How to Sharpen a Broad Axe

A broad axe is a heavy, single-bit axe with a long, sharp blade. Unlike most axes, which have beveled edges on both sides of the blade, the broad axe usually has one flat blade edge and one beveled blade edge. This feature makes the broad axe ideal for hewing logs flat, and broad axes were once used extensively in manufacturing square timber and in the construction of log cabins. The single-beveled edge of the broad axe makes this tool fairly easy to sharpen.

Things You'll Need

  • Broad axe
  • File
  • Sharpening stone
  • Vise
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Instructions

  1. Sharpening

    • 1

      Place the broad axe in a vise with the blade pointing straight up and the beveled edge facing you. If you do not have access to a vise, hold the axe firmly on your lap with the blade pointing away from you and the beveled edge up.

    • 2

      File the beveled edge evenly along the entire blade. Use long, confident strokes. File upward, toward the edge of the axe. Maintain an angle that matches the angle of the blade edge. If your angle is too small, the edge will not get sharp. If the angle is too big, you will flatten the blade.

    • 3

      Inspect the edge for any areas that you missed. Also look for nicks, dents, or other damage to the blade. File these spots further until the damage disappears.

    • 4

      Remove the axe from the vise.

    • 5

      Go over the entire beveled edge with your sharpening stone. This refines the blade. Use circular motions. Maintain the same angle you used for filing to achieve a razor edge.

    • 6

      Scrape your fingernail gently across the axe blade to check its sharpness. The blade should shave off some surface of the nail. Check for sharpness along the whole length of the blade. It may be sharp in one area but dull in another. Go back and re-sharpen any dull parts of the blade.