- Joined
- Aug 11, 2016
- Messages
- 246
I am suffering all sorts of travails as I try to get myself a couple of decent axes. Everyone says it's hard to get a good new axe without paying $200, so I am going vintage, and that means a lot of shopping and work.
Question: what if I buy a new Mexican Collins axe, heat the edge with a torch, and quench it? Can I make it hard enough to compare to an old American axe?
People have told me to sharpen axes with files. I bought two old axe heads, and let me tell you...there is no way. A file slides on them without making a mark. I used a belt sander, which took two minutes and gave a beautiful edge. After these experiences, I don't want to settle for a cheese-like axe that files easily.
Question: what if I buy a new Mexican Collins axe, heat the edge with a torch, and quench it? Can I make it hard enough to compare to an old American axe?
People have told me to sharpen axes with files. I bought two old axe heads, and let me tell you...there is no way. A file slides on them without making a mark. I used a belt sander, which took two minutes and gave a beautiful edge. After these experiences, I don't want to settle for a cheese-like axe that files easily.