The Importance of a Sharp Axe
Having a sharp axe means that users can do more with it, and with less effort compared to a dull axe. An axe that isn't sharp won't bite when it strikes the wood, consequently resulting in bounce back or deflect.

Adding to this, an axe with dull blades makes the task even more difficult, and in worse cases could cause serious injury. Buying one of the best hatchet sharpening tools allows users to sharpen the axe at home, and have it ready when its time to head out to the great outdoors.

Tools Required to Sharpen an Axe including Best Axe Sharpening Stone
Before moving further to tell what is the best axe sharpener, it is important to note that sharpening tools for mauls can vary slight from axes, and you can read about the difference between a maul and axe to understand why.

There are a several tools available to sharpen axes and hatchets, and some of them can even sharpen knives. The words axes and hatchets are often confused for each other, due to their similar Viking axes functionality, but there are key differences between the two tools (differences between a axe and hatchet) - article title).

Axe sharpeners can be a honing stone, strop, file or grinder, where a file is the most commonly used tool to sharpen an axe especially one with an extremely dull edge. Regardless of which type you use, it is a good idea to learn how to store axes to avoid sharpening them frequently (how to store axes).

A stone is good to sharpen smaller size edges, and is also highly portable, making it easy to carry on the road. Grinders typically are a great choice when looking to sharpen two-sided axes, and a strop can be used for the final stages of sharpening.

How to Sharpen a Hatchet or Axe with a File?
Before sharpening an axe, it is important to take the necessary safety measures, given that the process involves working with a sharp blade.

Start by paying attention to the bevel or angle of the bit end, because the angle of thickness differs throughout the edge of the blade.

For example, most axes have a 15 - 20 degree angle about ½ inch from the cutting tip and a 30 - 40 degree angle at the end of the bit. Take note that the bulge that's a bit away from the edge is the part that provides the axe with its cutting power.

When sharpening the axe at home, it is recommended to secure down the axe for safety - something that might not possible in the field. Once the axe is clamped down in a mounted vide of edge up, then grab an aggressive file and remove any burrs or nicks that are present.