An Improvised Work Bench For Re-Profiling Axes

You have already seen several posts about working on the axe head using a file. In my posts you will most often see me holding the axe head in my hand, while filing it with the other. Ideally, you will have a work bench with a vice, which will hold the axe securely while you work. That way you can apply pressure to the file with both hands, making the work go a lot faster. For those of us who do not have a properly set up work space at our disposal, here is a cheap way to get a similar result.

All you need are two adjustable clamps, which you can get at any hardware store for a dollar or two. Simply place the axe on a sturdy surface, here I am using a ledge, or you can use the side of a table, and clamp the axe head to it. Make sure the clamped area makes good contact with the table surface. If you need, a small piece of leather inserted under the head will provide for a good hold. That’s all there is to it. Now you can take your file and start working on the bit.