I HAVE A FISKARS AXE MUCH EASIER TO SHARPEN JUST BY DOING THE CIRCULAR ACTION I HAVE AN X10 AND AN X7 they are razor sharp and I have just done the circular motion soooooo yeah u should buy a fiskars
I dont think 6000 grit is needed to sharpen an axe for chopping work. A 800 jap waterstone and then 1000 ceramic stone to polish it would be more than enough imo.
@derast I absolutely agree with your right comment. 800 jap and then 1000 ceramic is the way for all tools. Otherwise its just a waste of time. If you dont find these 2 grits enough, especially for axe sharpening, than you are lacking sharpening skills.
@LeonRFpoa Depends entirely on what you are going to use it for. A razor sharp edge is useless if its a splitting axe, where you dont want the edge to be too shallow (which weakens the metal), nor too sharp (Which means it bites into the wood, instead of splitting it)
Razor sharpness is cool, but rarely best. A knife is entirely different, of course. (A polished edge holds the edge better, but not if your going to be using it for hard labor.)
@TzunSu HAHAHA listen up dude, I have been sharpening knives and axes a lot longer and a lot better than ray mears or any of you. When I say he's an ameture at sharpening that's an understatement. The man has NO IDEA how to truly sharpen and neither do you if that's the case. ALL cutting tools MUST be razor sharp and that's the only fact of it. Anything else is a primitive scraper. It doesn't depend on what it is used for. A dull axe is a dull axe. A sharp axe works. A dull one doesn't.
@LeonRFpoa@LeonRFpoa By making that comment you've just made it blatanlty clear that regardless of how long you've been sharpening tools, you still havent learned the fundamental science that goes on behind it. This isnt "i think" or "Ive noticed", this is established science thats been a known fact for a couple hundred years. This is an extension of the same thought process that leads u to not put a 17 degree angle on a hatchet, and not a 35 degree angle on a scalpel
@LeonRFpoa Also, theres a huge difference between a sharp blade and a razor sharp blade, and theres a huge difference in sharpness between two razor sharp blades. That a knife can cut hair has no bearing on how suitable it is to chop wood, it just means that it can cut hair. Only people who sharpen knives so they can look cool and say"Yeaah, it shaving-sharp!" thinks thats important.
And how is Ray sharpening wrong? He's doing a standard freehand stone sharpening, without a jigg.
@TzunSu Nah, your words are bull. Difference is nothing, not even worthy of a response. Knives are sharp, axes are sharp, anything else is a scraper. Ray is doing a horrible job and is dulling his axe more than sharpening it. Again, I been doing this way longer and have a far better understanding of sharpening through years of experience. This is NOT repeat NOT how it is done properly.
@LeonRFpoa You keep repeating that he's doing it wrong, but your not answering any of my questions, or saying what he's actually doing wrong. You having sharpened the occasional kitchen knife in the last 10 years does not make you an expert, and your inability to articulate what he's doing wrong proves that your just a standard youtube survivalist couch-surfer, who think he knows best. No, Ray isnt the best sharpener in the world, but his basic technique is sound.
@TzunSu you're just trolling. I have sharpened more knives than you have ever touched and axes too. What he's doing wrong is just about everything. You sharpen in ONE direction to raise up the fine blade and then profile it for what you will be doing with it. Axes have an almost obtuse edge on them when done right, and yes, it is still quite sharp when done correctly. What ray is doing with that circle motion shit is just needlessly taking off metal and ensuring his blade won't last long.
@LeonRFpoa *im* trolling? Your the one who keeps making up reasons to criticise this video. Do you seriously not know why heavy duty blades should be done with a concave angle? They get nearly the same sharpness, with several times the staying power, and thats done by a round motion when your taking off metal, at the start. No, axes do not have an "almost obtuse angle", usually between 25-40°, depending on what your using it for. Thats like saying you can either sharpen a knife at 20 or 40°.
@LeonRFpoa So the error u say he did was that he was giving it a convex shape (standard for anyone who knows what they're doing with a blade that will take punishment). "Quite sharp" isnt razor sharp, which is what you claimed "every blade had to be to be useful". Have you ever even sharpened a blade freehand, or is this "knowledge" all stuff you picked up on youtube? Also, you having 10 years of experience is *nothing* when it comes to blades, so please stop trying to act like a veteran.
@TzunSu how about you shut the fuck up or put your money where your mouth is. My vids prove otherwise. If you're so right shut the fuck up and post some vids please. Fact is I do know a hell of a lot more about sharpening in general than ray mears OR you will ever attain.
@LeonRFpoa Oh, wow. Of all the ignorant things to say, that takes the prize. First of all, your inability to even write intelligently about sharpening, proves that you have zero actual knowledge. Second of all, do you really think having a bunch of videos with 80 views (mostly consisting on 12 year old boyscouts) proves anything? You think an axe should have an angle close to 90° (either that, or u dont know what obtuse means) which proves your ignorance. You have zero skills, accept it.
@LeonRFpoa Ah, nice. He sent me a snide comment about putting up videos, then blocked me from responding. Nice guy! Not at all a little youtube troll :)
@LeonRFpoa How does having a channel filled with crap videos noone watches give you better knowledge of how to sharpen blades? The fact that you still cant articulate your thoughts is just a constant proof that you have no clue as to what you're talking about, and that you just want to post annoying and snide remarks on others videos to make you feel better over your own flaws. Sad, really.
@LeonRFpoa Its funny, because every single word you say just cement everyones opinion of you as a good for nothing youtube troll. Good luck getting more then 80 views on your videos someday! Maybe if you manage to learn some actual skills things will look up. After you learn how to sharpen a blade, maybe u could make a video? Im sure it would get more views then this, cus your so good at it.
You can buy a set which includes the following:800 course stone,6000 polishing stone a nagura stone and the anti slip holder for about £50! It`s a shame that the 1200 stone has to be bought seperately.Hope this is of some help to any fellow axemen. Sorry Ritchie but waterstones are about the only thing Woodlore do not sell!
Hi thanks for the shop info! Although, I don't why you're saying sorry to me...? But anyway, Axminister tools seems to be an interesting store. I'll surf around.
@Asgardt type Axminister tools into your search engine and the online shop will be listed.This is a UK shop with the cheapest whetstones i`ve come across.Hope you find what you`re looking for!
Yes, it is most proper to use all three grades of stones for the razor edge. But a razor edge is not practical for chopping around in the woods, cutting wood. Go to any Hardware store pick up a two sided, (course/fine), wetstone for approximately 6.00USD; and your on your way. And as for holding ones wetstone in place; carry a couple of nails to tack into your horizontal log that are almost always laying around the forest floor. Just have to find one not so rotten to do an effective job!
@milotist probably the best place to buy japanese watersones would be at amazon.com.you don't need 800, 1200, and 6000 just get a combonation stone like a 1000 ,and 6000 that can job just about as good as anything elese
one day these skills will be called upon once more as modern life will collapse and those that have these skills have a chance of survival millions don't. if history tells us anything it is you cannot rape the world for long without there being very big mass famine. when modern life collapses some who have skills have a chance billions don't and i intend to prepare myself and my children. i may not need it but a have a sneaky feeling modern life has no future as we are raping the world too much
@mastainventa I agree with your sentiment, but when the world ends, you/I won't be able to order Japanese waterstones off the internet, and where are you/I going to buy your axes from, when the ones we have wear out? I guess that smithy trades would come back into fashion etc but it's a just a thought.
I guess if you go to "camp" with 2 or 3 Jeeps full of stuff this might be practical.( Notice the heavy metal storage cases he has the stones sitting on at 0:22 ).
For backpacking: Carry a small mill file for removing serious damage, and a double sided pocket stone (med. / fine grit) to finish
Excellent advice. You could also bring several grits of silicon carbide sandpaper and an old-style computer mouse pad (the thick one), and you're set if you can find a relatively flat surface for the pad.
all you need is a file and a decent round axe stone. The Japanese method requires expensive stones that you would never want to take up space in a backpack with, and is not appreciably superior enough to even worry about.
I HAVE A FISKARS AXE MUCH EASIER TO SHARPEN JUST BY DOING THE CIRCULAR ACTION I HAVE AN X10 AND AN X7 they are razor sharp and I have just done the circular motion soooooo yeah u should buy a fiskars
Penguinz4LOLZ 6 days ago
but idea of this is use the natural stones, not the nowdays tecnology....
losteden 2 months ago
@RatifiedCow Yes, the Japanese Katakana on the side reads; kingu
generalsaam 6 months ago
Ray fancies himself a Viking.
Antiks72 7 months ago
Very good video Sir. Good techniques presented in a clear way.
BALDMAXXX 8 months ago
Comment removed
biglez10 8 months ago
so i can sharpen my lttle axe wth a water stone rght ?
milotist 8 months ago
I have used the DMT sharpening system really good although pricey. I guess caught out, a stone at a river would do the job.
RICHIE87622 1 year ago
I dont think 6000 grit is needed to sharpen an axe for chopping work. A 800 jap waterstone and then 1000 ceramic stone to polish it would be more than enough imo.
sarelle500gr 1 year ago
carrying three grinding stones around the size of bricks, doesnt seem very survival to mee...
jimmi000 1 year ago
@jimmi000 I agree. A full set of kings is for the shop, not for on the go.
daw162 1 year ago
What a way to sharp an axe on a few different stones along with a clamp. :)
Cartoonruf 1 year ago
i just bought a king combination 800/6000 stone (42$)
and a King Nagura stone (8$)
for 50 bucks you just have awesome sharp knifes and tools
but i have to buy 320 grit stone or something for very well used blades...
Spaeckli 1 year ago
With my #800 and a fine polishing stone (Arkansas natural stone) I just got a SHAVING axe.
My point: These stones are very expensive and you will be fine with a #800 or #1000 for almost every purpose!
derast 1 year ago
@derast I absolutely agree with your right comment. 800 jap and then 1000 ceramic is the way for all tools. Otherwise its just a waste of time. If you dont find these 2 grits enough, especially for axe sharpening, than you are lacking sharpening skills.
sarelle500gr 1 year ago
interesting, but not very practical for us campers that just want to chop a bit of firewood
FetidToecheese 1 year ago
WHY DO YOU PPL USE A CIRCULAR ACTION ARRRG! My axe can be used as a shaving razor, I didn't get it like that with a CIRCULAR ACTION arg
LeonRFpoa 1 year ago
@LeonRFpoa Listen properly next time. A razor sharpness is not a proof of quality; the edge must be made convex to keep some edge longer.
ZdenekJindra 1 year ago
@ZdenekJindra Learn properly this time- if it is not sharp it is just a scraper. my axe can be used for shaving and it keeps its edge just fine.
Fuckin moron.
LeonRFpoa 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@LeonRFpoa You just probably cut your veins with that axe, you emo faggot!
ZdenekJindra 1 year ago
@LeonRFpoa Depends entirely on what you are going to use it for. A razor sharp edge is useless if its a splitting axe, where you dont want the edge to be too shallow (which weakens the metal), nor too sharp (Which means it bites into the wood, instead of splitting it)
Razor sharpness is cool, but rarely best. A knife is entirely different, of course. (A polished edge holds the edge better, but not if your going to be using it for hard labor.)
TzunSu 11 months ago
@TzunSu HAHAHA listen up dude, I have been sharpening knives and axes a lot longer and a lot better than ray mears or any of you. When I say he's an ameture at sharpening that's an understatement. The man has NO IDEA how to truly sharpen and neither do you if that's the case. ALL cutting tools MUST be razor sharp and that's the only fact of it. Anything else is a primitive scraper. It doesn't depend on what it is used for. A dull axe is a dull axe. A sharp axe works. A dull one doesn't.
LeonRFpoa 10 months ago
@LeonRFpoa @LeonRFpoa By making that comment you've just made it blatanlty clear that regardless of how long you've been sharpening tools, you still havent learned the fundamental science that goes on behind it. This isnt "i think" or "Ive noticed", this is established science thats been a known fact for a couple hundred years. This is an extension of the same thought process that leads u to not put a 17 degree angle on a hatchet, and not a 35 degree angle on a scalpel
TzunSu 10 months ago
@LeonRFpoa Also, theres a huge difference between a sharp blade and a razor sharp blade, and theres a huge difference in sharpness between two razor sharp blades. That a knife can cut hair has no bearing on how suitable it is to chop wood, it just means that it can cut hair. Only people who sharpen knives so they can look cool and say"Yeaah, it shaving-sharp!" thinks thats important.
And how is Ray sharpening wrong? He's doing a standard freehand stone sharpening, without a jigg.
TzunSu 10 months ago
@TzunSu Nah, your words are bull. Difference is nothing, not even worthy of a response. Knives are sharp, axes are sharp, anything else is a scraper. Ray is doing a horrible job and is dulling his axe more than sharpening it. Again, I been doing this way longer and have a far better understanding of sharpening through years of experience. This is NOT repeat NOT how it is done properly.
LeonRFpoa 10 months ago
@LeonRFpoa You keep repeating that he's doing it wrong, but your not answering any of my questions, or saying what he's actually doing wrong. You having sharpened the occasional kitchen knife in the last 10 years does not make you an expert, and your inability to articulate what he's doing wrong proves that your just a standard youtube survivalist couch-surfer, who think he knows best. No, Ray isnt the best sharpener in the world, but his basic technique is sound.
TzunSu 10 months ago
@TzunSu you're just trolling. I have sharpened more knives than you have ever touched and axes too. What he's doing wrong is just about everything. You sharpen in ONE direction to raise up the fine blade and then profile it for what you will be doing with it. Axes have an almost obtuse edge on them when done right, and yes, it is still quite sharp when done correctly. What ray is doing with that circle motion shit is just needlessly taking off metal and ensuring his blade won't last long.
LeonRFpoa 10 months ago
@LeonRFpoa *im* trolling? Your the one who keeps making up reasons to criticise this video. Do you seriously not know why heavy duty blades should be done with a concave angle? They get nearly the same sharpness, with several times the staying power, and thats done by a round motion when your taking off metal, at the start. No, axes do not have an "almost obtuse angle", usually between 25-40°, depending on what your using it for. Thats like saying you can either sharpen a knife at 20 or 40°.
TzunSu 10 months ago
@LeonRFpoa So the error u say he did was that he was giving it a convex shape (standard for anyone who knows what they're doing with a blade that will take punishment). "Quite sharp" isnt razor sharp, which is what you claimed "every blade had to be to be useful". Have you ever even sharpened a blade freehand, or is this "knowledge" all stuff you picked up on youtube? Also, you having 10 years of experience is *nothing* when it comes to blades, so please stop trying to act like a veteran.
TzunSu 10 months ago
@TzunSu how about you shut the fuck up or put your money where your mouth is. My vids prove otherwise. If you're so right shut the fuck up and post some vids please. Fact is I do know a hell of a lot more about sharpening in general than ray mears OR you will ever attain.
LeonRFpoa 10 months ago
@LeonRFpoa Oh, wow. Of all the ignorant things to say, that takes the prize. First of all, your inability to even write intelligently about sharpening, proves that you have zero actual knowledge. Second of all, do you really think having a bunch of videos with 80 views (mostly consisting on 12 year old boyscouts) proves anything? You think an axe should have an angle close to 90° (either that, or u dont know what obtuse means) which proves your ignorance. You have zero skills, accept it.
TzunSu 10 months ago
@LeonRFpoa Ah, nice. He sent me a snide comment about putting up videos, then blocked me from responding. Nice guy! Not at all a little youtube troll :)
TzunSu 10 months ago
@TzunSu who you calling a troll, troll? I actually have a channel and can back my words. I told you to stfu like you needed.
LeonRFpoa 10 months ago
@LeonRFpoa How does having a channel filled with crap videos noone watches give you better knowledge of how to sharpen blades? The fact that you still cant articulate your thoughts is just a constant proof that you have no clue as to what you're talking about, and that you just want to post annoying and snide remarks on others videos to make you feel better over your own flaws. Sad, really.
And your the one i call troll, troll.
TzunSu 10 months ago
@TzunSu lol shut the fuck up you troll.
LeonRFpoa 10 months ago
@LeonRFpoa Its funny, because every single word you say just cement everyones opinion of you as a good for nothing youtube troll. Good luck getting more then 80 views on your videos someday! Maybe if you manage to learn some actual skills things will look up. After you learn how to sharpen a blade, maybe u could make a video? Im sure it would get more views then this, cus your so good at it.
TzunSu 10 months ago
@TzunSu need I remind you whose comment is right up there at the top? Again, stfu troll you are irrelevant.
LeonRFpoa 10 months ago
@LeonRFpoa ....what? That doesnt even make any sense, what are you *trying* to say?
Badtroll is bad.
TzunSu 10 months ago
nice job
mcrainshane 1 year ago
Hey!
Take a look at our videos. We are in the process of setting everythin gup.
We got some helpful videos!
BushcraftGuy 1 year ago
Is that exactly the way our ancestors used tousands years ago to sharpen their axes Ray?
lastelin 1 year ago
Ah the King waterstone - a favourite of mine.
derast 1 year ago
great vids but im curious why is this channel called ritchie powell but its all ray mears vids haha
kewldudesweet 1 year ago
You can buy a set which includes the following:800 course stone,6000 polishing stone a nagura stone and the anti slip holder for about £50! It`s a shame that the 1200 stone has to be bought seperately.Hope this is of some help to any fellow axemen. Sorry Ritchie but waterstones are about the only thing Woodlore do not sell!
biglez10 2 years ago
Hi thanks for the shop info! Although, I don't why you're saying sorry to me...? But anyway, Axminister tools seems to be an interesting store. I'll surf around.
RitchiePowell 2 years ago 2
@biglez10 Nice, where would I find that, please? :D
Asgardt 1 year ago
@Asgardt type Axminister tools into your search engine and the online shop will be listed.This is a UK shop with the cheapest whetstones i`ve come across.Hope you find what you`re looking for!
biglez10 1 year ago
@biglez10 total waste of money, 1200 grit wet/dry sandpaper does the job just as well.
aseglkj 8 months ago
@biglez10 if yo go to traditonal woodworker you can get a 800 1200 and 6000 for $100
1840218403 8 months ago
The stones Ray mears uses are bought from Axminister tools.Google it !!
biglez10 2 years ago
He buys his stones from Axminister Tools.
biglez10 2 years ago
i love how people keep asking where to buy stones on here when they could use one of the many search engines out there...
xyzjman1 2 years ago
Where can I find a good axe like he's using?
joshb0508 2 years ago
At his website. Cheers, RP
RitchiePowell 2 years ago
@RitchiePowell and wheres that? like what website?
mountainman1996 2 years ago
Granfors Bruks
DaddyVegas 2 years ago
Yes, it is most proper to use all three grades of stones for the razor edge. But a razor edge is not practical for chopping around in the woods, cutting wood. Go to any Hardware store pick up a two sided, (course/fine), wetstone for approximately 6.00USD; and your on your way. And as for holding ones wetstone in place; carry a couple of nails to tack into your horizontal log that are almost always laying around the forest floor. Just have to find one not so rotten to do an effective job!
Paul07901 2 years ago 2
yes nice question where can we buy japanesse stones?????
milotist 2 years ago
Search for KING waterstones on the web.
RitchiePowell 2 years ago
@RitchiePowell What kind does he use in the video...Are they in fact KING?
RatifiedCow 8 months ago
@milotist probably the best place to buy japanese watersones would be at amazon.com.you don't need 800, 1200, and 6000 just get a combonation stone like a 1000 ,and 6000 that can job just about as good as anything elese
1840218403 9 months ago
And where can we get fuking JAPANESE stones
thiuslord 2 years ago
ebay
spiderpig85 2 years ago
nice axe
milotist 2 years ago
im using sand paper on trips beacuse of weight but i always sharpen before trip !!!
prleLTD 2 years ago
one day these skills will be called upon once more as modern life will collapse and those that have these skills have a chance of survival millions don't. if history tells us anything it is you cannot rape the world for long without there being very big mass famine. when modern life collapses some who have skills have a chance billions don't and i intend to prepare myself and my children. i may not need it but a have a sneaky feeling modern life has no future as we are raping the world too much
mastainventa 2 years ago 23
yea i just got done fucking the world in the ass! rofl
89witchhunter 2 years ago
No wonder oxygen levels are dropping. Trees = oxygen. We are all fucking doomed.
4optics 2 years ago
@mastainventa You are a paragon of delusion.
onlyashadow1121 1 year ago
@mastainventa I agree with your sentiment, but when the world ends, you/I won't be able to order Japanese waterstones off the internet, and where are you/I going to buy your axes from, when the ones we have wear out? I guess that smithy trades would come back into fashion etc but it's a just a thought.
carlgurney 10 months ago
I guess if you go to "camp" with 2 or 3 Jeeps full of stuff this might be practical.( Notice the heavy metal storage cases he has the stones sitting on at 0:22 ).
For backpacking: Carry a small mill file for removing serious damage, and a double sided pocket stone (med. / fine grit) to finish
offramp100 2 years ago 26
yes, for camera gear
assassin616 2 years ago
@offramp100
Completely agree. I am firm believer in diamond stones these days.
davidcarr3 1 year ago
@offramp100
Excellent advice. You could also bring several grits of silicon carbide sandpaper and an old-style computer mouse pad (the thick one), and you're set if you can find a relatively flat surface for the pad.
hpd707 9 months ago
I do well with the Fällkniven DC4 stone at home and on trips.
The coarse diamond side really eats metal
lmglange 2 years ago
Who would carry around all that at camp?
boneyfreak2004 2 years ago
all you need is a file and a decent round axe stone. The Japanese method requires expensive stones that you would never want to take up space in a backpack with, and is not appreciably superior enough to even worry about.
Matunaagah 2 years ago