Getting your axe sharpened is an important part of axe maintenance and ensures your axe stays in top working condition. A sharp axe makes cutting wood easier and safer. The cost to sharpen an axe can vary quite a bit depending on where you go and what services you need. At a local hardware store, axe sharpening may cost $5-$15 per axe. At a specialty axe sharpening shop, expect to pay $15-$30 or more per axe depending on the size and work required. Mail-in axe sharpening services typically charge $12-$25 per axe including return shipping. Understanding what goes into axe sharpening helps explain the range in prices.
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What’s Involved in Sharpening an Axe
Sharpening an axe properly involves more than just grinding the edge. It requires careful attention to the shape and bevel of the blade to ensure it cuts cleanly and efficiently through wood. Here are the key steps involved in sharpening an axe:
- Inspection – The axe head is inspected for any cracks or damage. The handle is checked for looseness.
- Cleaning – Built up sap, dirt and debris is cleaned off the blade.
- Bevel Setting – The edges are ground to create a new bevel angle if needed.
- Shaping – The cutting edge profile is shaped and refined.
- Sanding – The edge is sanded smooth to prep for honing/polishing.
- Honing – A fine grit stone is used to hone and polish the edge to razor sharpness.
- Oiling – The sharpened edge is protected with oil to prevent rusting.
This full sharpening process requires knowledge, specialized equipment and takes time – at least 30 minutes per axe. That labor and expertise is a big factor in the cost.
Axe Sharpening Prices by Service Provider
Where you go to get your axe sharpened impacts the price quite a bit. Here’s a look at average prices by provider:
Local Hardware Stores
Many local hardware stores and chains like Ace Hardware offer basic axe sharpening services. This typically involves grinding the edge and may include some honing. Expect to pay $5-$15 per axe depending on the store. Sharpening quality can vary greatly depending on technician skill. Upside is convenience if there’s a store nearby.
Specialty Axe Sharpening Shops
There are some shops that specialize specifically in sharpening axes, chainsaws and other bladed tools. They offer a full professional sharpening service with skilled technicians and quality assurance. This complete sharpening typically costs $15-$30 per axe head depending on size and condition. May be higher for large axes. Though pricier, this delivers excellent results.
Mail-In Axe Sharpening Services
For those without access to local sharpening, mail-in services can be a good option. You package up your axes and mail them off. A week or two later your sharpened axes are shipped back. This runs $12-$25 per axe including return shipping. Saves the trip time. Ensure they’re insured during shipping.
DIY Hand Sharpening
With the right sharpening stones and skills, it’s possible to hand sharpen an axe yourself. This requires an investment of around $50-$100 for sharpening stones. From then on sharpening costs only your time. However, there’s a learning curve to mastering hand sharpening. It may take many tries before getting a great edge. Use secondary axes for practice. Watch technique videos.
DIY Power Sharpening
You can also sharpen an axe yourself using power tools like an angle grinder or bench grinder. Grinding wheels cost $10-$30. Getting the right bevel angle takes practice. Power sharpening is faster than hand sharpening once you have the hang of it. However, it’s easy to overheat and damage an axe this way if you aren’t careful.
Average Costs by Axe Type
The size and type of axe also impacts the price to sharpen it. Smaller axes generally cost a bit less than larger ones. Here are typical prices by axe type:
| Axe Type | Average Sharpening Cost |
|---|---|
| Hatchet | $10 |
| Hand Axe | $12 |
| Hunter’s Axe | $15 |
| Felling Axe | $18 |
| Splitting Maul | $22 |
| Broadaxe | $25 |
| Double Bit Axe | $30 |
As you can see, a small hatchet may only be $10 to sharpen, while a large broadaxe could run $25 or more. The amount of work involved factors into the cost.
Factors That Impact Cost
Several factors influence how much an axe sharpening will cost. These include:
- Axe size – Larger axes require more work and expertise to sharpen.
- Edge condition – Very dull or damaged edges take more grinding to fix.
- Bevel reset – Resetting the bevel angle takes extra work.
- Location – Prices can vary greatly by region.
- Provider – Professional sharpeners cost more than DIY methods.
- Add-on services – Some places offer axe restoration services for an added fee.
Understanding these cost factors allows you to estimate the price for getting your specific axe sharpened. Simple sharpening on a smaller well-maintained axe will be cheapest. Heavily damaged edges on big axes cost the most.
Cost Comparison of Sharpening Services
To summarize the different axe sharpening options and typical costs:
| Sharpening Method | Cost Per Axe | Quality | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Hardware Store | $5-$15 | Fair | Good |
| Axe Sharpening Shop | $15-$30 | Excellent | Good |
| Mail-In Service | $12-$25 | Very Good | Moderate |
| DIY Hand Sharpening | $0+supplies | Fair to Good | High |
| DIY Power Sharpening | $0+supplies | Fair to Good | High |
As you can see, professional axe sharpening delivers the best results but at a higher cost. DIY methods are cheaper but require more effort, supplies and skill development.
How Often to Sharpen an Axe
Ax sharpening frequency depends on how much you use your axe:
- Occasional users may sharpen just once every few years.
- Those who split weekly or monthly should sharpen annually.
- People who use axes daily or near daily should sharpen 2-4 times per year.
It’s easy to notice when your axe needs sharpening – you’ll have to work much harder to cut. Sharpen as soon as the edge seems to lose its bite. Also inspect the edge for visible nicks or mushrooming. Avoid waiting until the axe is completely dull.
Ways to Make Your Axe Stay Sharper Longer
You can extend the time between sharpening by caring for your axe properly:
- Use a chopping block – Prevents the axe from hitting dirt/rocks.
- Store safely – Keep the axe in a sheath or on brackets to protect the edge.
- Oil the head – Prevent rusting which dulls the blade.
- Inspect before use – Check for any damage that needs sharpening.
- Cut cleanly – Move the axe smoothly, don’t chop haphazardly.
- Hand sharpen touch ups – Do light honing sessions between full sharpenings.
An axe that’s cared for well and used properly will stay sharp much longer compared to one that’s abused and neglected. Get in the habit of basic axe maintenance.
Is DIY Axe Sharpening Worth It?
If you have multiple axes to keep sharp and want to save money long-term, then learning DIY axe sharpening can be worthwhile. The upfront investment of $50-$150 on sharpening stones and a guide pays off after sharpening 3-4 axes. From then on you pay only your time.
It’s most worth learning DIY sharpening if:
- You use axes frequently.
- Don’t have easy access to professional sharpening.
- Enjoy hands-on care of your tools.
- Can practice on older/backup axes risk-free.
However, if you just need a single important axe sharpened, it may be best to pay a professional and ensure it’s done right. If you only occasionally use an axe, DIY sharpening may not be worth investing the time to learn.
Conclusion
Axes should be professionally sharpened every year or two, depending on your frequency of use. This complete sharpening typically costs $15-$30 per axe from a specialty provider. DIY axe sharpening is possible with stones and practice, costing just $50-$100 in supplies up front. Consider learning DIY sharpening if you use multiple axes frequently. For occasional users with just a single axe, professional sharpening is likely the best bet. Keep your axes from getting overly dull by caring for the edges properly between sharpenings. With regular upkeep, your trusty axe will keep chopping and splitting wood efficiently for years to come.
