π‘οΈ Daily Care β After Every Use
Every time you use the axe- Wipe the head with a dry cloth to remove moisture, sap, and debris
- If it was wet or muddy, dry it completely before sheathing
- Apply a very light coat of mineral oil if the head is bare or the patina is scratched
- Store with the leather sheath on β but only once the head is fully dry
π§ Monthly Care β Between Uses
Every 4β6 weeks of regular use- Inspect the head for surface rust β light discoloration is patina (good), orange flakes are rust (remove)
- Apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil, camellia oil, or gun oil to the entire head
- Check the handle for cracks, looseness, or dryness
- If the handle feels dry, rub in a small amount of raw linseed oil (not boiled) and let absorb overnight
- Strop the edge on leather with polishing compound β 20 passes per side restores working sharpness
β Seasonal Care β Every 3β6 Months
Twice a year minimum- Deep clean the head with a cloth and a small amount of solvent to remove old oil and sap
- Inspect the edge under good light β if it has rolled, nicked, or flattened, sharpen on a whetstone
- Check the wedge β if the head feels loose, tap the wedge with a wood mallet (never steel); if it won't seat, contact us for re-wedging
- Refresh the leather sheath β a small amount of leather conditioner keeps it supple
- Re-oil the handle (linseed oil) and re-coat the head (mineral oil)
π₯ Sharpening
When the edge stops biting cleanly- Method:Β Hand-held whetstone or diamond stone β never a powered grinder (heat destroys the temper)
- Angle:Β Follow the existing convex bevel, typically 25β30Β° per side
- Grit sequence:Β 400 grit to repair, 1000 grit to refine, leather strop to polish
- Technique:Β Push the edge away from you into the stone in a slicing motion; alternate sides every 5 passes
- Test:Β The edge should shave hair off your arm or slice paper cleanly
- Service option:Β If you would rather not sharpen it yourself, send the axe to us and we will re-profile and return it β you cover return shipping only
π« What NOT to Do
Ever- Do not use a power grinder β it generates heat that destroys the temper and ruins the edge
- Do not store the axe in the leather sheath long-term while damp β the leather will hold moisture against the steel and cause rust
- Do not use the axe as a hammer, pry bar, or wedge β the head is tempered for cutting, not lateral stress
- Do not throw the axe β hand-forged axes are not throwing axes and throwing damage voids the guarantee
- Do not leave the axe in a car trunk in humid or cold weather β moisture cycles accelerate rust
- Do not oil the handle with mineral oil β it stays tacky and attracts dirt; use linseed oil instead