Axe sharpener: a file for damage, a puck for the edge
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Quick answer
A simple way to keep an axe sharp is a round dual-grit puck stone moved in small circles along the edge. Lansky's Puck pairs a 120 grit coarse side with a 280 grit medium side; Gränsfors Bruk's ceramic stone pairs 180 and 600 grit. For big nicks, Gränsfors says a fine-toothed flat file is the easiest tool, and that you should keep the edge's original shape, take the same amount from each side, and avoid overheating the steel on a grinder.
Two puck stones compared
| Spec | Lansky Puck | Gränsfors Sharpening Stone |
|---|---|---|
| Coarse side | 120 grit, for cutting and shaping | 180 grit, for repairing damage from hard wear |
| Fine side | 280 grit, for final sharpening | 600 grit, for fine grinding |
| Material | Not specified on the page | Ceramic abrasive |
| Also for | Mower blades, machetes, hatchets, shovels, spades | Axes |
The Lansky Puck starts coarser for reshaping; the Gränsfors stone finishes finer for a keener edge.
Choose the tool for the damage
- Big nicks or a rolled edge: Gränsfors says major damage can be filed down, and that a fine-toothed flat file is the easiest method; an emery wheel works too if you cool the steel often so it does not lose its temper.
- Dull but undamaged: start with the coarse side of a puck, then finish on the fine side.
- Touch-up: Lansky says to skip the coarse side and use only the medium side when an edge just needs dressing.
- Final polish: Gränsfors says the edge can be stropped on leather after honing, with each stroke moving away from the cutting edge.
How to sharpen an axe with a puck stone
- Secure the axe: Lansky says to grip the tool firmly or lock it in a vise so it cannot slip.
- Optional oil or water: Lansky suggests a few drops of honing oil; Gränsfors says water suits clay and sandstone whetstones and oil suits carborundum or Arkansas stones.
- Hold the puck with thumb and fingers, supported by your palm.
- Work in circles: move it in overlapping circles along the whole edge, at a consistent angle.
- One side, then the other: finish one whole side before switching, and turn the axe frequently to remove the burr.
- Clean the stone: Lansky says honing oil lifts metal build-up that can be wiped away with a lint-free cloth.
Keep the edge shape right
- Original shape: Gränsfors stresses keeping the edge's original shape and taking the same amount from each side along the whole edge.
- Bevel contact: on a straight bevel, keep the whole bevel face against the stone or file.
- The burr: Gränsfors calls it the feather edge, a few tenths of a millimeter that bends over; hone it away with a coarse then finer stone.
- Edge style: Gränsfors notes hardwood axes use a thicker bit with a rounded bevel, softwood axes a more pointed edge, and carving axes a thin straight edge.
- Stone care: hone with the stone's edges rather than its middle to avoid cupping, and wipe it down before storing.
Why a sharp axe is safer
Gränsfors says a sharp axe bites cleanly into the wood, reducing the risk of slipping and improving control, while correct sharpening removes minimal steel and extends the head's life. Lansky warns that a carelessly handled blade can hurt you. Wear cut-resistant gloves while sharpening, keep your fingers behind the stone, and sheathe the axe when you are done. For choosing an axe, see our felling axe and splitting axe guides.
What to look for when you buy
Reshaping and general tools: Lansky Puck Dual Grit Sharpener
Best for: Axes, hatchets, machetes and garden tools
Lansky lists a pocket-size contoured puck with a 120 grit coarse side for shaping and a 280 grit medium side for finishing, plus steps for circular sharpening.
Watch out: Clean metal build-up with honing oil; the fine side is coarser than a finishing stone.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Finer finish: Gränsfors Sharpening Stone (Ceramic Grinding Puck)
Best for: Keeping a good axe keen with a finer edge
Gränsfors lists a ceramic abrasive with a 180 grit side for repairing hard-wear damage and a 600 grit side for fine grinding.
Watch out: Gränsfors sells it in the US through a distributor; check the listing is the ceramic puck.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)For big nicks: 10 inch mill bastard flat file
Best for: Reshaping a damaged or very dull axe edge
Gränsfors calls a fine-toothed flat file the easiest way to file down major nicks while keeping the edge's shape.
Watch out: Clamp the axe, keep hands clear of the edge, and finish with a stone to remove the burr.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Questions people ask
- How do you sharpen an axe with a sharpening stone?
- Secure the axe, move the stone in overlapping circles along the whole edge at a steady angle, do one side then the other, and finish on the finer grit.
- What grit should I use on an axe?
- Coarse (120 to 180) for damage and fine (280 to 600) for finishing, based on the Lansky and Gränsfors stones.
- Can you sharpen an axe with a knife sharpener?
- Lansky and Gränsfors both make puck stones for axes; a flat puck or file can cover the whole axe bevel, which matters for keeping its shape.
- Should I use a bench grinder on an axe?
- Gränsfors says a grinder can work but you must cool the steel often so it does not lose its temper.
Sources
- Axe Resharpening, Gränsfors Bruk
- Gränsfors Sharpening Stone, Gränsfors Bruk
- The Puck Dual Grit Sharpener, Lansky