Based on the provided context (a video title "How to reface and sharpen a Block splitter or Axe"), the sharpening process involves addressing the blade's edge. The video demonstrates a process of refacing and sharpening, suggesting it's not just about a quick honing but a more involved restoration. Further details on the specific tools and techniques would require access to the video itself.
Without detailed information from the video, a general approach to sharpening a block splitter (which is essentially a type of axe) can be outlined:
General Approach to Sharpening a Block Splitter
1. Assess the Blade
- Inspect the Edge: Look for chips, dents, or rolled edges. This will determine the level of repair needed. A severely damaged edge might require more aggressive methods.
2. Choose Your Tools
- Files: A mill file or bastard file is typically used for heavier reshaping and removing material.
- Grinding Wheel: A bench grinder can be used for quicker material removal, but it's crucial to avoid overheating the blade, which can ruin the temper of the steel. Use with extreme caution.
- Sharpening Stones (Whetstones): Use a variety of grits, from coarse to fine, to refine the edge. Oil stones or water stones are common choices.
- Honing Steel/Strop: For maintaining a sharp edge between sharpenings.
3. Sharpening Process
- Remove Damage (if necessary): If the blade is severely damaged, start with a file or grinder to remove the damaged metal and create a new, clean edge. Caution: Overheating the metal with a grinder ruins the temper.
- Establish the Bevel: Hold the file or stone at the correct angle (the existing bevel angle, typically between 25-30 degrees) and push it along the blade's edge. Work from the shoulder of the blade towards the edge. Maintain a consistent angle for a uniform bevel.
- Refine the Edge: After establishing the bevel, use progressively finer stones to refine the edge. This removes scratches from the coarser stones and creates a sharper cutting surface.
- Deburr: After sharpening one side, flip the splitter and repeat the process on the other side. Once both sides are sharpened, remove the burr (a thin wire of metal that forms on the edge). You can do this by gently drawing the blade across a fine stone or strop at a very slight angle.
- Honing (Maintenance): Regularly hone the edge with a honing steel or strop to maintain sharpness between sharpenings.
4. Safety Precautions
- Wear Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from metal shards.
- Use Gloves: Protect your hands from cuts.
- Secure the Axe: Use a vise or other method to secure the axe head while sharpening.
- Sharp Edges: Be extremely careful when handling the sharpened axe.
Important Considerations
- Angle Consistency: Maintaining a consistent angle is crucial for a sharp and durable edge.
- Cooling: If using a grinder, keep the blade cool by dipping it in water frequently to prevent overheating.
- Sharpness Testing: Test the sharpness by carefully slicing paper or wood.
Without access to the linked video, a more specific sharpening process cannot be detailed. However, the information above outlines the standard steps for sharpening a block splitter or axe.
