Never use a high-speed dry bench grinder to sharpen axes. You can easily damage the temper and ruin the tool, making the steel too soft to age. An old-fashioned pedal grindstone that says it works well when wetted with water. Most people don't have access to one of these, so we recommend using files and a whetstone.
Be sure to wear heavy leather gloves throughout the procedure.
Protect your documents with a piece of leather, wood or fire hose. Clamp the axe at a comfortable height on the workbench. Always file or grind to the edge of the axe.
Sharpen the point on the putter, lifting the file off the axe on the return action. Try achieving a scalloped effect on the axe cheeks. When you feel a metal burr on the back, file from the cutting edge toward the midpoint.
Flip the axe over and repeat the process on the other side. File this side (sharpen on the thrust stroke and lift the file off the blade on the return) until the burr is back on the first side of the axe. Pause to check the shape with a sharpening gauge. Ideally, the angle should be about 25 degrees (and slightly convex).
Continue to file evenly on both sides of the blade until the sharpening gauge pattern fits perfectly. Next, it's time to put your whetstone to work: sharpen the edges.
Store the axe in a dry place out of direct sunlight. Ideally, a dry and cool storage area works best. Keep the axe lightly oiled during storage to prevent rust.
Always wear safety goggles when using your axe or any other committee tool product.