The best axes: features of carpentry models and axes for a lumberjack, stihl and hultafors brands comparison

Which steel is better?

Several types of steel are used for the production of axes, but the 9XC brand is considered the best. Before making a tool from it, the steel is subjected to high-temperature treatment twice, which reduces the level of deformation during broaching.

During the forging process, the workpiece is stretched and the cross-section is reduced - this is how the metal gets the necessary ductility and strength. In simpler terms, the ax becomes capable of withstanding a blow against a tree, while maintaining its integrity.

The 9XC grade contains 0.9% carbon, chromium - 1.5% and the same amount of silicon. Carbon is responsible for strength, chromium adds hardness to the alloy. The latter also protects against corrosion. Silicon is responsible for rust resistance.

Video how to choose an ax

When choosing a handmade ax, it is worth knowing that the lack of the necessary experience from the master will lead to the fragility of steel. For a lumberjack and for splitting firewood, the tool will need to be selected differently. Despite the fact that in both cases you have to work with wood, the design of the tool will be different.

The carpenter's ax has a very thin profile. A thin blade has the ability to easily penetrate the material with minimal effort from the user, but it cannot cope with thick logs - the material will simply get stuck.

The buyer's choice should always be based primarily on the nature of the work being done. If the tool is purchased for tourism or hunting, then it should be small. The mini-ax fits easily into a backpack or can be hung on a belt in a protective case.

You can buy quality goods in a professional sports store, while paying special attention to the quality of steel and other characteristics. For a common general ax, the stats can be summarized as follows:

For a common general ax, the stats can be summarized as follows:

• sharp blade;
• thin bit;
• conical head;
• average weight - up to 3 kg;
• the handle should be made of medium-length wood (38 cm);
• flexibility.

The cleaver has a wide profile of the metal part, which makes it difficult to use it as a cutting tool. It is so wide that it cannot chop small pieces of wood - only large logs. On the other hand, its blade is ideal for splitting wood because it will not cut the fibers, but will simply split them in half.

The main characteristics of this tool are:

• heavy base;
• the metal part is made in the form of a wedge;
• the handle is long and straight;
• requires an experienced user to operate.

The pocket-sized hatchet is the smallest, however, quite sturdy option and can be used for splitting small chips. This is the perfect trekking variation as it won't take up a lot of space or add weight to your carry. To perform household tasks, it is worth choosing a larger tool, the handle of which should reach 40 cm.If a cleaver is purchased, then its length should be much larger.

As for weight, when buying, you need to understand who will use the tool and for what purposes. If this is a teenager or a woman, then it is desirable that the structure weighs as little as possible, respectively, the product should not be with a wooden or all-metal handle, but made of fiberglass.

It should be understood that the handle, which is made of wood:

• strong;
• heavy;
• absorbs shock well;
• breaks down quickly;
• it can be easily replaced in the event of a breakdown.

Reinforced plastic is very light and durable compared to this material, but it can be damaged when exposed to a chemical.

As you can easily see, each ax model is suitable for one specific purpose. Below are other tool characteristics that a purchaser should consider when choosing a good option.

• The size. You need to take the tool by the blade and turn the handle up - it should fit under the armpit. Thus, experts determine the ideal dimensions.
• The ax blade must be perfectly aligned. To be convinced of this, you need to take the metal part in your hand and look.
• The balance is checked by placing the blade between the index and thumb. He should stand level and not roll over to one side.

For tips on choosing an ax, see the next video.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main thing that attracts in Swedish axes is the handicraft of the master. Collectors are happy to buy them. They are actively used for hunting and hiking. They are hundreds of times superior to stamping factory options in aesthetic appearance. In terms of quality characteristics, they have no equal. Steel and precious wood make Swedish axes self-sufficient. Each tool is made and sharpened for a specific type of work. Sits comfortably in the hand and does not slip.

Requires constant attention and care. Sharpening requires special tools and knowledge.

You need to store the product in a dry place, always in a case. After work, wipe with a dry cloth or rag. Despite the manufacturer's many years of warranties, these simple rules will keep the tool on full alert.

For an overview of one of the models, see the next video.

comparison table

Name	Country	Length (cm) / Weight (kg)	Type of	Price, rub.)
Matrix 21816	China	88 / 2	Cleaver	1 519
Fiskars X11-S	Finland	44 / 1,13	Cleaver	3 000
Bahco 494-600	Sweden	31,5 / 0.847	Multitool	1 675
Husqvarna sledge ax	Sweden	80 / 2.5 kg	Multitool	6 000
Zubr 20643-06	China	30 / 0,5	Tourism	1 050
Gardena 900B	Germany-Sweden-Czech Republic	30 / 0.900	Tourism	2 550
Izhstal 030904-120	Russia	50 / 1,2	Plotnitsky	399
Husqvarna 5769264-01	Sweden	985 / 0.375	Plotnitsky	2 899
Cold Steel Trail Boss Ax	China	66 / 1,115	Station wagon	3 460
Fiskars X10-S	Finland	44,3 / 0.980	Station wagon	2 190

How to sharpen an ax to a blade in 5 minutes - you will be surprised how easy it is! ????

Rule 2: pay attention to the hatchet

There are many secrets associated with attaching axes to axes. Many people wedge an ax with an iron wedge, and then wonder why the ax begins to loosen. The wedge should be solid wood.

In order to avoid deformation of the hatchet associated with changes in moisture, the ax should be placed on a perfectly dried hatchet. Having bought it in a store, it is better to throw it into a heating radiator for the whole winter, and plant it in the spring.

For a tighter ax-handle ligament, the place where the ax will be planted should be coated with epoxy resin and a piece of leather should be wound there (some instead of leather use a gauze wrapping in several layers impregnated with epoxy resin). Before driving in the wedge, it must also be thoroughly lubricated with epoxy.

The most reliable way is to wedge the ax using three or five wedges. In the case of using three wedges, one of them is driven in the center, over the entire width, and the other two are above and below it. Before driving in wedges, it is better to lubricate with epoxy.

The five wedge method is of two types:

• In the first case, one longitudinal incision is made for the entire length and two transverse ones, at an equal distance from each other. This method will allow you to ideally fix the ax to the hatchet, the main thing is not to forget about the epoxy resin;
• It is very rare to find the option of fastening with five wedges, when two vertical wedges are made and three small horizontal wedges between them. At the same time, two large wedges are turned at an angle of 90 degrees to the ax.

First you need to decide which material is preferable. Traditionally, the tool's handle was made of wood, and today this material is the most popular. Most often, birch, oak, ash and other dense species are used, from which an elastic handle is obtained that can absorb a blow.

When choosing an ax with a wooden hatchet, you need to pay attention to the direction of the location of the fibers - they should go along. The array must be free from defects, for example, traces of knots or cracks

This ensures that the handle will withstand heavy impacts and will not crack. The only drawback of such axes is that the handle may darken from damp or dry out over time. Therefore, if you choose an ax for work in such conditions, it is better to give preference to a model with a handle treated with paint or varnish.

Also on the market for hand tools are metal axes. As a rule, the handle with the blade has an all-metal construction, so these products are very reliable. For a comfortable grip, the handle is supplemented with a rubberized pad that prevents the hand from slipping during operation. But such tools are slightly heavier than those with a wooden handle.

In terms of practical benefits, the use of fiberglass for the manufacture of percussion tools significantly increases the performance of products. With a strong impact, such a handle will not only withstand a large mechanical load, but also reduce the impact of vibration on the user's hands. To prevent the hand from slipping, the handle may have a solid rubber pad or several grooved rubber inserts.

When choosing an ax, pay attention to the length of the handle. For tourist hatchets, it is short - about 20 cm, which lightens the weight and makes the tool compact

It doesn't take up much space in your backpack and can also be hung on your belt. In the case of tree felling or firewood chopping attachments, the length of the ax is 35 to 50 cm. This provides a good swing and allows you to strike with great force.

Expert advice: the optimal length of the ax is one that is 6-7 times the width of the butt. This ratio guarantees the convenience of the swing, as well as the fact that the design of the tool will withstand strong impacts.

In addition to strength and reliability, the handle should also be comfortable. It depends on its shape. Most instruments have a bend in the handle to provide a secure grip.

Make sure that the handle is not too bent, otherwise this place will be most vulnerable to impact, and the ax may crack

The end of the handle is usually slightly widened to prevent the tool from falling out of the hand if accidentally slipped. An additional guarantee that the ax does not fall out is provided by the presence of a hole in the handle for threading the string. By locking your wrist in the loop, you will be more confident that while working, the risk of injury is minimal.

What parameters should I pay attention to during the purchase?

Two main points to consider are the sharpening of the blade and its shape. For easy penetration into the material, in any case blade sharpening angle must be at least 40 degrees. Of course, such axes will dull quickly enough, but in any case, you will not be able to find more ideal tools for daily tree felling.

Some builders prefer a combined type of sharpening. If you do not know how to choose an ax, then keep in mind that this factor significantly increases the strength of the ax.This is especially true when the impact force is transferred, for example, to the edge of the blade.

The service life of the ax will depend on how high-quality the steel will be. Forged type products are favorites.

Pay attention to the length of the handle. If it is too short, then absolutely all the work will have to be done exclusively on outstretched arms to increase the strength of the swing

In this case, the recoil to the hand will interfere with long-term work.

The ax, ideal in all respects, corresponds to the instructions on how to make an ax to the length of the wrist directly from the shoulder joint. Only with such a tool will you work really comfortably.

Hammer axes

Bahco 494-600

Bahco 494-600

Bahco 494-600

Bahco 494-600 is not even two, but three in one:

• Hardened steel cutting part.
• Square hammer on the back.
• A nail pull under the blade.

The hatchet is lightweight and compact: 847 grams with a length of 3.15 cm. The handle is entirely made of steel, covered with rubber for greater convenience. Overall, Bahco is a solid workhorse. A very simple but effective and inexpensive tool that will be a reliable help for a carpenter, roofer, installer or just a zealous householder.

PROS:

• Multitool: ax, nail puller, hammer
• Affordable price: from 1,675 rubles
• Comfortable, non-slip grip
• Durability
• Compactness

MINUSES:

No hanging hole provided

Husqvarna sledge ax

Husqvarna sledge ax

Hammer ax Husqvarna (5769266-01)

The Swedish brand Husqvarna needs no introduction. And this time the Scandinavians created a real Thor's hammer!

With a weight of 2.5 kg and a length of 800 mm, this massive tool will quickly deal with even very strong wood. And you can process the log after felling using a sledgehammer fixed on the back side.

The butt is firmly connected to the hatchet by means of wooden and steel fasteners - only an ax-sledgehammer entirely cast from metal would be safer.

This "miracle" is sold complete with a leather blade cover. The durability of Husqvarna, in principle, raises no questions. But the wooden handle clearly lacks additional elements of ergonomics: the blows from the sledgehammer will go straight into the hand, alas.

PROS:

• Powerful construction
• 2 in 1
• Cuts even the most massive wood quickly
• Swedish quality
• One hit can summon Ragnarok

MINUSES:

• Simple wooden handle
• Energy consumption
• No depreciation
• The approximate price starts from 6,000 rubles

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Choosing steel for the ax

The lifespan of an ax largely depends on the steel from which the blade is made. As a rule, manufacturers use steel with a high percentage of carbon for the manufacture of an ax; such steel has a very high resistance to temperature extremes, as well as to external influences.

Therefore, for many buyers, the question of which steel to choose becomes urgent? This is an important factor, if not a decisive one, so here you need to approach it carefully and thoughtfully.

In order to make sure of the quality of the steel before buying the ax you need, you need to hit the ax blade with some solid object. After that, there should be a ringing and long sound, if this does not happen, then refuse to buy this ax.