Axe Sharpening

[Realbark]

How do you sharpen an axe? The same as a knife? Or different technique? Thanks.

[CanadianMike]

Don't have to be as fine and exacting with the axe as you do with the knife. Also depends on what type of edge you want on the axe, is it for shaping and slicing wood, or for splitting logs?

[Realbark]

Shaping and slicing mainly. Ive never used an axe before so all advice welcome.

[CanadianMike]

Ya, sharpen it like you would a knife in that case, hold the axe at an angle like you are trying to shave a paper thin slice off the stone and work it til you are happy with it. Depends entirely on the axe head itself, what type and condition the edge is in, etc.

[Realbark]

Thanks - i will do that

[Shewie]

I use the Gransfors puck stone unless there's damage to repair with a file first. With the stone it's just small circles on each side, I like to finish with a strop too.

Sorry for cross posting to another forum but there's a good tutorial here ...

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22814

[troopermaz]

check this link out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LrkC3aS3gA its a ray mears video on axe sharpening

[CanadianMike]

I'm likley going to buy the GB stone in upcoming months, simply because bringing a file along with me....... well, it rusts, even when coated in oil. Is the puck really worth the $45CDN though? I imagine it is, but what makes it better than other cheaper stones?