How to Sharpen and Maintain an Axe

An axe edge is convex, which means it cannot be sharpened like a knife on a flat stone without slowly ruining the geometry. The technique is simple once understood and the whole job takes about twenty minutes.

1. 1

   Assess whether it needs a file or just a stone

   Chips, dents, and a visibly rounded edge need a mill bastard file to remove metal. A dull but undamaged edge needs only a stone. Filing an edge that just needed honing removes life from the tool unnecessarily.

2. 2

   File toward the edge, following the existing bevel

   Secure the head, then push the file from the cheek toward the edge, following the curve already there rather than imposing a flat angle. Work in one direction only — files cut on the push stroke. Alternate sides evenly so the edge stays centred.

3. 3

   Hone with a puck stone in circles

   An axe puck has a coarse and a fine side. Work the coarse side in small circles along the bevel, keeping the stone following the convex curve, then repeat with the fine side. You are polishing the curve, not creating a flat bevel.

4. 4

   Strip the burr and finish

   Run a thumb carefully across, not along, the edge to feel for a wire burr on the opposite side. Remove it with light alternating strokes on the fine side, then strop on leather if you want a shaving edge. A camp axe does not need to shave — sharp enough to bite cleanly is the target.

   Convex grinds explainedWhy axes use the toughest edge geometry

   Read Guide →
5. 5

   Care for the handle and store it dry

   Wipe a wooden handle with boiled linseed oil once or twice a year, especially where it meets the head. Check for looseness by tapping — a rattling head is dangerous and needs rewedging before use. Store the axe dry with a mask or sheath on the edge, never leaning against damp ground.

Maintenance Schedule