How to Sharpen an Ax Using a “Puck” Stone

Sharpening an ax with a puck stone is a practical skill for any woodsman. “Puck Stone”? Well – that’s what I call them due to their similar size compared to a hockey puck. Over the past several months I have chopped a lot of wood and sharpened my ax several times. A bit strange at first as it was a new skill. What’s that saying? Practice makes perfect? I don’t know about perfect but what follows is my method for sharpening an ax with a puck stone.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you effectively sharpen your ax:

Materials Needed:

1. Ax
2. Puck stone (also known as a sharpening puck)
3. Honing oil or water (depending on the type of puck stone)
4. Towel or cloth

Step 1: Clean the Ax Wipe off any dirt or debris from the ax blade using a towel or cloth. A clean surface makes the sharpening process more efficient.

Step 2: Choose the Right Puck Stone Select a puck stone appropriate for ax sharpening. Some stones require water for lubrication, while others use honing oil. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific puck stone.

Step 3: Lubricate the Puck Stone If using a water stone, soak it in water for the recommended time. If using an oil stone, apply a few drops of honing oil to the stone’s surface.

Step 4: Secure the Ax Place the ax on a stable surface, such as a workbench or a stump, with the blade securely held in place. This ensures stability during the sharpening process.

Step 5: Determine the Ax Bevel Angle Identify the existing bevel angle of your ax blade. Most axes have a bevel angle between 20 and 30 degrees. Match the angle when sharpening to maintain the original edge.

Step 6: Start Sharpening Hold the puck stone with one hand and the ax handle with the other. Place the puck stone on the ax blade at the determined bevel angle. Move the puck stone in a circular or figure-eight motion across the entire blade. Apply consistent pressure. Be aware if your hand comes in contact with the blade you can be cut. Be careful!!!!

Step 7: Work on Both Sides Alternate between sides regularly to ensure an even edge. Continue sharpening until you feel a slight burr on the opposite side of the blade.

Step 8: Remove the Burr Switch to the other side of the ax and repeat the sharpening process until a burr forms. Then, remove the burr by lightly honing the blade’s edge on the puck stone.

Step 9: Test the Sharpness Carefully feel the edge with your fingertips to check for sharpness. If it feels sharp and smooth, you’ve successfully sharpened your ax.

Step 10: Clean the Ax Again Wipe off any metal particles or residue from the ax blade using a cloth. This ensures a clean tool for future use.

There is no need to sharpen an ax until you can shave with it. Well – that might be a stretch. In fact, a razor-sharp ax is typically more brittle and will dull faster than an ax with a strong, sharp edge. Regularly sharpening your ax will keep it functioning the way it should and save you swings.

Less swings are good, right?

Rourke