Does it matter if an axe is sharp?

When it comes to axes, having a sharp blade is absolutely critical. Though an axe with a dull blade can still chop wood, keeping your axe sharp makes the job exponentially easier and safer. In this article, we’ll explore why axe sharpness matters, how to tell if your axe is sharp enough, and tips for sharpening an axe properly.

Why Does Axe Sharpness Matter?

There are several key reasons why having a sharp axe blade is important:

• Efficiency – A sharp axe requires far less effort and energy to cut wood. You can split logs faster and with fewer swings compared to using a dull axe.
• Safety – A sharp blade is much safer to use than a dull one. With a sharp axe, you are less likely to have the blade glance off the wood and potentially cause injury. The cleaner cuts also result in more predictable axe behavior.
• Prevent Injury – Using a dull axe requires more force, increasing fatigue. This can lead to inaccurate swings, loss of control, and muscle strains or injuries.
• Better Results – A sharp blade cuts cleanly through wood, resulting in nice flat surfaces on your split logs. A dull axe mashes and tears the wood fibers unevenly.
• Extend Axe Life – The intense forces created by using a dull blade can cause the head to loosen or the handle to crack over time. Keeping the blade sharp prevents unnecessary strain and wear on the axe.

Simply put, a sharp axe makes the entire wood splitting process easier and more productive. Each swing accomplishes more with less effort. And because you can be more accurate and controlled, axe sharpness helps prevent wasted swings and dangerous mishaps.

How To Tell If Your Axe Is Sharp Enough

Here are some quick tests you can perform to evaluate whether your axe’s edge is up to par:

• Carefully run your finger along the blade. You should not feel any significant burrs, rolls, or imperfections. The edge should feel smooth.
• Check for visual imperfections like nicks, chips, or a wavy appearance along the cutting edge.
• Hold a piece of paper vertically and slice downward through it. A sharp axe should slice smoothly, without tearing.
• Lightly drag the blade perpendicular across your fingernail or a softwood surface. It should slice in easily without catching or sticking.
• Strike a log using proper axe technique. A sharp blade should bite deeply and split the wood cleanly in a single strike.

Use a sharpening stone or file if the blade fails any of these inspections. Any noticeable dullness or imperfections signify it’s time to sharpen the edge. Also consider preventative sharpening after every 10-20 hours of use, even if the axe still seems relatively sharp.

How To Sharpen Your Axe

Sharpening an axe properly involves a few steps:

1. Secure the Axe – Either seat the axe head firmly in a vise, or place securely on a solid surface. The handle should be immobilized.
2. Point Grinding – Use a coarse sharpening stone to shape a slight convex point at the end of the cutting edge. This recontours the edge and forms a strong tip.
3. Bevel Sharpening – Lay the stone at the target bevel angle and slide the blade across the stone evenly to sharpen. Use medium and fine stones to refine, finishing on the fine stone.
4. Hone the Edge – Use a leather honing strap or extra fine stone to polish and straighten the edge. This aligns the edge and creates a razor-sharp finish.
5. Test Sharpness – Carefully check sharpness using the fingernail or paper methods above. Repeat honing as needed to achieve a perfect edge.

Aim for a bevel angle around 20-25° for most axe styles. Take care to sharpen evenly on both sides of the blade. The bevel surfaces should be flat and meet precisely at the cutting edge. Uneven grinding can result in a wavy or ski jump shaped edge which dulls quickly in use.

It takes some practice to master freehand axe sharpening. Using a guide ensures the correct angle and even sharpening. Electric grinders and belt sanders are not recommended – their speed and heat can damage axe temper. Stones, files, and honing guides are best for controlled, cool sharpening.

Best Practices For Keeping Your Axe Sharp

Following some simple habits will help any axe maintain its edge longer:

• Use Proper Technique – Let the tool do the work, don’t force cuts. Poor form is a common cause of early edge dulling.
• Cut Clean Wood – Avoid dirty or sandy wood which quickly dulls the blade. Cut logs off the ground when possible.
• Oil The Head – Wipe metal axe heads with a light oil or WD-40 after use to inhibit rusting.
• Check Sharpness – Do quick touch tests periodically as you work to monitor sharpness. Don’t let the axe get overly dull before re-sharpening.
• Sharpen Regularly – Don’t let nicks or rounded edges develop. Touch up frequently to restore the optimal edge.
• Store Safely – Keep axes in protective sheaths or carefully on racks to prevent edge damage between uses.

Rotating between two well-maintained axes allows both tools to rest while the other is sharpened and used. This ensures you’ll always have a sharp edge ready when it’s time for your next wood splitting session.

Conclusion

A sharp axe makes cutting wood much easier, safer, and more efficient. Dull tools require a lot more work and are prone to cause injuries or damage the axe head. Checking edge sharpness frequently and maintaining your blade with regular sharpening is critical to productive axe performance. Invest a little time into honing your axe properly and you’ll reap big rewards with every swing.