With time, even the best and sharpest of axes eventually grow dull and unusable. Sadly it’s just a fact of life!
But with the right axe sharpening stone, you can quickly restore your axes and hatchets to their former glory and prolong their life without throwing away the trusty tools you’ve come to love. You can save both time and money by investing in a quality axe sharpening stone.
Not only is a sharpening stone a great investment and addition to your workshop, but they are a handy thing to have for anything else that may need sharpening around the house or workplace.
These stones can be used to sharpen a variety of knives, outdoor landscaping equipment, chisels, hunting tools, and more.
We’re here to lay out everything you need to know when it comes to choosing the perfect axe sharpening stone and sifting through all of the different options on the market.
How to Buy the Best Axe Sharpening Stone
As soon as you start searching for a quality axe sharpener, you start to find that there are a wide variety of options that come in different sizes, shapes, weights, and styles. How do you know which one is the right one for you?
Here’s how to buy the best axe sharpening stone for your needs.
Dry, Wet, or Oiled
First things first, there are a few different methods to how blades and axes are sharpened. The methods include dry, wet, or oiled.
A dry stone doesn’t require any sort of liquid to be applied to the surface before you sharpen, you just take the stone to your blade and start grinding.
Other stones need water to sharpen a blade properly. Wet stones usually require you to soak the stone for a few minutes and creating a slurry before rubbing the blade on the stone. This will sharpen your blade to the fullest without dulling or harming the steel.
Another way of sharpening your axe is with axe sharpening honing oil. Oil is considered one of the best ways to protect your blade from being run down, but it can be expensive as it means you need to purchase an additional item for sharpening. It can also cause a mess in the workshop.
Tools
Another essential thing to consider when shopping for an axe sharpening stone, is what exactly you need to sharpen.
You’re probably here because you need to sharpen your axe, but is there anything else you need to restore?
Like maybe some hunting knives, a hatchet, lawnmower blades, landscaping tools, or more? Kill two (or more) birds with one stone and get a sharpening stone that can sharpen more than just your axe.
Grit
Sharpening tools also come in a variety of materials and grit options.
There are both fine and coarse grits that are labeled by a number. The higher the number, the finer the grit, and the lower the number, the more coarse the grit.
Coarse grit is best for the beginning of the sharpening process to get the blade started, and then you’ll need to use a fine grit to finish the job and fine-tune the sharpness. Most stones come with a dual grit for your convenience.
Top 10 Axe Sharpening Stones
1. Sharp Pebble Puck Axe Sharpening Stone
Sharp Pebble delivers a quality, 100% silicon carbide, axe sharpening tool with their puck stone that’s ergonomic and easy to use.
The shape allows for a secure grip that won’t slip as you’re sharpening your blade. On one side is a coarse 150 grit, while on the other is a 320 fine grit so you can accurately sharpen your axe edge. This stone is a water sharpening stone and has no need for honing oil.
This particular sharpening puck is recommended for a variety of tools from axes, to machetes, lawn mower blades to knives, and more. What makes this particular puck special is its beautiful bamboo storage case with magnetic closures.
Pros:
- Dual-grit, 150 coarse on one side and 320 fine on the other.
- Made from 100% strong silicon carbide.
- Attractive bamboo storage box.
Cons:
- Softer than other sharpening stones.
This product is best for sprucing up blades around the house, such as small axes, lawnmower blades, knives, and scissors.
2. Sharp Pebble Whetstone Sharpening Stone
Another great sharpening stone by Sharp Pebble, their whetstone, is a no oil, multi-use tool that can be used to sharpen axes, knives, and more.
It’s designed with your safety and ease of use in mind and comes with a non-slip silicone base that securely holds the stone in place, so you don't have to worry about injury.
With your purchase, you not only get a cool bamboo carrying base, but also an ebook manual. Reviewers have only positive things to say about the manual download that comes with their purchase and claim it’s full of useful tips on sharpening for beginners and experts alike.
Pros:
- Two-sided grit options: coarse and fine.
- Long design for easy blade sharpening.
- Nice carrying box.
Cons:
- Angle requires axe head to be removed to sharpen.
This product is best for occasional axe sharpening and those who also need a quality knife sharpening stone.
3. Annietfr Dual Grit Hatchet & Axe Sharpening Stone
This durable and strong dual-grit sharpener from Annietfr prioritizes grip in its design and construction.
With a gradual sloping puck design rather than a sharp angle, the hold you have on it is much stronger and won’t move as you get to work. You can use Annietfr’s sharpening puck, either wet or dry, whatever your preference.
With a dual-grit, you can accomplish two important tasks when maintaining your axe. Use the coarse side to remove rust and residue build-up and then polish up the blade with the finer side.
This puck is recommended for use with all different types of axes, hatchets, shovels, and other landscaping tools.
Pros:
- Thick and easy to hold, no-slip grip.
- Two-sided grit options for a variety of restoration needs.
- Can be used dry or wet per your preference.
Cons:
- Hard to use for reshaping.
This product is best for quick and easy axe or hatchet sharpening tasks while camping or at home.
4. DMT Three 6-Inch Diamond Whetstones in a Hard Wood Box
Diamond Machine Technology knows what they’re doing in the realm of tools and sharpening accessories. Their set of three 6-inch diamond whetstones make for a perfect gift for any workshop or handyman in your life and even comes in a well-packaged hardwood box.
With three different stones, you have the surfaces you need to take care of many edge maintenance needs.
The three blocks come in an extra-fine, fine, and coarse grit so you can easily polish your blade’s surface and transform it from dull to razor-sharp. No oil is needed with these whetstones, and you can sharpen dry or wet.
Pros:
- Durable and strong hardwood storage box.
- Made from DMT’s strong monocrystalline diamond surface.
- Super lightweight design and construction.
Cons:
- Not an actual stone, but rather sharpening surface on lightweight plastic.
This product is best for households with a wide variety of different tool sharpening needs.
5. Villa Whetstone Sharpening Stone
Villa’s whetstone is made from professional grade white corundum so you can trust that it will stand up to high heat and be super corrosion-resistant.
Not only is white corundum super durable and low maintenance, but it’ll also ensure you quickly and efficiently sharpen your tools.
To use, you must soak the stone for a few minutes before you get to axe sharpening business, and there is no oil required. This stone is also dual-grit, and clocks in with a 300 coarse grit on top and 600 fine grit on the bottom.
The stone comes with an anti-slip rubber base that won’t move or shift as you sharpen, ensuring your fingers and tabletops stay safe and in one piece.
Pros:
- Red, anti-slip base for safety.
- Made out of heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant white corundum.
- Dual-sided grit with 600 fine on one side and 300 coarse on the other.
Cons:
- May shatter or chip if dropped, must be handled with care.
This product is best for sharpening axes, chisels, and hatchets in the comfort of your work station.
6. Helko Werk Axe Sharpening Stone
Carefully crafted in Germany, this round axe sharpening stone from Helko Werk rocks a pretty solid, near 5-star rating on Amazon. One one side, you’ll find a 120 grit and, on the other, a 320 grit made from silicon carbide. The top and bottom are two different colors, so it’s clearly marked which side is which.
It’s possible to use this stone wet, dry, or with oil, giving you even more possibilities when using it. Included with your purchase is a bottle of Axe Guard head oil that you can use as honing oil and for axe maintenance. It also comes with an aluminum protective case for safekeeping.
Pros:
- Comes with both a coarse grit (120) and a fine grit (320).
- You can use dry, wet, or oiled - whatever your preference!.
- Store in a complimentary aluminum carrying case.
Cons:
- Smaller stone but portable.
This product is best for buyers on the hunt for a quality, durable, and strong sharpening stone that will last the test of time without being bulky or hard to store.
7. Hults Bruk Grinding Stone
Weighing in at a lowly ½ pound, the Hulk Bruk grinding stone is a lightweight but strong sharpening stone puck.
It measures at 3 inches in diameter, and its round shape and size protects your fingers and keeps them out of harm's way while you’re sharpening your tools. The grit found on either side guarantees that sharpening your axe will be a quick and easy task.
With this sharpening puck, a fantastic leather pouch is provided to keep your new stone safe. The leather carrier is not only durable, but the look and feel really makes this purchase worth it.
This axe sharpening puck will sharpen most axes and hatchets but is not necessarily recommended for kitchen knife sharpening.
Pros:
- Cool and durable leather carrying case.
- 180/600 dual grit.
- Lightweight and easy to hold while sharpening.
Cons:
- Not the best sharpening tool for knives.
This product is best for outdoorsy folk seeking a small but strong sharpening puck for their axes, hatchets, and other outdoor tools.
8. Fiskars XSharp Ceramic Sharpening Stone
The XSharp ceramic sharpening stone by Fiskars is a unique style of sharpening tools on the market.
Taking inspiration from Finnish design, it has a strong fiberglass plastic body that acts as a safeguard between your hands and the blade while also guiding the blade directly to the stone, for accurate results.
This sharpening tool is meant to be a solid fixture on your workshop tabletop and has a non-slip base to keep it in place.
This tool makes it very easy to sharpen thin blades, and only requires a swift back and forth motion to restore your edges quickly. Sharpening your small tools with this ceramic sharpener is a breeze.
Pros:
- Ceramic sharpening system and fiberglass-reinforced body for a long life.
- Non-slip pads on the base for durability and safety.
- Easy to use and adjustable to match your needs.
Cons:
- Best suited for Fiskars axes but will work with thinner axe heads too.
This product is best for axes with a thinner blade and that are made by Fiskars.
9. Sharpal Dual Grit Diamond Tool Sharpener
As dual-grit diamond tool sharpeners stones go, Sharpal’s is pretty unique in its construction.
This tool is composed of a thin but solid disc that's inserted into a bright orange plastic body. The outer shell acts as a safeguard and a firm and stable handle while you’re working.
The disc is double-sided and made from a monocrystalline diamond with both 220 coarse and 600 fine grit to sharpen and refine your axe. You can rest assured that this thing fixes up all sorts of axes, hatchets, mower blades, and any other sharp or bladed tool you may have laying around.
Pros:
- Finger guard that protects from cuts and injuries.
- Easy and secure grip for quick work.
- No messy oil or water needed.
Cons:
- Takes a few uses to break in.
This product is best for those who need to sharpen larger blades like axes, machetes, and lawnmower blades rather than smaller knives.
10. HJYC Knife and Axe Sharpening Whetstone Kit
If you have a lot of edge sharpening needs, why not go for a complete set that covers absolutely everything you could possibly need sharpened?
This whetstone kit has all the tools you need for razor-sharp axes, kitchen knives, landscaping tools, and more! And the best part is, it comes with a nice bamboo base and silicone support for safe sharpening that won’t move or slide.
This kit also comes with an angle guide to accurately direct your blade as you sharpen.
Each whetstone is clearly marked with the correct grit size for your quick reference.
The included axe sharpening puck rocks a dual grit of 150 and 320 while the longer sharpening knife stones have grits varying from 400 and 1000 to as fine as 3000 and 8000.
You have all the sharpening options in the world with this excellent gift set from HJYC.
Pros:
- A large kit that gives you the freedom to sharpen a variety of blades.
- Comes with a whetstone, flattening stone, and axe puck.
- Grits are clearly labeled on the stones.
Cons:
- May be overkill for those only looking for an axe sharpener.
This product is best for people shopping for a blade sharpening kit that can hone everything from a small blade to a large axe and more.
The Best Axe Sharpening Stone: Sharp Pebble Puck Axe Sharpening Stone
Sharp Pebble’s Puck Axe Sharpening Stone is the all-around best sharpening tool for axes. Sharp Pebble has a fantastic reputation for producing quality items that get the job done. Not only will this tool properly sharpen and prolong the life of your blade, but it will also save you money.
Aside from the great quality and durability, reviewers love the attractive bamboo storage box it comes in. It’s stylish and functional and will act as a guard for your stone against the elements. We also love that this stone isn’t overly expensive.
It’s almost like it was made for you and your axe!