Oiling
Make sure your axe doesn’t rust by oiling the head when you put it away. Store it in a dry place. Steel, handle, and leather all need moisture to remain beautiful. Linseed oil and beeswax are recommended.
Sharpening
It is important for your safety to keep your axe edge sharp. If you sharpen the axe frequently, it’s easier to maintain the edge’s shape, which is crucial for the axe’s functionality. Use a sharpening stone made of sandstone. The stone is most effective when used with oil, but water or saliva also work well. Using oil also reduces the risk of rust. If you chop a lot of hard wood, you may want to round off the edge to make it stronger. There are thousands of books on this topic if you want to learn more.
Storage
Store the axe in a dry place at a moderate temperature. If it gets damp often or is stored too warm, the handle may dry out and become less safe. Temperatures below freezing can make the axe head brittle and increase the risk of damage if you’re chopping hard materials. The ideal storage temperature for the axe is +5 to +20°C.
Safety
Always wear safety glasses and steel-toe boots when chopping wood. Never use the back of the axe as a hammer, as the eye can deform and crack.
