Sharpening tools is an essential part of maintaining their effectiveness and prolonging their lifespan. In the case of axes, a knife sharpener might seem like a convenient solution. After all, both tools have blades, so why not use the same sharpener for both?
However, when it comes to axes, using a knife sharpener might not be the best idea. Axes and knives have different blade geometries and cutting requirements. While a knife sharpener is specifically designed for the thin, narrow blades of knives, axes have thicker and wider blades that require a different approach to sharpening.
The primary function of a knife sharpener is to create a razor-sharp edge on a blade. This is achieved through a grinding or honing process that removes a small amount of metal from the blade’s edge, resulting in a sharper cutting surface. Axes, on the other hand, require a more robust edge that is capable of withstanding the force and impact of chopping wood.
Attempting to sharpen an axe with a knife sharpener may result in several issues. Firstly, the angle at which the blade is held against the sharpener might not be suitable for axes, leading to an ineffective sharpening. Additionally, the blade of an axe is usually wider than that of a knife, which might make it challenging to fit into a narrow knife sharpener.
