How do you file and axe?

Question

I just bought an axe at Lowes and a file to sharpen it and I am not sure which way I file it or what angle.

Answer 1

Take a black magic marker and blacken the cutting edge.
Then, run the file towards the edge, while moving it across the width of the blade. When you have the right angle, the black will come off for approx. 1/8 inch of the edge.
Good luck, though. hand files are a rough way to do it. A die grinder or angle grinder would be alot easier!

Answer 2

Both good answers, gentlemen, but it depends on what the axe is to be used for. If the cutting edge may contact a lot of dirt, rocks, etc., the higher angle edge (1/8th inch) will be slower to dull.

Answer 3

Good answer TJH. Although I prefer to sharpen back 1/4 inch.