To properly sharpen the blade of an ax you’ll require a vise and a medium-grade mill file. The technique for sharpening an axe is different to sharpening a knife. Which techniques sharpen your axe most efficiently? This might be more beneficial for hatchets. Then I checked out a brand new cutter link and compared it with a brand new one which I re-shaped so the edge fitted the file, and I found out that this brand new chain have a severe hook edge, which of course, makes the chain sharper when brand new, but also get dull faster. Sharpen Your New Axe. Reflection: Our Trading lives are like that. Although it seems a power grinder would make sharpening easier, never use a … This part is up to you. I don’t advise this for every situation but if you feel your axe (or hatchet) will benefit from a leather handle guard, I’d say go for it. Chris enjoys learning to do and make new things, from making picture frames for the family to remodeling houses, and anything in between. 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. Take Care of Your Tools. Please share your valuable experiences in comment section, they are much appreciated. I have a lot of tools. How to Sharpen New Chisels in 5 Steps. That isn’t sharpening the axe—that’s just putting the axe down. Remember that every day is a brand new opportunity to recharge, renew, and refine yourself. Remember that every day is a brand new opportunity to recharge, renew, and refine yourself. Unless you buy a premium axe, it probably won’t come with a razor-sharp cutting edge. The person just has to hold the axe handle, and not get fingers and hands near edges to use this domed puck this way . When sharpening a knife you often move the knife over the sharpener (particularly with bench stones etc.). One handy stone is the domed puck. I have been doing woodworking since I was young and I always wanted another gadget of some sort. Devote some moments into sharpening your axe instead of chopping away doggedly: start working smarter instead of longer. A good quality traditional-style axe will likely have a wooden handle, or ‘helve’ as it is sometimes known. Especially for a new person and out in the field. Yes, the woodcutter needs to rest, but it’s only when he sharpens his blade, learns new techniques, trains up his strength and stamina, that he becomes more productive. Devote some moments into sharpening your axe instead of chopping away doggedly: start working smarter instead of longer. Author: Chris Andrews. When sharpening an axe, you always move the sharpener over the axe. The blade will still be dull after your break. This means the axe should not move and its mostly your hands that are at risk. As with any wood that is kept or used outdoors, it needs to have some protection from the elements, most notably water. Just set the puck, flat side down, domed side up on a stump, and apply the axe to the stone in a circular motion. When you buy a new axe it … We sometimes get so busy that we don’t take time to sharpen the “axe”/Trading Skills.