behind splintered or ragged edges.

If you're still unsure, try inspecting the axe's edge. If the blade has visible dents and rounded edges or looks shiny, it's too dull. A sharp axe will have a defined edge. Be sure to listen out for any grating or scraping sounds when chopping, too. If the axe is sharp, it will produce a clean, slicing noise.

Combined with correct storage and proper chopping techniques, a regular sharpening routine will help ensure you don't get to this stage.

There are a handful of tools you can use to sharpen an axe. Using multiple tools, such as a file and sharpening stone, will provide better results.

Tools include:

• A file for creating a sharp edge and re-profiling the blade.

• A sharpening stone for fine sharpening to achieve a razor-sharp edge.

• An angle grinder for quick material removal (use with caution to avoid overheating the blade)

• A bench grinder for controlled sharpening (ensure proper technique to maintain the blade’s temper).

• Honing oil or water as a lubricant to reduce friction and prevent overheating.

• Safety gear or PPE, such as gloves, eye protection and ear protection, to ensure safety during the process.

If you're using a bench grinder instead of an angle grinder, the main difference is how the axe is positioned during sharpening. Rather than securing the axe and moving the grinder, you'll hold and guide the axe against the spinning grinding wheel.

Instead of clamping the axe to a workbench, grip the handle firmly with both hands and rest the axe head on the built-in tool rest of the bench grinder. Keep the blade angled downward to meet the wheel at the correct bevel angle.

Gently move the axe from heel to tip across the wheel in controlled passes, applying light, even pressure. Be sure to alternate between sides to maintain a symmetrical edge.

Cooling the blade frequently is even more important with a bench grinder, as the continuous contact with the wheel can generate significant heat. Dip the axe in water between passes to prevent overheating and maintain the blade's temper.

Regular maintenance will help to keep your axe sharp, ensuring it continues to create neat, clean cuts while reducing user fatigue and preventing accidents. You should inspect the edge regularly for signs of wear, such as dents or chips.

To maintain your axe's sharpness, make sure you're only using it for tasks it was designed for. Axes shouldn't be used to strike rocks or metal; these materials are much harder than wood and can easily damage the blade.

Be careful not to oversharpen a splitting axe. Instead, focus on removing damage and restoring the shape. A duller edge prevents the blade from getting stuck in logs. However, felling axes should be razor-sharp to allow them to bite into wood effectively. 

Tool storage is another important consideration to prevent dulling. Moisture can corrode the axe's sharp edge and cause rust, so be sure to store your axe properly in a dry, cool place. A blade cover or sheath can also help to protect the edge from dulling or damage when not in use. If you need new storage, this tool storage buying guide will help you select the best option.

Keeping your axe sharp is essential to maintain efficiency and safety, particularly when cutting wood for long periods of time. So, keep an eye out for signs your axe is blunt, such as the blade bouncing off the surface of the wood or leaving behind splintered or ragged edges. A dull blade will also look shiny and make a grating or scraping sound when chopping.

Now you know how to sharpen an axe, it's important to maintain a regular sharpening routine, using either a file, sharpening stone or grinder. This will help reduce fatigue, prevent accidents and ensure you leave only neat, clean cuts in the wood. See our range of axes to find the right one for you.