Axe sharpening

[Don Case]

I've been trying to do a little roughing on an Ocean Spray stave with a draw knife. It's like trying to cut aluminum. I've decided to try an axe. Do you guys use any special sharpening methods? Low angle maybe? I was thinking of a shingle hatchet that has the bevel on one side only. Anyone use one of those?
Thanks
Don

[Bryce]

A micro-plane rasp is what I use to rough out OS. Idk if it's me or what but I tend to dig in a bit too much with the draw knife as well.
And a good file will sharpen an axe well enough to get the job done. You can take it a step further and go to a wet stone.

[Accipiter]

I've used a drawknife on OS without problems, although it was fairly green at the time. Just make sure you have it *very* sharp and use a low angle. I'd be really careful using an axe because OS, in my experience, carries splits extremely easily.

[Don Case]

Do you use the drawknife bevel down or up? Can you tell I'm green.

[Eric Krewson]

bevel down

[Badger]

  I would just hang with the draw knife until you get the feel for it, osage is made for a draw knife. Once you get to final tiller a scraper or rasp if you prefer, I prefer the scraper. When you use it bevel down you dont have to be too afraid of digging in as long as you have some wood thickness to work with. Most guys are afraid to dig in a little bit and end up just bouncing off.

[BowEd]

Bevel down.After using it long enough you can regulate how much you want to take off at a time.

[steve b.]

Use a ferrier's rasp--made for OS.

[dwardo]

I always use a few grades of sandpaper and a mouse mat to sharpen all my axes and drawknives, billhooks etc.
Will dig out a link with instructions if you need. Very cheap fast and effective.

[Badger]

  I thought you had oasge, sorry about that!

[John D]

I always use a few grades of sandpaper and a mouse mat to sharpen all my axes and drawknives, billhooks etc.
Will dig out a link with instructions if you need. Very cheap fast and effective.

I'm interested in the link.  If you'd share it please, I'd be grateful

John D

Boise

[dwardo]

This is British Reds sharpening guide and general axe info too.

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22814

[Pappy]

I use bevel up,sorry just the way I learned, ???once you get the feel for it a draw knife has worked for on any wood I have tries,will say I have never tried OS. 
 Pappy

[Badger]

   Pappy, have you ever tried those swedish draw knives that have a double bevel. I used one until a few years ago then switched to the american type when I misplaced it one time.

[mullet]

The ax is my favorite tool for laying a bow out. I have a band saw but always end up using my ax.  If you depend on your ax be sure and keep it very sharp.