>>180048When sharpening, always try for a fan–shaped effect on the cheek of the ax (Figure 66). File back for
a distance of approximately 2 to 3 inches from the cutting edge right at the middle point of the ax. Work
your way from the cheek down to the actual edge, keeping a rounded profile.
Stop filing once you have filed one side so that a burr of metal can be felt on the back side. Turn the ax
over and repeat the process on the other side of the ax. Continue filing on the opposite side until the burr
goes back over to the first side of the ax where you started. Stop at this point.
Figure 66—When sharpening, try for a fan–shaped effect on the cheek of the ax
(drawing by Frederic H. Kock).
