Main characteristics
When performing various works in the garden, it is advisable to use quality tools. The versatile Fiskars axes have incredible functionality. They have a modern design and an ergonomic shape.
One of the latest innovations is a three-dimensional handle made of SoftGrip material. It has touch points that provide a comfortable grip. During production, the working surface is subjected to a double hardening procedure, so that the blade becomes durable and reliable. The design of the blade is made using a special grinding technology, thanks to which the sharp edge is in better contact with the wood. It is quite wide, so dense wood can be split with a few blows.
The blade remains sharp for a long time, because it is covered with a protective Teflon layer. It reduces friction by 25% and protects the blade from the negative effects of moisture.
With an ax "Fiskars", reviews of which are only good, you can easily split powerful logs, cut trees with thick trunks. Due to the fact that the weight and power are correctly distributed during operation, the impact is very strong. It is almost impossible to break FiberComp handles. FiberComp is a rare fiberglass composite that:
- has a low weight;
- stronger than steel;
- prevents sliding of surfaces;
- resistant to rust;
- possesses shock-absorbing properties and low cold conductivity.
However, it must be borne in mind that each type of ax is effective only in its area, for example, it is quite difficult for a carpenter to cut a large trunk, and a cleaver is not intended for performing delicate carpentry work. The range of Fiskars axes stands out for its variety.
Ax of which company to choose
As we mentioned in one of the articles, hand tools are manufactured by many companies around the world. There are similar enterprises in every country - from some Uganda to great Russia. The production methods used are roughly the same. Tool steel is everywhere, and material for the handle is easy to find. And yet, some companies have become world leaders - their products can be found not only at home, but also in other countries.
The most popular in our country are axes under the following brands:
When choosing an ax, you should not pay special attention to the country of origin. Believe me, a quality product is produced in Russia, Germany, the USA, and many other countries.
Best Cleaving Ax
MATRIX 21816
Hand tools under the MATRIX brand have proprietary fiberglass handles. This ax is no exception. Its handle is made of the aforementioned material. Additionally, the creators rubberized it. As a result, the instrument is very beautiful. But much more interesting is the fact that it does not slip at all in your hands.
And this is important, because the length of the ax is 880 mm. With a weight of 2 kg, the swing turns out to be sweeping and strong - in no case should the ax slip out
There are special thickenings on both sides of the working blade. It is thanks to them that the ax is called a cleaver. Under the onslaught of these thickenings, wood splits even if the impact is not very strong. It should also be noted that the blade is made of steel grade 45 and is forged. The cutting edge has a hardness of 48-50 HRc according to Rockwell.
Advantages:
- There are special thickenings on the sides of the canvas;
- Very long handle;
- Fiberglass material is rubberized;
- High blade hardness;
- The head is very tightly set on the handle;
- The weight of the ax is deliberately increased.
Disadvantages:
- It will seem too expensive to many people;
- There are examples with poorly machined steel;
- The hanging hole is forgotten.
Advantages and disadvantages
The pros and cons of such a product, on the one hand, characterize this particular type of ax, and on the other hand, they give a general assessment of the hatchet in comparison with other means for cutting wood. First of all, its advantage is its low cost compared to its closest competitors - chainsaws. Although, on the other hand, it is physically harder to use axes and, besides, they are more expensive hacksaw.
Compared to touring and cleaver axes, the versatile look is best balanced due to the optimal balance of weight and size of the blade and the handle. In addition, modern multifunctional tools have several blade mounts, which ensures their reliability. Unfortunately, sometimes additional sharpening is required after purchasing an ax in a store.
Best carpentry axes
IZHSTAL 030904-120
The Izhevsk-based company produces many hand tools, which are then sold at a very low price. And if other budget products have a number of drawbacks, then IZHSTAL axes basically only delight their customers. So the model we are considering is a quality product. A wooden handle is used here, which practically does not slip in the hands. The instrument turned out to be weighty, which only benefits him.
For the manufacture of the handle, the manufacturer used hard wood. The fastening of the ax is quite reliable. This tool is recommended for splitting, cutting and processing wood. In particular, the ax has worked well in carpentry and firewood chopping.
Advantages:
- Reliable wooden handle;
- Weight equals 1200 grams;
- An excellent hatchet crafted from steel;
- Very low cost;
- Well sharpened.
Disadvantages:
- Approximately every fifth copy is defective;
- No hanging hole.
Husqvarna 5769264-01
One of the best carpentry axes. Its handle is crafted from wood, yet it is ergonomically shaped and has a hanging hole. The total tool length is 375 mm. It differs in that the ax sits here on the handle, as if molded. Some buyers have no complaints even after two years of regular use of this ax. The fastening system consists of two wedges, one made of wood and the other made of steel.
The only serious drawback of the product is its price. It is explained by the fact that Swedish steel was used to make the butt. You also need to remember that Husqvarna is not a Russian company, and therefore some funds were spent on the delivery of the tool. For the rest, it is impossible to find fault with the ax.
Advantages:
- Sharp sharpening;
- The butt is made of Swedish steel;
- The handle almost does not slip in the hands;
- High quality wood was used for the manufacture of the handle;
- Optimal weight (985 g);
- Nice case included;
- Hook hole provided.
Disadvantages:
MATRIX 21640
Now, more and more often, axes are on sale, the handle of which is made of rubberized fiberglass. MATRIX 21640 is one of them. A grip like this is good for several reasons. First, it reduces the weight of the tool. In this case, the mass does not exceed 0.6 kg. Secondly, such an ax does not slip at all in the hands. Thirdly, it is impossible to damage the fiberglass handle, which has a positive effect on the service life of the tool.
The handle of the MATRIX 21640 is made of 60G steel, for this we used the open-die forging method. Buyers note that the handle of this tool does not deform under any circumstances. They are also delighted with the small expenditure of forces, which is facilitated by a decent inertia of the impact.
Advantages:
- The handle cannot be damaged;
- The rubberized surface absorbs all vibrations;
- Minimum expenditure of forces;
- The ax does not slip in the hands;
- Sharp enough sharpening;
- Durable hatchet;
- There is a hanging hole.
Disadvantages:
There is not enough weight for the most efficient felling.
Manufacturers rating
Fiskars
The Finnish company Fiskars, founded in 1649, is now an international supplier of gardening products and tools for home use. For example, for garden work, a special series of Fiskars Solid tools has been developed.
Gardena
The German leader in gardening tools since 1961 from A to Z. Now they are the leading manufacturers of intelligent garden care systems.
One of the largest and most popular industrial gardening and industrial equipment companies in the world.
Hultafors
The Swedish manufacturer of working tools has been making all kinds of products in accordance with old traditions since 1883. A striking example is the Hultafors Felling Ax HY 20.
The best domestic manufacturer of tools and equipment for the home and industry.
Kraftool
Another German company that manufactures professional equipment for construction and repair work.
For more on universal axes, see the video below.
Peculiarities
A multifunctional forged ax in skillful hands can help in preparing firewood for the winter, cut down branches and even a whole tree. Such a universal tool, in its structure, is similar to others, because it consists of a butt, a blade, a blade and a handle, but it has unique features. The main distinguishing features of such an ax include weight, length of the handle, as well as the angle of sharpening of the blade.
Handle weight and length
Unlike other types of axes, universal axes are characterized by a relatively large weight. Usually they reach one and a half kilograms (for example, the Paratech Biel Tool ax), and this is enough for effective manual work, for example, woodworking. The length of the handle of this product reaches 50 centimeters, since it is this size that guarantees maximum comfort in work for a person of average height.
Blade shape and sharpening angle
The most distinctive feature of the universal forged ax is the rounded appearance of its blade. The peculiar shape significantly affects the work with different types of wood. Thanks to the sharpening angle of 30 degrees, the ax fits better into the logs, separates its chips and thereby reduces the applied forces.
If the tool has a straight edge when purchasing, then you just need to sharpen and change the shape of the blade to facilitate and increase the efficiency of working with the hatchet. However, it is worth entrusting such work to specialists, because it is quite difficult to achieve the ideal shape and thickness. If the angle of the cutting edge is made too small, then the ax will get stuck between the fibers and, conversely, with a large angle of the blade, the required force increases during operation.
