Axe Maintenance and Sharpening

Our friends at Hults Bruk have put together a great video about the importance of axe maintenance. You always want to make sure your axe is adequately cared for and sharpened, keeping it free of corrosion. With the right amount of care, this tool can be used for any adventure and last a lifetime. You invest in a quality product, now it’s important to learn how to properly clean and care for it. We want to share a few crucial tips for keeping your axe in the best shape possible.

The first tip, make sure you have the proper maintenance equipment. You will want a suitable type of oil, a sheath, steel wool, and a pair of work gloves for protection. Using each of these products dramatically enhances the axes life and makes for easier chopping.

After using your axe, wipe off any dirt or sap as best you can. Using steel wool and acetone also helps with the removal of unwanted debris. After the blade is clean, apply a light coating of oil using a rag. The oil preserves the metal and helps it split wood better. You can also oil the handle with boiled linseed oil; this ensures the handle stays clean and in great shape. If needed, you can lightly oil your sheath as well to keep it from drying out.

Sharpening stones help keep your axe blade sharp and cutting swiftly. Sharpening your blade is very important. The sharper the edge, the easier it will be to chop wood. Make sure you sharpen both sides and maintain the curvature of the blade.

Speaking of sheaths, they are one of the essential accessories one should have for their axe. Using a sheath is the first step to successful and safe storage. A sturdy sheath helps keep the blade protected whether you’re moving from campsite to campsite or storing it for next time.

When you are not using your axe, try to keep it in a temperature-controlled environment. This helps preserve the blade and handle, and keeps your axe nice and clean. Proper storage helps keep your axe strong and ensures that it will last for generations and hopefully become a family heirloom.

Now, this video from Hults Bruk explains in detail the necessities associated with maintenance. They also give a detailed guide on how to sharpen your axe blade.

Check it out using this link: https://player.vimeo.com/video/479039572

Make sure you grab top-notch gear to go with your top-notch axe! Duluth Pack has countless great pack options available, including the Bushcrafter. Built using rugged canvas and premium leather, the Bushcrafter is made for backcountry adventure. The pack offers plenty of straps for gear and an axe sleeve for holding your new tool. Another great Duluth Pack product to go with your new axe is the Log Carrier. This rugged carrier is made for hauling the logs you chop. Constructed from rugged canvas, the Log Carrier gets the job done. Our last suggestion is our Axe Holder. The ideal complementary item to any Hults Bruk axe you purchase.

Happy adventuring, friends!