The 5 Best Axe Sharpeners (Plus One Honorable Mention)

“If I had five minutes to chop down a tree, I’d spend the first three sharpening my axe.”
— Traditional Lumberjack Aphorism*

From splitting mauls to carving hatchets, axes come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific task. I’ve spent a lot of time swinging them; splitting firewood, hewing timbers, even carving wooden spoons. Each use calls for a slightly different edge, but the one thing all axes benefit from is being sharp.

This article won’t dive deep into the geometry behind every axe type, but it will show you the best options out there to get them sharp.

Axe Sharpening Theory

The sharpness of any edge is determined by two main factors: the sharpening angle and how finely the bevels come together at the apex.

A lower sharpening angle creates a thinner, sharper edge but at the cost of durability. It’s more prone to chipping or rolling. A higher angle is more robust but less keen. For example, a splitting maul may have a durable sharpening angle of 25° per side or more, while a carving hatchet might a more slicey 15° per side.

Most axes have a convex bevel, which is widely regarded as more durable. While grind type affects how the axe moves through the wood (convex grinds tend to release more easily than flat grinds) it’s the sharpening angle that does the heavy lifting when it comes to sharpness and durability.

No matter the angle or grind, a sharp axe comes down to one thing: the bevels meeting at a crisp, well-defined edge. A dull axe has a rounded edge, and that roundedness makes it ineffective. Felling, carving, and hewing axes should be as sharp as any other woodworking tool. Even splitting axes, which don’t need to be razor sharp, still benefit from a clean, efficient edge that won’t glance off the wood.

The 5 Best Axe Sharpeners

Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Mk. 2: Power and Precision for Axe Sharpening

If you're looking for a sharpener that can handle the demands of axe maintenance while still delivering a precise, consistent edge, the Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Mk. 2 is a top-tier choice. With its variable speed motor and flexible abrasive belt system, this sharpener combines the power needed for grinding out chips and reshaping an axe edge with the finesse to hone it to a keen finish.

The range of belts included with the Mk. 2 lets you progress from aggressive reshaping to final edge refinement. The P120 and X65 belts are excellent for removing steel quickly and reestablishing a clean bevel, while the finer X22 and X4 belts bring out a polished edge suitable for carving or fine chopping tasks. Whether you're restoring an old axe or maintaining your daily-use tool, the Mk. 2 offers both speed and repeatability.

Finally, the Work Sharp Ken Onion Mk. 2 is built with rugged use in mind. It’s not only easy to control thanks to improved ergonomics and electronic speed regulation, but it's also highly adaptable. Sharpen everything from hatchets to large felling axes. The thoughtful design enhancements make belt changes, angle settings, and speed adjustments smoother and more intuitive than ever. For anyone serious about keeping their axes ready for work, the Ken Onion Mk. 2 brings professional-grade sharpening into the home workshop.

DMT Double-Sided Diafold: Rugged Portability for Axes in the Field

The DMT Double-Sided Diafold is a must-have for anyone who sharpens their axe away from the workbench. Whether you're at a campsite, on a trail, or in the backyard, this compact sharpener delivers excellent performance in a tool that folds up small enough to fit in your pocket. The diamond abrasive cuts quickly, making it ideal for touching up an axe edge after a day of chopping or grinding out minor damage in the field. Unlike some sharpeners that struggle with the broad bevels and tough steel of axes, the Diafold handles them with ease thanks to DMT’s industrial-quality diamond surfaces.

Because it’s double-sided, you get two grits in one tool, typically a coarser side to reestablish an edge and a finer side for refining it. That means you can do full sharpening jobs on the spot, without having to carry multiple stones. The 4-1/4" sharpening surface gives you enough room to work comfortably, even on larger tools, while still keeping the sharpener incredibly light and packable. The folding handle keeps the abrasive surface protected when not in use and doubles as a sturdy grip during sharpening, giving you control and safety no matter where you’re working.

The Diafold isn’t just convenient, it’s built to last. The diamond coating stays flat, cuts fast, and resists wear, even after repeated use on hardened axe steel. That makes it an excellent choice for anyone who demands consistent performance without the bulk of a full sharpening setup. Whether you're an outdoors enthusiast, a forestry worker, or just someone who appreciates a well-kept axe, the Diafold gives you serious sharpening power in a tool that’s ready to go wherever you are.

Norton 4" x 1" Round Combination India Stone – A Reliable Bench Sharpener for Axe Maintenance

When it comes to sharpening axes in the workshop, sometimes simpler is better. That's where the Norton Round Combination India Stone proves its worth. With a classic no-fuss design and dependable dual-grit surface, this stone is ideal for bench sharpening outdoor tools like axes, hatchets, and machetes. The coarse side handles reshaping and damage removal, while the fine side puts a durable working edge back on your blade with minimal effort.

What makes this stone especially suited for workshop use is its broad contact area and ergonomic round shape. At 4" in diameter and 1" thick, it provides a stable, substantial sharpening surface that lets you work confidently at the bench. Either clamp your axe in a vise, and the stone fits naturally in your hand for controlled use or place the stone on a non-slip surface and move the axe over the stone in circular motions for fast and effective sharpening. 

Durable and long-lasting, the Norton Round Combination Stone is a solid addition to any tool maintenance station. Its aluminum oxide abrasive cuts reliably without clogging easily, making it a great pick for anyone who wants a straightforward, effective sharpening setup that lives on the bench and is always ready for the next tool in need of attention.

Norton Tradesman’s Utility Stone: Heavy-Duty Sharpening for Heavy-Duty Tools

When you need to sharpen large tools like axes, mauls, or mattocks, the Norton Tradesman's Utility Stone offers both the size and performance to get the job done efficiently. Designed with coarse and fine silicon carbide grits, this dual-purpose stone gives you the control to reshape worn edges and then refine them to a durable finish. The coarse side quickly removes nicks and damage, while the fine side leaves a serviceable working edge ideal for everything from chopping to splitting.

What really sets the Tradesman’s Utility Stone apart for axe sharpening is its size and filing-style use. At nearly 15 inches in total length, with a full 10 inches of abrasive surface, this stone gives you a generous working area and the ability to sharpen using both hands for stability and speed. Clamp your axe head in a vise, and you can file along the bevel like you would with a traditional mill file, except now you’re using a stone that offers grit options and a smoother finish.

Whether you're maintaining forestry tools, prepping your gear for the season's wood splitting, or just looking for a solid sharpening option in the shop, the Norton Tradesman’s Utility Stone delivers. It’s a dependable, no-frills solution that excels at big jobs, and the inclusion of both coarse and fine grits in one tool makes it an efficient part of any axe maintenance routine.

6" Handheld Strop: Refine and Maintain Your Axe Edge Anywhere

Once your axe is sharp, the key to keeping it that way is regular maintenance, and that’s where the 6" Handheld Strop truly shines. Small, simple, and effective, this strop is perfect for maintaining a razor-sharp edge on your axe after it’s been shaped with a stone or belt system. Whether you’re splitting kindling at camp or clearing trails, a few quick passes on the strop will keep your axe slicing cleanly and efficiently.

Designed for portability without sacrificing effectiveness, the strop measures 6" long by 1.5" wide, plenty of surface area to accommodate most axe bevels while still compact enough for travel. The leather is bonded to a solid wood base that not only provides stability but also helps keep your fingers safely away from the cutting edge. Compatible with the honing compound of your choice, such as green chromium oxide, it offers a solid, consistent stropping surface wherever you need it. Available in both smooth and suede leather options, you can choose the feel and compound absorption that best suits your sharpening style.

While powered sharpeners and coarse stones are great for restoring a worn-out edge, the strop is what keeps that edge sharp day after day. For anyone who uses an axe regularly, whether in the woods or in the yard, the 6" Handheld Strop is an easy-to-carry solution for peak performance.

Honorable Mention: Tormek AX-40 Axe Jig, A Game-Changer for Tormek Owners

If you already own a Tormek sharpening system, the AX-40 Axe Jig is an easy recommendation. It brings professional-level control and repeatability to your axe sharpening like no other solution can. Designed to fit all Tormek models, from the classic 2000 to the latest T-8, the AX-40 holds your axe securely and lets you sharpen with extreme precision. Whether you're restoring a battered felling axe or tuning up a carving hatchet, the AX-40 delivers clean, consistent bevels with minimal guesswork.

The jig’s thoughtful design lets you sharpen concave, convex, or flat bevels depending on your preferred technique. This versatility is rarely found in axe sharpeners, especially in combination with the kind of control the Tormek system provides. The ability to create a smooth, convex edge, preferred by many axe users for its durability, is especially valuable. Flip the jig to work the opposite bevel without resetting anything, and enjoy fast, symmetrical results every time.

For anyone who sharpens axes regularly, the AX-40 is more than just a jig, it’s a compelling reason to consider stepping up to the Tormek T-4 or T-8. While the upfront investment is higher than with handheld tools, the long-term benefits in speed, consistency, and edge quality make it a serious contender for woodworkers, carvers, and serious tool users alike.

Whether you’re carving, felling, or splitting, a sharp edge makes every swing safer and more effective. The tools in this list offer a range of axe sharpening solutions, from rugged field sharpeners to professional-grade systems, so you can find the right fit for your axe and your workflow.

Not sure which sharpener is right for you? Our Sharpening Specialists are always available to help you choose the best tool for your needs.

*Fun fact: This quote is often misattributed to Abraham Lincoln. The earliest known version of this quote came from a 1944 sermon by Reverend W.H. Alexander, who credited an unnamed lumberjack. Lincoln’s name wasn’t attached to it until a magazine ad in the 1960s.