A carbon steel axe is a durable tool, but it has one weakness – moisture. Unlike stainless steel, high-hardness carbon steel like 9HS begins to rust within hours in a humid environment. The good news: proper care takes five minutes and requires no special products.

Why Your Axe Rusts So Quickly

Carbon steel, such as 9HS, is valued for holding a sharp edge and resisting impact – which is why it’s used in outdoor axes like the Small Outdoor AXE – steel 9HS with forging marks. However, the iron content that provides hardness is exactly what reacts with moisture and oxygen. Rust doesn’t form only from rain. It also comes from sweat on your hands, wet moss or grass sap, condensation when bringing the axe from cold to a warm room, and even humidity in the storage area.

What Damages the Blade Most Often

• Putting it in a cabinet or bag immediately after use while the blade is still wet
• Salt-containing moisture – near the sea or after sweat gets on the metal
• Washing axes in a dishwasher or leaving them soaking in water
• Storing the axe in the sheath if the leather or fabric isn’t completely dry
• Striking rock or frozen wood, which leaves microscopic cracks where moisture later accumulates

Washing After Use

Immediately after work, wipe the blade with a dry cloth, removing sap, dirt, and bark. For stubborn stains, use a damp cloth with a small amount of dish soap, but never leave the axe soaking in water. After washing, dry the blade immediately, not after half an hour.

Handle Care

The ash wood handle needs its own attention. Wood absorbs moisture and over time can dry out, crack, or become loose. Every couple of months, rub the handle with a small amount of linseed oil or specialized wood care product. Apply a thin coat, let it soak for a few minutes, and wipe away excess oil. Never soak the handle in water or heat it by an open fire to dry it faster.

Drying Before Storage

Even a thin layer of moisture remaining unnoticed near the crease or blade edge can cause rust spots within hours. After washing, leave the axe at room temperature for at least 15–20 minutes in open air before placing it in the sheath. If you’ve been in rain or snow, extend drying time to several hours and check that the inside of the sheath isn’t damp.

Rust Prevention with Oil

Once completely dry, apply a thin coat of knife or gun oil to the blade. Mineral oil also works and doesn’t stain skin if the axe is stored in the sheath. The oil layer should be so thin that it doesn’t feel layered – just a light coating. This step is truly the only one that protects the blade long-term if the axe isn’t used regularly.

If Rust Has Already Appeared

Small rust spots can be removed with fine steel wool or a special rust remover, working in one direction. After cleaning, wipe the blade and immediately cover it with oil. Deep rust affecting blade geometry is better entrusted to a sharpening professional to avoid damaging the edge geometry.

Proper Storage

The ideal storage location is dry, with stable temperature, away from radiators and basement dampness. The axe can be stored in its sheath for long periods if both the blade and sheath have been verified as dry beforehand. Avoid plastic bags in airtight packaging, as they prevent moisture from evaporating and can have the opposite effect from what you want.

Sharp Edge – When and How to Sharpen

A carbon steel blade with hardness of 59–60 HRC holds a sharp edge well, but after intensive use – cutting dry, hard branches or hitting rocks – the edge becomes uneven. Sharpening is done with a stone or specialized file while maintaining the original bevel angle. Frequent, light sharpening sessions are better than rare, aggressive grinding sessions.

A Care Schedule That Actually Works

1. After each use: wipe, dry, check the edge
2. Once a month: inspect the handle and oil the wood if it has become dry
3. Every 2–3 months: full blade oiling, even if the axe wasn’t used
4. Before winter storage: thorough inspection, cleaning, and a thicker coat of oil

This schedule takes no more than five minutes at a time, but the difference between a maintained and neglected axe after a couple of years is huge – one remains a working tool, while the other becomes a rusty object in a corner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I oil an axe blade?

If the axe is used regularly, oil it after each drying. If it sits unused, apply a full coat of oil every 2–3 months to protect it from air moisture.

Can a carbon steel axe be washed in a dishwasher?

No. Heat, moisture, and dishwasher detergent accelerate rust formation and can damage the wooden handle. Wash by hand and dry immediately.

How should I store an axe in winter if it's not being used?

Make sure the blade and sheath are completely dry, apply a thicker coat of oil, and store in a dry room with stable temperature, not in a basement or garage with high humidity.

What should I do if rust appears on the blade edge?

Small spots can be removed with fine steel wool and rust remover, then immediately covered with oil. Deep rust affecting the blade geometry is better left to a professional.

How do I care for the ash wood handle?

Rub it with linseed oil or wood care product every couple of months. Do not soak it in water and do not heat it by a fire to avoid cracking.