What should be done when maintaining a flat-head axe?

Maintaining a flat-head axe is crucial for ensuring its effectiveness and safety during use. Removing all paint from the axe head is important because paint can obscure damage or defects in the metal, potentially leading to safety hazards. Moreover, any coating can cause the axe to become less effective in its intended uses, especially in firefighting situations where a clear, solid surface is preferable for striking. A well-maintained axe, free of paint, allows for better visual inspection and can be more easily sharpened and kept clean, ensuring it is ready for action when needed. Regular maintenance practices include checking for cracks, ensuring the edge is sharp, and making the tool safe to handle.

Other methods, such as cleaning only the edges or excessively sharpening the blade, do not address the complete maintenance of the axe, while polishing the handle with wax may not be the most effective means of ensuring the tool's overall readiness in emergency situations.