Ray Mears - How to sharpen an axe at camp, Bushcraft Survival

www.raymears.com/
Ray Mears shows his preferred method of sharpening an axe at camp, using a series of bench stones.
This clip comes from the DVD extras of Ray Mears Bushcraft Survival Series 2.

[@Vibraza]

Ray Mears cooler than Bear Grylls! Greetings from Russia! :)

[@jimbob7218]

You are comparing apples and oranges, my friend.

[@dar540]

Ray Nears actually sleeps in the woods....not hotels. He also doesn't advise people to drink their own pee.

[@sarcasm2k]

You sharpen your tools whenever you feel like it takes more power than normal to do your cuts/chops. A dull blade is more dangerous because of this. You try to compensate for the dullness by chopping harder, using more elbowgrease, if you know what i mean. I like to keep my knives razor sharp, it is a bit overkill, but it is so satisfying to sharpen blades :) Almost like meditation hehe..

[@novascotiansurvival]

Dear mr mears I am a young bush crafter and I find your videos very useful and you are my bush idol !!!!!!!!

[@neohubris]

oddly relaxing to watch this

[@studyinsteel5186]

+neohubris It wouldn't surprise me if a lot of people sharpen for that reason.

[@vector8310]

neohubris I'm inclined to say most expertly done instructional videos have that effect. In Ray Mears's case, his manner and voice soothe. His KZbin video on proper handling of an axe has a certain above-it-all quality

[@05Rudey]

That's a damn fine axe.

[@northwestolympics1630]

As a modern logger, we use a similar Collins axe and cut the handle off at wrist to pit length. Then oil the handle. Used for driving wedges and occasional limb.

[@X_explorer]

Fantastic video! I like observing earth, discover and calm down...

[@Teaffer]

I think there's a lot of objects to carry for a survival or camping situation, but it's a really nice and informative video, thank you for that. ;)

[@opannefrank1986]

This video demonstrates the use of bulky and heavy equipment, most people would not be able/willing to bring into the wild. This is a great technique for home, or if you're setting up a semi-permanent outpost in the woods.

[@denvercolorado999]

Great tips!

[@cumorahwatson1967]

My mother told us about this technique, she learnt it years ago at camp👍

[@richardallan455]

Who are the 13 that clicked thumbs down?How could you not like this. ?It is educational to the point and cost effective.They must all be diamond stone owners weeping into their warm beer at the prices they have paid!

[@richardallan455]

I am happy for you great,but here in Scotland the American DMT diamond stones are very expensive.I would also use a mill file when necessary.To be fair Ray Mears video title is particularly descriptive..Here's is another video you must surely like - Ray Mears "How to look after your axe"

[@richardallan455]

Lol yep I was jesting, When he brought out the boot polish I fell to the floor laughing,bless him he means well.The puck is the way to go,cheap,light and ergonomic,Cheers.

[@kaizoebara]

@Atkrdu I think it is because you are less likely to hold an exact angle during the circular motion than you are with straight to and fro motions.

[@ThiLI0n]

Using gränsfors before it was cool... Fjällraven as well

[@c0mputer]

Unless I'm mistaken, I think you mean Fällkniven. Fjällraven sells backpacks. Ray used to carry my favorite folding knife, the Fällkniven TK4. I haven't seen him carry that anymore though since he now has his own branded knives.

[@ThiLI0n]

@@c0mputer I don't really recall the video (5y past), but you are completely right

[@lockeforeer]

It depends how long you're out, but he does a video of touching up with a pocket stone also.

[@cumorahwatson1967]

Excellent 👍

[@DepthWave]

I usually just use a board with some wet dry sandpaper and one of the stones from a lansky knife set

[@GodsWoodsman]

Very well done 👍

[@GodsWoodsman]

I will Take the Gransfors Bruks every time

[@brettgas2787]

luke I use 1 of these in the field Fallkniven DC3 Combination Sharpening Stone

[@silent_bob_]

Can you do a video on how to sharpen machetes? Maybe something like a tapanga matchete?

[@richardtschetter6021]

hey man i just got a wetterlings axe for 75$ canadian and i love it it is not to big or bulky at all it might be all of 3lbs and is nice and sharp

[@Junior_Jackson]

I've got 3 of these in my backpack right now.

[@billpeart]

Good geometry, steel and heat treat can produce a blade thats razor sharp at a low angle that wont roll or chip on knots. 1/2 axes and hatchets tend to keep razor sharpness longer due to less velocity in the swing and force on impact as compared to full size axes. -Blade geometry determines the functionality of steel and heat treat.

[@inoperoscio]

Hi ray…. Make me, poor Italian boy, a surprise: send me one of your knives. I grew with your videos: I think I deserve it! ;-)

[@LucasVe208]

this is awesome:) and i just got a brand new steel hatchet:)

[@lagook]

@VaperSteve1975 those stone are easy to get and cost about 30 dollars each.....

[@Atkrdu]

Why would a circular motion put a convex edge on it? Would you have to do something with the angle the ax is tilted at?

[@pilotlukeduke]

How often should you sharpen your axe or is it a case of just when it starts to get not as sharp. Also what is a good weight to sharpen you axe when you are outdoors? Luke

[@ScottsUtubeWorld]

LOL! At first, I thought that you were offering to sell an axe for $75. Now I see that you're saying that you're very happy with the one you bought. I really need to start paying more attention to details. I've been getting in trouble at work lately. Anyway, thanks so much for the recommendation. Those are beautiful axes. You talked me into it! What length handle should I get? Cheers! -Scott

[@JustinJaybrown]

@kaizoebara he is not teaching little child campers he is here to teach what to do in survival when you are out for weeks or even months away form civilization.

[@1getoverit]

Where can I get these stones from?

[@kaizoebara]

Couldn't agree more.

[@suilekelly]

i have those stones nice stuff. makes sense to carry that stuff with ya cause well you need ya axes and knives sharp.

[@Xc31]

to everyone his own, I prefer bringing 3 stones if I have the packing space. its not only good for your tools but also satisfying to do. the only problem with 3 wetstones is the volume, the weight is not even 1,5kg so when I go camping with a car or canoe its not a problem at all. a file and combination stone is field kit in my opinion.

[@PowerFreak22]

his voice is so soothing,makes me sleepy.

[@jonathanross4196]

Ray why did you chose to go with King Waterstones? Do you still use this same stones or youhave change of brand and set of stones?

[@avit719]

I'll just get my recycling bin and my collection of massive sharpening stones and my clamps and my flat surface out of my bag

[@JustinJaybrown]

@kaizoebara now i would not bring 3 stones but yes i would bring 1 stone and you can get small stones too.

[@NeverDoneEver]

Lately, I've just been grabbing a flattish rock whenever I need to sharpen my hatchet. Good to see the technique though, in case I ever want to do it right.

[@ScottsUtubeWorld]

I don't know if I can justify an axe. I feel that I can cross cut faster, safer, and easier with a saw, which is much smaller and lighter. I split wood only occasionally (the right size is usually available) with a large knife and baton. I'd love to buy a nice Wetterling axe, but I just don't know if it's worth it to carry the bulk and weight. Convince me that I'm wrong. I'm open...

[@Vorgonful]

It depends on the axe wear, no?

[@imtoodevious]

i understand what everyone is saying about doing this at home and going overboard but you are forgetting that for ray mears camp is home :)

[@220904416]

I just use a short 2 inch coarse 800 grit pocket stone to take any nicks and dings out the blade. Axes don't need to be razor sharp at all, you risk damaging the blade if it hits a knot because the edge will be too thin.

[@TheOneAndOnlySame]

Agreed. Unless you're in for a month trip

[@Lvduggo69]

I can't believe he didn't strop it with some birtch bark and some moss to keep the bark from sliding ! Ray is slippin . ;)

[@diaboleux]

hello mr Ray Mears , I like all of your sharpening videos , and i think you do it better than many people :) so i'm gonna ask you some questions lol : I sharp since 4 years , loving it ... i have 2 japeneese waterstones ( 1st :grit 400/1000 40 $ . 2nd : Kasumi ,grit 3000/8000 120 $ ceramic ) .In your videos , your waterstones seem to be very smooth , regular and featureless , and they seem very resistant and sustainable... the question is, where did you buy it ? thanks !!! :p

[@jedstone9396]

Would he have got them from his woodlore shop.

[@cmm30]

Some nasty people commenting here about a man showing how he sharpens his axe.

[@willbrutus5185]

HAIL BUSH CRAFT BRASIL!

[@atlittlefarm]

apparently every idiot here seems to think that "camp" means backpacking. If you were set up at a base camp where you literally drove in with one to two vehicles to set up a camp, especially for an week or two this wouldn't be a thing to even think about.

[@rphanmurphy8385]

hahaa...exactly.

[@unholyape]

anyone know what that case is that hes using as a table to sharpen on?

[@taffman1]

Bit late I know, but it looked like a camera or a lighting case. All about improvisation. Though I bet the tech who was responsible for it, was not happy about the slurry on it.

[@GreaseStain]

interesting, i prefer a far rounder edge than this. i find it wedges the chips out farther and lasts longer. maybe just me tho.

[@kaizoebara]

@JustinJaybrown That was exactly my suggestion: to bring a small stone; good to see that we agree after all.

[@Penguinz4LOLZ]

I got my fiskars razor sharp (shaved my hairs with it) just by using their sharpener and a belt

[@Xc31]

he also has a 4WD at that camp, why wouldnt he take those stones with him? its not like he backpacked in there.

[@tylermcgee8703]

Is a water stone a same as a wet stone

[@nighthawk759]

Tyler .. whetstone is the correct term and no whetstone is old english for any sharpening stone which could be a dry stone, oil stone or water stone... A water stone is used with water as a lubricant.

[@carsiotto]

Well said, 555Nato

[@markbrecher4914]

A basic starter kit of these stones will run you about $ 135.00 om Amazon.The stone holder runs only $ 15.00, also on Amazon..A tad pricey

[@neiltreloar]

Very few of my knives have such a wide bevel,typically they come new with a bevel only maybe 1mm or less each side,as with my German Boker Lock Knife.Does the same apply to these,tilt them on the stone to find the correct angle,or would you recommend a huge amount of fileing untill such a pronounced bevel is achieved? My knives are usually of much more slender metal. Thanks,Neil.

[@X3RUBIM]

The wide bevel in his knives is called a scandinavian grind and its not very recommendable to try to regrind your knives to that. You will most certainly ruin them. A good trick to find the right angle to sharpen regular grinds is to take a marker and "draw" a line on the bevel. When you stroke the knife over your stone, you will be able to check which part of the bevel had contact with the stone (because the sharpening will remove the colour) and so be able to adjust your angle. Alternatively there are "clips" beeing sold, for kitchen knives mostly, which you can put on the back of your knife to help hold the angle.

[@69waveydavey]

Unfortunately I sharpen my knife and axe to such a degree that it is suicide to use them. They are so sharp that they actually cut atoms in the air in half causing large nuclear explosions every time I get them out so I can never use them.

[@xdir]

He's show the absolute best way of sharpening an Axe, the kind even a factory won't do because its labor intensive. Note at the end, if you use the Axe properly you hardly ever have to sharpen it.

[@carsiotto]

They don't they are simply the ones making the videos

[@scouttroop291]

8 * each side lol well British way but I was taught 3to4 times eachside

[@itsTHEFIREDOG]

Can you do the same rotating sharpening technique with a diamond bench stone instead of water stone?

[@jayp9715]

Yes you can.

[@IfthiAli]

On camera the stones feel like clay to me. But in real life they're much harder to work with. It's weird idk.

[@WR3ND]

When you bring Japanese knife sharpening water stones to camp for your axe you've crossed the line. 😅

[@Tskimmo]

@SerJahPhoto hes not about the "survival way" hes about bushcraft

[@551taylor]

I would be happy to use a combination stone with a weak detergent as my lube at home, but carry a diamond sharpener or puck in the field, just to save weight in my pack. Japanese water stones are too expensive for most users, and are too easily damaged. You should also learn to sharpen ambidextrously so that you can always push the blade away from you from either side instead of pulling it towards you. The main benefit from the convex grind is that it reduces friction and edge wear when splitting wood along the grain. Trust me, I am a professional weapons technician, and I have been sharpening blades for >60 years now.

[@bluecheese1066]

Hello, mate. Is there a diamond sharpener or puck that you could recommend to bit of axe newb like myself? Preferably not too expensive. Thanks!

[@pauldavies9360]

Pick up a set for about £70. Doesn't cost the earth, leave them at home and take care of them. Should last you a lifetime.

[@NightwindNinja21]

i have an adamantium knife, never have to sharpen it haha

[@morgizmo87]

What if you don't want to carry a series of bench stop as and a clamp to camp?

[@zoehancock]

A small item called a fallkniven DC4 and a leather strop will do you. Both can be bought on line easily, don't cost much and will fit in your pocket. Robin Wood uses wet and dry sandpaper stuck on boards - google Robin Wood Axe Sharpen. I have a kit with much smaller paddles and it works well: its what I use at home. I stopped using big stones ages ago.

[@kaizoebara]

@mattbih Yeah right... btw. Ray Mears just told me that you are to go to bed right now - no dinner!

[@nannettebattista3047]

My adventure with the tree began with projects from Stodoys.

[@carsiotto]

First of all, you did say it seems you said you were curious as to why all of them come from those countries. Secondly You told me to leave the page. I suggest you educate yourself.

[@DT-oh2fm]

If you're Ray Mears, camp IS "home"....

[@vladyslavaloysius9029]

at camp ?! man come on, who go camping with such a big case wth 3 stones inside!?

[@Esthlosian]

someone who has to bring hundreds of kg of camera equipment anyway and will be be set up there for weeks filming a documentary series presumably.

[@Rethgore]

You could just bring a 2-sided stone with medium/fine or coarse/medium sides. No need to bring multiple stones, and quite frankly they're not all that dense so it won't be hard to pack. I for one have a small whetstone in my tackle box along with a fillet knife and a small carving knife.

[@estuart76]

Ray Mears and his entourage obviously, DUH!

[@kylekelly1167]

Rethgore I have a vintage Course / fine oil stone course side for if the old axe has rust on the edge and then fine to make it sharp. Then you can always use ya jeans as a strop which has ya wallet under it.

[@kylekelly1167]

Kyle Kelly if their is fine mud around rub some onto the jeans.

[@ValenSabreAngel]

For anyone criticizing the use of large stones: Bigger is better. Large stones allow for a stable safe surface and speed up the sharpening process. Surely if its simple as car camping there is room for such things. After this method, a small simple pocket stone can be used to touch up the edge while on a hike. I get the minimalist survival thing but there is also a need for heavier equipment. Every time we use edge tools we take a gamble and a properly maintained tool puts the odds in our favor.

[@ValenSabreAngel]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I offered mine and you have chosen to be childish. Many woodsmen take pride in using sharp tools because it allows them to be more efficient. Have fun and be safe with your sub par sharpening ambitions.

[@angelus_solus]

+ValenSabreAngel Yeah, you go ahead and carry a few pounds of stones into the woods with you. Idiot.

[@ValenSabreAngel]

Arizona Coleman You don't read very well do you?

[@ValenSabreAngel]

***** Rofl, you are so petty. Nothing in my original comment challenged your intelligence or skills but you insist on acting like a fool.

[@ValenSabreAngel]

What a child.

[@jarrod1685]

i carry all these stones with me in bush,there not that heavy about 2kg,s all together

[@PhilbyFavourites]

They fit nicely in the boot of my car when I’m driving to the bush.....

[@MacDonaldSeumas]

I see BG has three accounts ¬¬

[@kaizoebara]

You seem to mix up edge angle, edge thickness, and edge finish. An axe can have a quite substantial edge geometry (thickness+edge angle) to prevent chipping and still have a polished edge capable of shaving hair off the arm. Indeed, a polished edge will last longer when chopping than a coarse one. However, a medium (Japanese 800) grit stone will be sufficient for field sharpening. To improve the edge, you can strop on a belt or piece of wood even.

[@dwightehowell6062]

I use carbide to sharpen most of my tools including one that is easy to carry about the size and shape of a hockey puck. I am not going to haul water stones anywhere using my own two feet. You have a good day now.

[@kaizoebara]

Don't try to give me that - how many expeditions of such an epic scale have you been on? Much more important for edge maintainence of axes and machetes would be a decent file. If the edge chips for whatever reason (especially machetes are prone to hit hidden stones/rocks etc in brush clearing) I want to see you take out that nick with an 800 grit stone, but I guess that is what you meant by passing the time.

[@kaizoebara]

Finally somebody with a sense of humor. I was already getting tired of the flames from the fanboys.

[@Xc31]

it all boils down to personal opinions and understandings. what you see as bushcraft(doing more with less) is survival in my opinion and when you camp without modern day equipment(nothing modern about wetstones, or canoe's) you're performing bushcraft, you dont go bushcrafting. I definetly see your point and I think you see mine, wich is good. in the end the only thing that matters is that we enjoy the great outdoors and treat it with respect :)

[@lescooper5224]

I prefer you than mr Grills

[@rogeriosartori555]

instead of going camp with all those stones, and boxes, and stuff, bring 4 axes. once you can't cut anything with one, throw it away and get the other one. and so on... more practical...

[@c0mputer]

I agree, that's why I follow behind you with a sharpening stone. Free axes!

[@rogeriosartori555]

@@c0mputer And free sarcasm! Enjoy it!

[@snakeboy63]

ray mears and bear Grylls r both bad ass

[@CrazedFandango]

A great advert for his overpriced stones.

[@69waveydavey]

The only thing sharper is my mrs's tongue, god help anyone who gets on the wrong side of it.

[@kaizoebara]

I think it mainly depends on your carry capacity. If you have a mule, car, dog sled etc. - no problem taking more (full size) gear. You aren't completely wrong, though, as the planned period of the stay will often determine what carry capacity you start out with. Only Chuck Norris will go out on a 3 month trip with only a belt pouch full of supplies.

[@kingsoutdoors4379]

You can't control a Dull tool.....A Sharp Knife,Blade/ Axe is a SAFE Tool !

[@kaizoebara]

@JustinJaybrown I shave with straight razor, so yes, I can sharpen a knife. The best part is I can even sharpen a knife w/o a whole set of stones. Do I prefer a collection of stones when I am at home? You bet! There's nothing better to get a real good finish on your knives. But when I am out and about, I can make do with a small pocket stone. And that is my critique here: big stones sure work best, but it just isn't a feasible way to sharpen @ the camp.

[@kaizoebara]

My *analogy* makes perfect sense and you are completely missing my point. I am not saying that Ray's technique sucks. If you do that, your axe will be sharp. He ist just going overboard with his tools. If you look at people who chopped wood for a living in the days of old, all they would carry for maintainance was a file and an small disc shaped hone - called an "axe stone". The DC4 that he uses in his "how to sharpen a knife in the field" vid would perfectly fit into that role.

[@kaizoebara]

@JustinJaybrown Yeah right, you believe that fanboy. If you had to rough it for months, you'd take a file and a pocket stone just like the pioneers did in the West. Bringing a whole set of stones would only weigh you down.

[@kira07]

lovely idea, I will defiently carry few kilograms of stones to do camping to sharpen an axe. technically it will be lighter to throw the axe away and have few spare ...

[@modestadventurers]

But can you kill The Litch King Ray ? Yeah, thought so 😋

[@SerJahPhoto]

It's a luxury to have stones with you. How about sharpening your tools on the smooth river stones? That would be more challenging, and much more the "survival way"..

[@kaizoebara]

@JustinJaybrown RE calling you "fanboy" - I'm not a native speaker, but AFAIK, there is no adult version of "fanboy". It also wasn't infantile to call you that, because it was just stating a fact: you're a fan of Ray (nothing wrong w/ that, so am I) and you blatantly put down my valid criticism because of that (the fanboy part). Others have also pointed out that the stones were a bit much or agreed with ppl who did. Jeez, I guess they also hate poor Ray, don't they?

[@kaizoebara]

If you want to take your stones even if it were a dozen, more power to you! Yet, Ray is doing a "bushcraft" series. My understanding of "bushcraft" is that you try to accomplish more with less. For me it is going to the woods in order to leave the clutter of modern hi-tech behind. Camping on the other hand is trying to enjoy nature with the comfort of hi-tech equipment instead of relying on "primitive methods". Nothing wrong with that, but it's a different approach.

[@phrankus2009]

At CAMP !? ... REALLY ?? ... Hmmm ... .. Let me just pull these three water-stones out of my pack.

[@deans9531]

its a large base camp spastic... its to simulate what you could do at home before you go out on a hike... this equipment isn't "pulled out of a pack" its stored in the 4x4 you have or at home, and left there.

[@phrankus2009]

***** Check! ... I do not do large, spastic base-camps. (only small, non-spastic, transient camps). Thanks so much, for the clarification.

[@bullvalene]

***** So you think the only reason anyone would go into the woods is for a survival situation?

[@macsimonds1]

***** when ray mears goes into the woods he packs heavy...and sets up a base camp...it's no overnighter ultralight. ...he literally lives in the woods...hes not surviving and trying to get home..hes using primitive techniques, to live in the woods. ..completely different from the art of survival to get home.

[@macsimonds1]

+the oncoming storm thats nice...but in advanced technology civilization we have these options.

[@kaizoebara]

To save fuel maybe... Seriously though, a file and the small combination stone that he used to sharpen his parang (IIRC in the Thailand episode) would be much more useful than this set of stones. Also, it is my understanding of bushcraft, that you take only what you need with you in order to escape the clutter of the hectic, modern world. Sure Ray travels with a whole film crew, but what he shows in his show is supposed to be advice for the individual bushcrafter, isn't it?

[@ForfeMac]

I just use a bastard file. I don't intend to shave with my axe.

[@Greyswyndir]

+the oncoming storm - Awe man! Shut the fuck up already! A few posts up and you were fucking giving the thumbs up to sharpening axes with river stones and now you're talking more shit to lighten the fact that you're a true douche' bag.