(Part 2) Top products from r/Axecraft

I like to sharpen my axes with a file this one works well. I have different axes for felling and splitting yours looks like it has a hollow or concave grind in my experience these don't make good splitting axes (sorry) but where you are just using it for kindling it should be fine. I like to sharpen my splitting axes with a more robust edge think cleaver vs fillet knife. And just sharp enough that if you push on it and slide your hand down it will cut you so pressure won't break the skin and sliding your thumb along the edge won't cut you but both will. Good luck

Edit: watch this at 17:15 he is done hanging the head and begins in on sharpening

TBH I've gotten away from carrying an axe while backpacking entirely. If I'm splitting small logs I've really found that batoning them with a solid knife is just fine for me. So yeah, normally I just bring my knife and a bow saw like this. I just strap the body to my pack and pack the blade away safely. Saves a lot on weight (saw is < 11 oz.) and still gets me good results.

Ultimately we can't tell you what to do with your own axes, but I'd strongly advise against hacking up the one you've got. It seems like a lot of work and potential for botching it for pretty minimal gain.

First, get a leather edge beveler, like this. it will make your leather appear much more polished and clean.

Next, get a stitching awl and some waxed nylon thread. i cant quite see your stitches because it looks like you filled the stitch line with leather conditioner, but they seem like they are too far apart. when punching the holes, it is useful to use a stitching pony to help hold everything together while you stitch.


Your edges are unfinished, but it isnt too late.... you can still burnish them. get them slightly damp by wiping with a wet sponge (you only need one or two passes!) and then rub the edge vigorously with a very smooth object. even a sharpie or a very smooth countertop will work. I know some folks that use denim or canvas as well... like they say, there are many ways to skin a cat! just keep rubbing until the edge appears shiny and smooth. it shouldnt take more than a few minutes.


also, the watch distracts from the presentation of your craftsmanship. remove it from all future photos

Yes. The BLO should be good enough for a working tool. I replace the finish on all my hammers and axes with BLO and they hold up well. The BLO/beeswax can feel nicer in the hand but I'm not sure that it is tougher. Though the leather will do a better job of absorbing the melted wax then wood does.

For leather I prefer obenauf over generic mink oil. I think it does a better job but I haven't run a side by side test. I put that on all leather products so I would put that on first out of habit.

I use the splitting maul. Its awesome. My favorite tool I own. Some of my buddies think its strange I enjoy splitting wood. But this maul makes it enjoyable.

http://www.amazon.com/Gransfors-Bruks-450-Splitting-Maul/dp/B000WIOE7A

For the ~$30 range I would recommend the Cold Steel Trail Hawk.

I say this because you'll find that

1. It is a very versatile tool in the woods
   
2. There are lots of people out there modding these things up
   
3. You're not likely to find a better quality axe-like tool for the price (in my opinion)
   
   Congratulations on the nuptials!
   

Stanley spoke shave works great and under $20. You've got enough meat on that handle that you can practice and get the blade right.

Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002X1ZG?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Then use your rasp there to clean it up and get things rounded off better. Finally moving to some sandpaper.

By far the marbles camp axe. $33 us and primable. Insanely good axe. Fantastic handle and fitment. Its hung very well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008PPZO94/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kXJ-Ab6P00WBK

Splitting out a bunch of handle blanks from an oak log with an axe and some field-crafted wedges (although steel wedges or additional axes are a better choice.)

From the video description (some video "boilerplate" removed):

----

"Splitting an oak log into billets, staves or "rails" for axe handles, bowstaves, and other projects. Traditional and Green woodworking often starts with splitting wood for further processing rather than sawing it. It is possible to split most logs with one axe and disposable wooden wedges.

Link for the Council tool boy's axe, the red one in this video: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IJVDL8 The black headed axe that I use the most in this video is the forest service version of the council tool boy's axe, available only from Omaha Knife. There is another new model out now and 4 versions on the market in total. The red one is the cheapest and when you get a good one they are good axes but there are occasional quality control issues with the tempering resulting in soft edges. I think they are all pretty similar in the long run.

Every time I’ve seen this style it’s been referred to as a Japanese style carving axe.

https://www.highlandwoodworking.com/index.aspx/ImageGallery/Index?productId=7101

https://www.amazon.com/Kings-County-Tools-Japanese-Laminated/dp/B005CR4VHY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=carving+axe&qid=1558048007&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

And I’ve seen a new one for sale with the exact same unique wedging/head mounting method with the extra metal tab but now I’m coming up dry in my searches.

Nice find!

Edit: given the head size, it may have originally been hung on a full size handle.

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/5-1-2-carpenters-axe-daiku-ono-abe

Take a look at the Hults Bruk "Sarek" and "Björk". You should also consider the Husqvarna splitting axe (manufactured by Hults Bruk). All of these have raised cheeks for splitting and should fit your needs well.

I'm just posting links to some random stores here so you can take a look:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004VQOAV4/ref=psdcmw_554566_t3_B011ZY1YAO

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011ZY1YAO/ref=dp_cerb_1

https://www.amazon.com/Hults-Bruk-Sarek-Wood-Splitting/dp/B07KRHJJMM

Here you are and it's only $29.79. There is another Sog T for a couple dollars less.

Read the chapter on Axecraft from Mors Kochanski's Bushcraft

http://www.amazon.com/Bushcraft-Outdoor-Skills-Wilderness-Survival/dp/1551051222

here ya go
https://www.amazon.com/Condor-Tool-Knife-Woodworker-American/dp/B004WMFMUU

Also, much as I hate to say it, I bet there is a fiskars just about identical to what you described. Those will likely be in your budget as well.