Hi, I don't know if this is forum for this question, but here goes. Does anyone know if can or should try to repair/sharpen axe with some nicks with just stones? I've used to sharpen before, but do I need do use files, etc. for this type of damage? Hate to trash an axe due to my lack of skill here. Thanks and hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

Start with a file until the nicks are out, then finish with a stone. Axe sharpening is not as exacting as knife sharpening and not as critical to get it real sharp.

Thanks!

1) Start with a file to get any nicks out of the edge.

2) Then you want to rub some 400 grit fine sandpaper to remove any file groove marks. The groves are what you are most interested in removing, not so much getting the edge just yet. It’s much easier to remove the groves with sandpaper then a stone. I use a long stick like board about 1” wide and about 16” long. I cut a piece of sandpaper that goes onto the stick and it stays in place on one side with a staple and the other side I just hold tight. Replace sandpaper as needed.

3) Now after you have prepared the edge it’s time to establish the edge. Run your axe blade along the stone at the same angle until you have a thin edge that you can feel on the other side of the edge. Now flip over and remove the edge. It will be very sharp and ready to process wood.

I’ve read that if you don’t remove the groves from a file you could possibly break an axe if you strike it hard enough. I’ve never had this happen to me but it makes sense.

If you want a safer method than using a hand held stone or file use various grit sandpaper taped to a flat hard surface.
Sanding paper for sharpening Gives the basic idea.
I have sheets of Kydex and aluminum plate around for a flat surface. Tape a sheet of wet-dry silicon carbide sanding paper to the plate, set the angle I'm holding the axe head and push away. Lots of grits available from 80 grit emery cloth to 5000 super fine grit. I find it easier to hold the axe head and safer than fixing the head in a vise and stroking the file or stone by hand. This method allows a larger working surface for you choice of straight strokes or circular.

butthead

Thanks to all of you. Reading and incorporating all your advise.

A file is definitely the way to go to reshape a damaged edge. Sounds like a good tip to work out any grooves left from filing.

I just picked up a Harbor Freight sander with some various grits plus leather belt and sharpened my entire kitchen in a couple of hours. Will be giving it a whirl on my axe sometime soon.