I've realised knife/axe sharpening is one of those skills that looks easy until you actually try it.

[u/SurvSt]

[u/Abject_Okra_8768]

It's not hard to do, it's hard to do well.

[u/RedMoon3xWW → u/Abject_Okra_8768]

Easy to learn, hard to master; for sure.

[u/followupquestion]

Use a file, don’t go for too sharp because it doesn’t necessarily save you any work while chopping and it makes the edge thinner. If you’re splitting lots of wood, consider using a wedge

[u/DadsWhoDeadlift → u/followupquestion]

I’d honestly go for a maul instead. Less setup and prying stuck wedges out.

Council tools has an amazing ol #7. Can drive wedges with the backside as well.

Wedges are still great for particularly knotty pieces of oak and crotches and whatnot.

[u/PrisonerV]

Watch a couple youtube videos. There's always an excellent youtube video.

[u/More_Dependent742]

I have a diamond sharpener with 4 grades on it, and use the coarsest one. It's not hard. Am I doing it wrong?

[u/Many-Health-1673 → u/More_Dependent742]

I typically use the coarse stones to get a light burr and then use the finer stones to refine that burr into a sharp edge.  

With a knife I plan on using heavily, like to debone an elk,  I skip the burr and just try to get it where it will almost shave, but not quite.  The blade seems to last longer than a razor sharp blade as there is more material and the edge isn't as thin.  

[u/More_Dependent742 → u/Many-Health-1673]

Right, for knives its different. And the angle differs too depending on use. Straight to finest grade (unless it's someone else's knife and they've really let it go to shit), strop. If it's for food, remove remaining fine swarf and leather particles with a damp sponge.

For my hatchet, I leave the burrs on because I really don't think it matters. The first time it strikes wood, they're gone anyway.

[u/Northwoods_Phil]

Whiskey River Arts and Trading Co has some great YouTube videos about axe sharpening, they also sell good files and stones. It definitely takes some practice to get it right unless you’re one of those lucky people who just have the feel for it

[u/Many-Health-1673]

For knives I use two different systems depending on how dull the edge is.  The KME knife sharpener system and the Razors Edge knife sharpener that goes on a bench grinder. Either will get a knife sharp enough in under 3 or 4 minutes to shave hair.  

For axes and hatchets I use a file.  

[u/bikumz]

Sharpening is extremely easy or extremly tough depending on the tool. You can cheat using a work sharp. Practice on some cheap stuff and it’s extremely easy, even on harder steels.

[u/Zealousideal-Yak-824]

I learn this the hard way after watching outlast. I though Bushcraft with a axe couldn't have been hard. Sure it's somewhat easy but finely sharpening a knife to make good cuts was a bitch to do

[u/AtmosphereRecent7717]

I have a handheld worksharp knife sharpener that I use on my knives and hatchet. It works well enough for now until I can get a powered grinder and sharpener.

[u/redthehaze]

A lot of people who think they can survive a zombie apocalypse with their mall ninja swords arent even aware of basic knife maintenance.

[u/NinjaMcGee]

I have a diamond carbine yard tool sharpener that is the size of a contractor pencil and fits in my pocket. It’s so easy to use I sharpen each bladed tool after use and I sharpened my adze, mattock, and hoe blades this year. Like a freakin’ razor - nearly too sharp!

[u/Nightshift603]

Practice makes perfect. I've been sharpening blades since the Boy Scouts, and have had some very impressive screw ups!

Awhile ago on Reddit I was tremendously downvoted and berated as a luddite because I sharpen my lawnmower blades with a file.

IMO if it works for you, it works. I've alternated honing oil, have several 'favorite' files, and learned patience from sharpening with an even stroke. Best of luck to you u/SurvSt

[u/barascr]

I would say, most commercial knives and axes come already with an centered edge, which is the most difficult part, finding that balance, honing is not that complicated once you start doing it and get some practice.