How to Sharpen an Axe: Profile and Edge Geometry

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Today in the shop I am showing you how I sharpen my axes. This involves re-profiling the bit, and then creating the best edge geometry for cutting.

I’ll walk you through the process of establishing the profile while learning to draw the correct Archie you bit. Then I’ll show you my two step process of sharpening. Establish the 25 degree edge first, and then follow up with removing the “speed bumps” with a steep grind. Then smooth it all out for a perfect convex grind.

Check out our podcast, The Art of Craftsmanship, on the Makery Network, where we talk about making things, shop tips, fun stories, and YouTube content creation here...

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I’d love to see a video from you on how to sharpen an axe manually with files and stones.

josephkauslick

Don't think I've ever watched a video more than once. I've watched this 3 times. Great video.

charleswilson

Nice. I like the explanation about how to get blade shape/geometry. I've always done it by eye. Also liked the diagrams. Much clearer than the ones on my 'billhook sharpening in the woods' video.

Also liked the explanation about the convex edge profile, although I've always thought of that shape being 'optimum' because you get a best compromise between sharpness of the cutting edge and support for (robustness of) the cutting edge. I use it on billhooks, which I use a lot more than axes. I've always called the 'speedbump' the 'shoulder', but then I'm in the UK.

That convex profile turns up with variations on splitting axes and froes (also called dull axes) which are rolled in the split when cleaving long lengths. Also turns up on skew chisels for pole lathe turnery that were actually old enough to have been used on pole lathes 'for real', although the logic is a bit different.

anemone

This video should have 300k views...just incredible...great job

roberttank

That is one of the best explanations of sharpening an axe I’ve heard. Excellent job, your videos are done so well!

dietrichnsons

Finally....gracias, Dustin. I know Ive being asking over and over for this, but I do appreciate this type of videos.

benraya

Thank you Thank you so much for this. I have been searching for videos that show how to profile an axe, and none of them gave me the information I wanted. Until I found you! I recently got hooked into the sport of axe throwing, and absolutely LOVE it. I have learned that the majority of affordable axes have a rather large speed bump that makes it counterintuitive for throwing, so they need to be profiled for them to work better. This was absolutely awesome. Thank you so so much!!

yvonnedare

I've only been following for several weeks but I must say. I feel more at home here than anywhere else on YouTube.

pureblood

A great learning resource on ax blade angles.
I am touched with gratitude for the wonderful video.

Thank you very much.

Justin-xeuy

Good job mate . Thanks for the reshaping points. Thanks for the video. take it easy

dunc

5:49 Great camera shot! Really showed exactly where he was at and helped me understand and see that diagram he drew in practice.

disco

I learned so much watching this, also answered a lotta questions and I didn’t know 100 percent. Thanks for sharing!!

peakbagger

Very cool sir! What is the ideal "thickness behind the edge". The width of the flat plateau before you set your initial bevel (4:06).

RedBeardOps

Hi Dustin, a nice video again. I have never seen how to give the form to an axe, and I could see it from the master. Greetings from Spain Dustin. Take care!!

Miguel_ON

I bought a vintage plumb recently and hated to sharpen into the patina but I do appreciate your help getting my edge right. Something I learned from Buckin Billy Ray is when you hold the edge up to a light if you can see any light reflecting then the edge isn’t sharp enough.

illnaturedsaws