Maintaining and sharpening throwing axes is vital to ensure that they function effectively and safely. Proper care extends the life of your axes and maximizes your throwing precision. Here’s a detailed guide on how to maintain and sharpen your throwing axes.
First and foremost, always clean your axes after each use. Wipe down the blade and handle with a dry cloth to remove debris and moisture which can lead to rusting. If the axe is particularly dirty, use mild soapy water for cleaning the blade, ensuring to dry the axe thoroughly afterward. For the handle, especially if it’s wood, a clean dry cloth should suffice to prevent any water absorption which could compromise the grip or lead to swelling and cracking.
For the axe handle, regular inspection is key. Check for any signs of wear, splinters, or cracks. If you have a wooden handle and notice minor damage, lightly sand the area until smooth and consider treating the wood with linseed oil or a similar protective conditioning oil. This helps to protect against moisture and maintain the handle in good condition.
When it comes to maintaining and sharpening the blade itself, regular honing is essential. This doesn’t necessarily mean making the axe razor-sharp like a kitchen knife because too sharp an edge can actually chip upon impact with targets. Throwing axes should have a robust edge that’s sharp enough to stick into the target but also durable. This requires a fine balance of sharpening technique and judgement.
Sharpening should be done with a flat file or whetstone. Start by securing the axe to avoid movement during the sharpening process. If using a file, move consistently towards the edge of the blade, following the original edge profile. An axe blade should not be filed straight across, as this can change the angle of the edge and weaken it. Use the file to even out any nicks or roll spots in the blade.
When advancing to a sharpening stone or whetstone, ensure you’ve selected one with an appropriate grit based on the level of sharpness required. Begin with a coarse grit if the axe is particularly dulled or damaged and gradually work your way to a finer grit for finishing the edge. When using a whetstone, keep it lubricated with water or honing oil based on the stone’s requirements, to ensure the material being removed from the blade can properly clear away, and to reduce the heat from friction which can damage the blade. Move the stone in circular or sweeping motions along the contour of the blade; always push into the blade’s edge and lift off on the return stroke to prevent dulling it.
After sharpening, it’s recommended to use a leather strop to remove any burr (the thin lip of metal that can form on the edge of the blade) and to polish the edge. This helps produce a smoother finish and enhances the axe’s ability to cut into the target effectively.
To protect the axe when not in use, keep it in a dry place and consider using a blade guard. This not only prevents accidental injuries but also helps prevent environmental damage to the edge. If storing for long periods, applying a light coat of oil to the blade can help stave off rust.
Lastly, be aware that maintaining the balance of the axe is also key to its performance. If you alter one side of the blade, you must alter the opposite side equally to ensure the axe flies true to its target. Inconsistent sharpening or wear can affect the balance and throw of the axe.
In summary, frequent inspections, cleaning after use, careful sharpening, and handling storage can ensure your throwing axes stay in top condition for your recreational or competitive throwing activities. Always prioritize safety when dealing with axes, whether maintaining, sharpening, or actually throwing them.