Ways to Sharpen a Hatchet

Whetstone

• "Whetting" refers to a way of sharpening an object, usually a knife or hatchet blade, by rubbing it with something, usually a stone. Whetstones are fine-grained or synthetic stones meant for sharpening blades. To sharpen using a whetstone, properly secure your hatchet in a table clamp, with the blade facing straight up. Hold your stone firmly against the hatchet blade and rub in circular motions over one side of the blade. Sharpen for about 10 minutes, then release the clamp and turn the hatchet over, securing the clamp again. Rub the stone in the opposite circular direction on this blade's side.

File

• Sharpening files come in various grades and sizes, and are available at hardware stores across the United States. A common type of sharpening file consists of a long, skinny filing rectangle attached to a handle. To sharpen your hatchet with a file, either place your hatchet in a clamp or prop its face against a small log on the ground. Make sure the handle blade is pointing up and the hatchet's handle is laying flat against the ground. Place two pegs in the ground directly behind the hatchet's head, so it is secure between the pegs and log. Wear gloves to protect your hands, and repeatedly brush the file downward on the hatchet's blade. Keep the angle consistent. When you are finished, turn the hatchet around so the other side of the blade is facing up toward you, and file this side the same way.

Sharpening Steel

• Sharpening steel, also known as butcher's or honing steel, is a quick way to sharpen your hatchet if you lack other sharpening tools. Sharpening steel is generally used as a finishing tool to hone a blade after sharpening with a whetstone or file. Sharpening steel consists of a long steel rod attached to a handle, and can be used to sharpen in the same way a file is used. Secure your hatchet head in a table clamp or between a log and two pegs, and brush your sharpening steel downward on the blade.

Grinder

• Electric grinders generally have high-powered motors that rotate sanding discs at high speeds. These discs can be used to sharpen your hatchet blade, but make sure your hatchet is securely clamped before you begin sharpening with your grinder. This method can ruin your hatchet's steel by overheating, so remember to hold the grinder's disc against the steel for very short periods of time to moderate the blade's temperature. Keep a bucket of cold water nearby to dip the hatchet head into in case it begins discoloring, which means it is overheating.