Although many people consider axe sharpening a lost art, it is a useful skill that can pay off and make you feel like an alpha male. In the old times, lumberjacks practically used their lunch breaks to sharpen their axes so that the job would be faster and easier without requiring too much effort.
First off, the sharper the axe, the safer it is. Similar to other tools and weapons like knives or blades, a well-sharpened axe will cut anywhere you point it without reflecting in a different direction or putting up a fight. A dull hatchet is when accidents are bound to happen. It can easily end up where you don’t want it to.
If you like to give your hatchet a fresh new sharp edge without using too many tools, you are in the right place. I will provide you with a full-on guide on how to sharpen a hatchet with a stone.
How to Sharpen a Hatchet With a Stone
Keeping your hatchet sharp is not just for making it more appealing; it is also a matter of functionality. Make sure that you get the correct safety gear to protect your hands, and sharpen the axe by brushing the edge with smooth circular motions.
Sharpening a hatchet with a stone
Despite not being the easiest way to sharpen the hatchet, the mission can be achieved by using a rock. If you are stuck in your cabin for longer and your axe needs sharpening, I recommend you search for rock instead of calling Dwayne Johnson to rescue you. Not “The Rock”, but a rock. Selecting a stone that is easy to hold gives your hatchet a new sharp edge.
To learn how to sharpen a hatchet with a stone, you must carefully follow my guide. Even if you are new to sharpening materials, my instructions will transform you into a better forester. Let’s get to it.
Choosing a suitable rock
You must find a decent sharpening rock, to begin with. This is where the sharpening techniques all start. Not every small stone on the ground can get the job done. Selecting the wrong one that is too small or too big may quickly become a big mistake.
The ideal rocks for sharpening an axe are smooth river stones, hard sandstones, and small granite stones. In this scenario, the size of the rock matters. It must be small enough to fit comfortably in your hands without slipping. A larger rock may be hard to maneuver and sharpen the blade.
Before we go any further, I would just like to point out that if you have a leather strap, a whetstone, or any other modern sharpening gear, by all means, use them. Sticking with those tools instead of rock will offer you a much quicker and more efficient sharpening process.
Hand-held method for sharpening
Once you have your rock picked out and the axe, you should also do the correct safety practices for protecting your hands. The most popular method of sharpening the hatchet with a stone is holding it by hand.
Grab the handle of the hatchet with one hand just near the blade. One side of the edge should be facing you. Before rubbing the rock on the blade, dunk it in water. You can use your drinking water from a bottle or the river. Slowly start to scratch the stone on the knife with circular motions. Begin with the edge and make your way up. If the rock is dry after a couple of minutes, use water again.
When you are done with one side of the blade, sharpen the other. Something crucial to remember here is that slow and steady motion wins the race.
“Vice” method for sharpening
If you lack experience and do not feel comfortable holding the axe while applying pressure with the rock, there is another approach that you can take to sharpen the blade. For the “Vice” method of sharpening, you must tie the axe in one place. You can use straps, a belt, or something else nearby to hold the hatchet in place.
Fasten the hatchet in one place with one side of the blade facing upwards. You can use larger rocks, ropes, clamps, or the belt from your pants. It does not get any more “macho” than that.
Once you have the axe placed, the remaining parts of the process are the same. Get the stone wet and start rubbing the blade gently.
When you are done with one side, unfasten the hatchet and turn it to the other side. Do the same on the next side to acquire extra grit.
Read more: What Is Batoning With a Knife?
When Not to Sharpen a Hatchet With a Stone
Now that you know how to sharpen a hatchet with a stone, I should mention that not every blade can actually be updated and sharpened with a rock. In fact, in some cases, you will have to use professional equipment; there is just no way around it. Rubbing a wet stone on the blade of the hatchet can be a complete waste of time if:
The hatchet has run its course, and it has been overused
Let’s face it, the hatchet bought from the store and the one used for multiple years have different structural reliability. If your axe is about to retire and has seen some better days, sharpening with a rock is a no-go. You will definitely have to use a different tool.
The hatchet has rust on the blade
If you use a rock for sharpening a rusty blade, the corrosion may break or fly off the hatchet. The axe will be ruined afterward, but, most importantly, it can cause an injury and cut your hand. Before proceeding and sharpening your hatchet with a stone, ensure that you sand off all the rust.
The hatchet’s blade is dull
Generally speaking, a rock can only do some finishing touches on the blade. To transform a dull razor, you need to maintain it regularly. If the knife on your hatchet is very blunt, rubbing a rock on it will be a waste of time. You should probably just purchase a new axe.
Read more: What Is a Gimlet Tool?
Conclusion
There you have it! Now you know how to sharpen a hatchet with a stone. Whether you use the hand-held or “Vice” method, your axe can quickly have more precision and sharpness. To increase your chopping efficiency, the best time for sharpening a hatchet blade is half an hour before chopping wood.