This is what I have done when I started carving spoons a few years back, I put a new edge on a store-bought axe, but I did it by hand with a file, took me a couple of days to get it to right and shaving sharp 😅 but it is an axe I use to this day 😊 great video 👍🏻
The biggest thing keeping me from going all in on carving besides time is cost. If I could keep the price below $100 that would be something to look into. Thank you for sharing this ✌
You absolutely could do that, the problem might be that some of the tools you would need to settle for to keep everything in that budget might require a bit of work to really get to an enjoyable place for carving. That being said, you could absolutely buy a Sloyd knife, Hook knife, Axe, and Saw for under $100
Thank you, Mr. Spoons; Nice video, could check out the Harbor Freight hatchet & let us know what you think. I have one, it took a bit of work but it chops fine. I just don't know how to see if it will carve. Have a GREAT day, Neighbor!
Hey there! I mean, the best way to see if it carves is to try and carve with it! I would guess that this axe and the HF are probably quite similar, so I would say the same process could be implemented 🙂
Hi Andy, Thanks for the video. It was very interesting. I have two small axes at home and have often wondered if they would be any good for carving with. I am gong to make it my mission to put a decent edge on one of them and see what I can do. Thanks for the inspiration. Rmaysinglives
I use a $30.00 fiskers axe. It works quite well as-is, for a dirt cheap axe actually. Very sharp and decent enough bevel. Much larger bevel than that Stihl. When I become more skilled at spoon carving I will consider a better axe.
I bought a Vaughn carpenter's axe 22oz and cut the hammer off the back, cut the nail puller out so I could get my hand behind the edge and sharpened it. It works just fine. They go for around $40 right now but I paid around $20 for mine. Don't know how to upload a photo of it here.
Really nice demo! I'd enjoy seeing how you would improve on the edge of a fiskars hatchet (as you've recommended), they start out decent out of the box but I'm sure could be better
Hey there! To be honest those Fiskars really only need a light hone, they come with a pretty defined bevel, so you don't really need to re-profile. Some high grit sandpaper and a flat block of wood will do the trick 🙂👌
@@andyspoons I've been getting decent results from the 10-20$ CAD set of 4 diamond stones Rex Kruger recommended, forms a quick burr even with cheap plates!
This same hatchet in my country (Brazil) costs more than 10% of a worker's salary, in your country you have access to much better products for much less
I got a very similar 600g Prandi German style hatchet and the edge was about the same. I don’t understand why they put those dull micro bevels on them! Even for just random chopping, the edge is terrible. I did it the hard way with a file and hones though. You have the right idea 😊
Great video Andy.
This is what I have done when I started carving spoons a few years back, I put a new edge on a store-bought axe, but I did it by hand with a file, took me a couple of days to get it to right and shaving sharp 😅 but it is an axe I use to this day 😊 great video 👍🏻
Working with a file is a great way to really hone in your muscle memory when it comes to the bevel 👌
thanks for a really nice and interesting video. You are a skilled communicator 😉
Thank you so much for watching!
The biggest thing keeping me from going all in on carving besides time is cost. If I could keep the price below $100 that would be something to look into. Thank you for sharing this ✌
You absolutely could do that, the problem might be that some of the tools you would need to settle for to keep everything in that budget might require a bit of work to really get to an enjoyable place for carving. That being said, you could absolutely buy a Sloyd knife, Hook knife, Axe, and Saw for under $100
thank you for the good review
My pleasure!
Thank you, Mr. Spoons;
Nice video, could check out the Harbor Freight hatchet & let us know what you think.
I have one, it took a bit of work but it chops fine.
I just don't know how to see if it will carve.
Have a GREAT day, Neighbor!
Hey there! I mean, the best way to see if it carves is to try and carve with it! I would guess that this axe and the HF are probably quite similar, so I would say the same process could be implemented 🙂
Hi Andy,
Thanks for the video. It was very interesting. I have two small axes at home and have often wondered if they would be any good for carving with. I am gong to make it my mission to put a decent edge on one of them and see what I can do. Thanks for the inspiration.
Rmaysinglives
I would love to hear how it goes! Feel free to let me know if you have any questions 👌
Great video, I've always been curious how these axes would go for carving. Super cool t-shirt too, where did you get it from?
Hey there, happy you enjoyed it! This shirt is from a wood finishing company I work with called Walrus Oil 👌
The man can carve a mean spoon, though he's always got an axe to grind.
I expect 5 more of these on my desk before the end of the day ❤️
I use a $30.00 fiskers axe. It works quite well as-is, for a dirt cheap axe actually. Very sharp and decent enough bevel. Much larger bevel than that Stihl. When I become more skilled at spoon carving I will consider a better axe.
You work with what you can! 👌
I bought a Vaughn carpenter's axe 22oz and cut the hammer off the back, cut the nail puller out so I could get my hand behind the edge and sharpened it. It works just fine. They go for around $40 right now but I paid around $20 for mine. Don't know how to upload a photo of it here.
Sounds like a fun project!
Really nice demo! I'd enjoy seeing how you would improve on the edge of a fiskars hatchet (as you've recommended), they start out decent out of the box but I'm sure could be better
Hey there! To be honest those Fiskars really only need a light hone, they come with a pretty defined bevel, so you don't really need to re-profile. Some high grit sandpaper and a flat block of wood will do the trick 🙂👌
@@andyspoons I've been getting decent results from the 10-20$ CAD set of 4 diamond stones Rex Kruger recommended, forms a quick burr even with cheap plates!
@@RexMcTavish that's great to hear!
This same hatchet in my country (Brazil) costs more than 10% of a worker's salary, in your country you have access to much better products for much less
This axe is about $70, but this video is more to show that you can adjust an axe that isn't designed for a task into one more specific
Interesting video. I like the contraption you use for getting the right angle on the blade. Where you got that?
Hi there, do you mean the entire sharpening system?
@@andyspoons Actually yes, the whole thing.
That is the Tormek T-4, they have worldwide suppliers 🙂👌
@@andyspoons Thanks, very nice of you.
I got a very similar 600g Prandi German style hatchet and the edge was about the same. I don’t understand why they put those dull micro bevels on them! Even for just random chopping, the edge is terrible. I did it the hard way with a file and hones though. You have the right idea 😊
It's definitely just a production line streamline. I would barely say that they pump them out with an edge at all
You would be fun to work with.
Let's talk!
@@andyspoons love to. I'm just starting with this and could cross your eyes with questions. I love it, just trying to figure out out
@@gregsturgeon6497 aren't we all 🙂👌
That thing wouldn't cut hot butter in the month of June...
Did you not watch the end of the video? It is a completely serviceable axe for someone on a budget. Let's keep the vibes positive here ✌️
Chuck it in the scrap metal bin...
What would you recommend as an alternative?