How to choose the perfect axe (2024)

FAQs

How to choose the perfect axe? ›

When choosing an axe, the first question is whether you want to split bigger or smaller pieces of wood. Splitting axe blades are typically heavier, best for splitting large and medium size logs. Longer shafts give more speed and power.

When choosing an axe, the first question is whether you want to split bigger or smaller pieces of wood. Splitting axe blades are typically heavier, best for splitting large and medium size logs. Longer shafts give more speed and power.

A handle with wood grain that runs perpendicular to the direction of the ax head is more likely to break. When selecting a handle, ensure that the grain runs parallel to the ax head and inspect the grain throughout the length of the handle.

The larger the axe, the bigger the job. Felling axes are made for chopping down large trees or splitting large pieces of wood. These axes have a length in the range of 32 to 36 inches and usually weigh at least 3 pounds, giving you the necessary energy to cut through thick wood without tiring.

The most important part of an ax is the head. To function efficiently, its bit must be sharpened to a keen cutting edge — thin enough to bite into the wood, but thick enough to resist chipping and breaking. And the ability to achieve this keen cutting edge is dependent on the quality of steel the ax head is made from.

At the end of the day choosing a bushcraft axe is a personal matter. It comes down to what you want to use it for, chopping, carving, splitting or general duty, the extra weight that you are prepared to carry, how you want to carry it and even your height.

An axe should not be razor-sharp. You want an axe to be sharp enough, to make clean cuts without exerting more power. The problem with a razor-sharp blade is it's razor-thin. Instead, opt for a thicker, sturdier tip, less prone to nicks; it can stand up better to repetitive force.

The most common wood used to make axe handles is American Hickory. Hickory is used due to its combination of strength and flexibility. Its strength allows it to take massive shocks without splitting or cracking.

The splitting axes can be used for a variety of tasks outside only cutting wood. When manually splitting the thickest and heaviest wood, mauls are of great assistance. Digging deeply into the wood is made simpler by the additional weight. Softwood can be split in half with just one blow from the splitting maul.

A splitting axe is a heavy, wedge-shaped axe for splitting wood. It typically has a long handle, usually between 28-36 inches, and a heavy head, weighing up to 10 pounds. The head is often wider and flatter than a traditional axe, with a blunt, rounded edge designed to deliver maximum force and easily split wood.

What size is a great axe? ›

Made from iron, bamboo, wood, or wootz steel, it usually measures 90–150 cm (3.0–4.9 ft) though some are as long as 210 cm (7 ft).

An axe should be sharp enough to slice through wood fibers but not razor-sharp so that you can shave with it. If you are working too hard to chop the wood, this can physically take a toll on you.

Felling axes: when felling trees

Feeling axes have the perfect balance between ergonomics and cutting power. For a felling axe it is important that the force of impact if transferred efficiently. That force of impact needs to lead to an effective cut.

Axes for felling, limbing and maintenance

The classic axe shape, characterised by its long, rounded cutting edge with a flat head, is best suited for felling, limbing and cultivation. The so-called forestry axes are specially designed to cut across the grain of the wood to facilitate these tasks.