How to Sharpen an Axe Using the Rag Method and a Mill Bastard File #axe #tools #howto

This video shows one of the many techniques used to sharpen an axe.

[shawnlennon]

A bastardphile. Someone who gets off to people with unwed parents? Gross

[christophersines]

I’ve been sharpening axes since I was seven. Never seen this before but can’t think of a better way to demonstrate. Very worthwhile. Thanks.

[jrs-one]

“That’s not how the US Forest service does it” - wrangler star

[Iamthatguy]

I once had an instructor, named Robert, who was telling the class the name of the file was a bastard file. When nobody in class believed him, he showed the name stamp to a student and asked him to tell the class what the name was. The student looked at the file and said, “Robert”. The instructor was not a nice person, so it fit better than I could tell.

[MartinAZoel]

An old and almost blind man thought me that when I was in the scouts.. it amazed me that someone with about 10% sight in only one eye could bring a axe so sharp he could shave with it. He gave his life to the scouts movement and sadly was never recognized for it other than by the kids he taught his skills.... May you rest in peace you amazing man😢.

[stringlarson]

Gotta try this.
You had me at "hospital sharp "

[lawrencelou]

Simple yet ingenious .. and the technique could be adapted to any blade.. thank you so much..

[faithful]

Thanks. I don't have a grinder or a stone, now I can sharpen my axe. Subscribed

[FIGGY]

Just discovered your channel a few days ago and am learning much-I thank you! This is a fantastic tip. I do believe that you could improve your demo by calling your rag “a common red shop rag” as not all rags are created alike.

These formal red commercially ( or blue sometimes) available shop rags have a consistent size/thickness and therefore provide the most consistent angle that you are demonstrating-not to nit pick on what a rag is.

We go through pallets of the “bricks of rags” ( which are old cut up tee shirts) every year and they are not the average shop towel, in that they don’t have the density of these red wonders!

I was just thinking about this fact while at Harbor Freight yesterday; they’ve got bags of these red shop towels, and I’ll be grabbing some for my upcoming axe sharpening sessions thanks to you!

Stay safe, and thanks again !

[Tiphoon]

Often the simplest ideas are the best ones. This is great!

[Nate-vsuo]

How sharp do you like your axes? In the fire service we kind of keep them blunt so it can break through roofing and walls. When we keep them too sharp they tend to get stuck. Now for my axes at home how sharp should I keep them? But this is an awesome way to sharpen! I'm going to show the guys at the station! Thanks for the great info!

[Ibaneddie]

I have a wood shop at home and grew up using every kind of tool, I've sharpened edge tools with strops, oil stones, water stones, and diamond plates, used files and plate glass and sand paper. I've never seen this method but I can tell it's a great one!

[johneubanks]

I was actually wondering today what I needed to do to sharpen mine correctly. Thanks for the heads up bud! 💪🇺🇸👍

[karlregan]

Very similar in principle to another technique I saw years ago. I like this technique for its relative ease of use in any situation. Thank you! Will try it!

[johnbannister]

Great video!! Now...I can have a beer after learning something new today!! Thanks!!😊

[jnavarra]

today i learned how to make a convex grind with a rag. that's awesome.

[uncreativeprocess]

Old but trusty trick. Never leave home without a towel.

[davyp]

Everyday is a school day, even at sixty three years old.
Thanks for the upload.

[kennacraftjr.]

Thanks for the tip I've always used a file like you have there but never use the rag to change the angle angle I've always used blocks of wood. That's a good tip for a quick sharp thank you

[TrevorRicciTX]

Absolutely beautiful. Top notch brother. Top notch.