So why is it axes don't come sharp?

[jzmtl]

Really, I've never seen an axe that's sharp out of the box. Hardware store axes have edge that's literally 1/4" thick, fiskars have thin formed edge but not actually sharp, estwing also have decent secondary bevel but not sharpened either. Why? Even a 50 cents utility knife comes sharp out of the box, why can't axes do the same? (I'd hate to see somebody who doesn't have power tools thin out that 1/4" thick edge!)

[Gareth]

The only thing that I have heard argued is that a large amount of axes are sold and used for splitting.  The logic is that a blunt axe will split just as well and is less likely to stick in the round, basically it's being used as a high speed wedge.  Personally I don't like the idea myself and will always put an edge on a axe.  It makes for a much more versatile tool that can split, chop, slice, scrape etc.

[Mike]

Me too Gareth, I put an edge on mine as well. Normally, I thin the shoulder down a little and give it a decent edge. Though nothing close to what I do for my knives, I like to keep a fair amount of metal behind the edge.

Mike

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I'm with you guys

It's just a cheap and easy way for them to save money imo

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Well I'm happy to report that my new Gransfors Bruks SFA came absolutely razor sharp

[Gareth]

Good stuff mate.    It's the only axe I've ever had that I didn't feel the need to sharpen either.  Do you like it?

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Good stuff mate.    It's the only axe I've ever had that I didn't feel the need to sharpen either.  Do you like it?

Erm...YES

It is a very fine bit of kit, and may be responsible for altering my perceptions of all things Axey
 
The fit and finish are really top notch, but it's the balance and poise of the thing that's so amazing

I certainly don't think this'll be my last GB

[Gareth]

Thank goodness for that.  If you couldn't have your head turned by a GB then all hope was lost. 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Thank goodness for that.  If you couldn't have your head turned by a GB then all hope was lost. 

So what one's do you have then mate

The Wildlife Hatchet is pretty high on the list

[Gareth]

The only GB I have is the SFA.  Like you I really like the look of the Wildlife Hatchet, but also the Mini.  I have held the Mini and it is tiny.  I wouldn't want to try and fell a tree with it that's for sure, but as a stand in for a big knife it feels great.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

but as a stand in for a big knife it feels great.

See that's what I'm looking for , as the days of me being able to use a Kukri are pretty much over on these shores

[Gareth]

but as a stand in for a big knife it feels great.

See that's what I'm looking for , as the days of me being able to use a Kukri are pretty much over on these shores

I see what you mean.  The smallest I have is that Wetterlings Mini I got not long after you did.  IIRC I got the even smaller one than you did.  You will see it at the meet-up.  Small as it is the GB mini is much more compact.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

but as a stand in for a big knife it feels great.

See that's what I'm looking for , as the days of me being able to use a Kukri are pretty much over on these shores

I see what you mean.  The smallest I have is that Wetterlings Mini I got not long after you did.  IIRC I got the even smaller one than you did.  You will see it at the meet-up.  Small as it is the GB mini is much more compact.

I guess I'll have to add the GB mini to the list too then

[Craig]

My Dad is a retired tree feller, he started out in the days when chain saws were still rare. I remember him saying that felling axes were sharp enough to shave hairs from your arm. Next time I see him I'll ask how they used to sharpen them.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

My Dad is a retired tree feller, he started out in the days when chain saws were still rare. I remember him saying that felling axes were sharp enough to shave hairs from your arm. Next time I see him I'll ask how they used to sharpen them.

Thank's mate , I'd appreciate that