Regular axe sharpening is essential to maintaining your axe in top condition. Dull axes can be dangerous and ineffective at cutting wood. The most important tool when sharpening an axe is a file, but with so many different types of files available, it can be confusing to know which type of file is best for axe sharpening.
There are many different types of files that are made of different materials and have different applications. Some files are designed specifically for axes while others are more versatile and can be used to sharpen a variety of various tools. Factors to consider when purchasing a file to sharpen an axe include:
- The size of the axe.
- The material the axe is made of.
- The level of sharpness required.
Key Takeaways
- The best type of file to use for sharpening a dull axe is a diamond-cut flat file.
- A sharp edge on an axe makes it more effective for chopping wood.
- Not all types of files can be used to sharpen an axe.
- Regular maintenance on your axe will help it last a long time.
Reading this blog will help demystify any confusion you may have when choosing the best file for axe sharpening.
Related post: You can read my blog about the basics of axe sharpening with a file.
Understanding Axe Sharpening
Importance of a Sharp Axe
If your axe becomes dull, it becomes more dangerous to use. A blunt axe can bounce off surfaces and injure the person using it. A sharp axe works better and faster at chopping wood, and there is less chance that the axe head will get stuck in the wood.
Signs of a Dull Axe
The signs of a dull axe are:
- Difficulty cutting through wood.
- Using excessive force to chop wood.
- The axe head gets stuck in the wood.
It is best to regularly maintain your axe so that it is always sharp and ready for work. This includes sharpening, cleaning, drying, and storing your axe in a dry area.
Choosing the right type of file is important when it comes to sharpening an axe.
How to Choose the Right Type of File to Sharpen an Axe
The best type of file for axe sharpening is a flat file. There are different types of cuts that need to be considered when purchasing a file to use to sharpen your axe.
When sharpening an axe, choosing the right file can make a big difference in both the time it takes to sharpen your axe and the quality of the axe sharpening.
Here are the three main types of flat files that are used for axe sharpening.
Single-Cut File
A single-cut file has a set of parallel teeth that run diagonally across the face of a file. This file is best used when not much metal needs to be removed to sharpen the axe, and for creating a smooth finish.
Double-Cut File
A double-cut file has two sets of teeth crossing at an angle. This creates a criss-cross pattern on the face of the file which helps it remove more material with each stroke than a single-cut file. A double-cut file can be used for axe sharpening when the axe edge needs more work.
Diamond-Cut File
Diamond cut files are my preferred type of file to use when sharpening an axe.
Unlike traditional files like single-cut and double-cut files, diamond-cut files do not have teeth, but diamond grit. These files can be used in any direction, like circular, side-to-side, and back-to-back.
They are able to remove more material than traditional files and can sharpen a blunt axe in fewer strokes.
Rasp Cut File
A rasp file has individual teeth that are very coarse, and are designed for the initial filing and shaping of wood, such as axe handles. A rasp file isn’t the right type of file to use when sharpening an axe heads edge.
Choosing the Right Axe File
There are a few considerations when it comes to choosing a file to sharpen your axe.
File Material
Files are available in the following materials:
- Steel
- Diamond
- Ceramic
Steel files wear down quickly but are the most affordable option. Diamond files are more expensive but are more durable and will last much longer than a steel file. Ceramic tiles are long lasting and are used for more finishing applications.
File Size
Personally, I like a 200mm flat file for axe sharpening. It is long enough that I can hold it at both ends and still have my fingers clear to sharpen the axe.
All that is important when choosing a file size is that it is long enough that you can keep your hands clear from the axe edge, so you do not accidently cut yourself.
File Shape
The best file shape for axe sharpening is a flat file. Other file shapes include:
- Flat
- Round
- Triangular
- Square
These file shapes have sharpening applications that suit them, but for just a regular type of axe, they are not suitable.
Propper Use of Axe Files
Safety Measures
To protect yourself sharpening your axe, wear the following items of personal protective equipment:
- Thick gloves
- Safety glasses
- Ear protection if the noise is loud when sharpening the axe
Clamp the axe down to either a workbench or in a vice to hold it securely in place, so it does not slip and cut your hands or fall on your legs or feet.
Do the sharpening in a well-ventilated area or outside to avoid inhaling any dust or metal shavings.
Check over your file to make sure that the handle is secured and the file is clean of all metal shavings and in good working order.
Sharpening Technique
There are three main filing motions:
- Draw filing is when a file is pushed and pulled along a metal object. Draw filing is a good technique to use when you need to remove lots of metal, like if your axe is very dull.
- Lathe filing is a technique used when sharpening, shaping, and polishing cylindrical objects that are on a lathe.
- Push filing (also called straightforward filing) is when a file is pushed across the edge of a metal object. This technique is used for finishing, shaping, and sharpening metal objects.
For axe sharpening, the two filing motions you will use are draw and push filing motions. Click on this link for a good explanation of the difference between draw and push filing.
Maintaining Your Axe File
To keep your file used to sharpen your axe in top working order, it will need to be regularly maintained. Below are some tips.
Cleaning Your Axe File Regularly
Each time you use your file, it should be cleaned to remove any debris or metal shavings from it.
You can use a metal brush or a file card to clean your axe file which will prevent it from clogging up, and ensure that it cuts cleanly next use.
Store Your Axe File Properly
When you are not using your file, store it in a dry place, where it won’t get any moisture on it which will help rust to form.
Wrap the file in a cloth to protect the file from any accidental damage.
FAQs
What Are the Best Files for Sharpening an Axe?
The best file for axe sharpening is a diamond-cut file. These are able to remove lots of metal and restore very dull axe edges. To properly finish off an axe edge, you should use a sharpening stone.
What Is the Best Axe-Sharpening Tool for Beginners?
The best axe sharpening tool for beginners is a single-cut or a double-cut file. They cannot take off as much metal in each stroke as a diamond-cut file, so any mistakes made will not be exacerbated.