Hi Guys
I'm looking for help again.I recently aquired a hatchet from my dad the only problem is the edge goes up and down like a riddlers elbow i have a basic stone and can get access to a file so all advice will gratefully received
Thanks

how bad is it?

with a hatchet, i would just unroll any rolled areas and spend some time with a mousepad and wet/dry paper. don't worry too much about big chips or anything, the point of a hatchet to smash it against things.

pix might help illustrate what you're up against.

Thanks I have areasonable technique with the mouse pad I would have posted pics but I have still to join the 21st century and get a digital camera.I don't know whta my dear old dad hit with this thing but there is a smooth patch about 3/4 of an inch and a good 1/4 inch deep chip near the top of the blade

oooh!

well, don't worry too much about the chip, but take your file to the smooth (rounded smooth?) spot and then polish/strop on the mousepad.

good luck!

oh, and you may just consider buying a ten dollar hatchet from the hardware store to beat on. i don't know if this one has sentimental value or what, but if there are any fractures coming off the chip, it may be wise to just retire it. if there aren't any fractures from the chip... carry on.

my vote is use a bastard file or course stone to regain the basic edge profile you want, then sharpen it to desired sharpness

Cheers Guys
I have my Sunday off coming up 06/10/07 I believe that's how you guys record dates but it's the 10th june and I will try to sort it then

I'm with 007...use the file to get the edge shaped properly and set the edge angle. Then switch to the stone when you want to sharpen it up. Hatchet steel is usually on the soft side so it should go quickly for you.

A 1/4 inch chip won't just buff out unfortunately and setting the entire edge back may not be feasible or worth the effort.

DD/MM/YY is an acceptiable method of date recording

I always like this format tho

10 jun 2007

keeping in mind that is totaly a matter of personal opnion and preference

Sounds like a hell of a chip you are up against jd01! I agree with the advice to ignore the monster chip, my Draper hatchet is sporting a few battle scars and works just fine.. (But my chips are a lot smaller than that!)

FYI.. a Tramontina Bolo machete can be got from Springfield's for around £15 (if you can't find one cheaper) and that will chop like a demon, for £20 you can get a proper Martindale Golok (old MOD issue) from Heinnie Hays! (Or get one of Dan's fine DF's when the next run surfaces!)

Belt sander.

belt sander bro