Let's first visualize the design of the ax.
So, the main parts of the ax: - the cutting edge of the head is called a chisel or blade; the opposite end is called the butt or butt - each side of the head is called the cheek - the cutting edge is beveled on both sides and has a curved shape - the handle or handle is securely fastened to the head through an oval hole called the lug, located near the end - the handle usually has an oval cross section and length from 50 cm: most of the handle is called the belly - the handle is slightly curved towards the blade at the throat towards the end to form a grip
Ax or hatchet?
There are many types of axes, differing in their qualities, purpose, and work efficiency. But there is still a small nuance in terms of size and, accordingly, calling it an ax or hatchet.
The hatchet is a lighter and more compact version of the axe. It is usually 45 cm long and weighs about 1 kg. The end of the hatchet sometimes takes the form of a head, so it is suitable for driving roofing nails, cutting, splitting and laying wooden tiles or shingles. It can also be used for camping and light outdoor work.
A much larger ax is used for cutting down trees. Their length is usually about 90 cm, and their weight is 1 kg or more.
Rating of the best axes
| Nomination | Place | Name | Price |
| The best axes for chopping wood (cleavers) | 1 | Kraftool X25 | 2 610 ₽ |
| 2 | Fiskars X11-S 440 mm | 3 250 ₽ | |
| 3 | Matrix 21820 | 1 588 ₽ | |
| 4 | GARDENA 1600S | 3 499 ₽ | |
| Best all-purpose ax | 1 | Fiskars X10-S | 2 800 ₽ |
| 2 | Cold Steel Trail Boss Ax 660mm | 3 930 ₽ | |
| 3 | Matrix 21647 | 612 ₽ | |
| 4 | Sibrtech 21644 | 512 ₽ | |
| The best carpenter's axes | 1 | Husqvarna 5769264-01 | 3 197 ₽ |
| 2 | PATRIOT PA 445 | 1 548 ₽ | |
| 3 | MATRIX 21649 | 772 ₽ | |
| Best travel ax | 1 | Kraftool 20645-06 | 2 290 ₽ |
| 2 | Fiskars X5-XXS | 2 113 ₽ | |
| 3 | GARDENA 900B 340 mm | 1 999 ₽ | |
| The best hammer-axe | 1 | Bahco 494-600 | 1 868 ₽ |
Tip 2: Types of Ax Handles
When purchasing, give preference to an ax with a wooden handle. Plastic or vinyl handles are prone to warping or breaking, and metal ax handles are often hollow and can bend under heavy use. Most experts recommend a hardwood handle, usually hickory or something similar. When choosing a handle, pay attention to the texture of the wood. More durable handles will have a wood grain that runs parallel to the ax head. The wood grains that run across the blade are more likely to break under heavy use.
How to choose the right wood for a handle
It’s curious, but not all tree species are suitable for making an axe. It is recommended to use only hardwood that has been previously dried in special chambers or kept in a dry place. Failure to comply with these requirements will lead to the fact that during use the handle will dry out and securely attaching the blade to the ax handle will be very problematic.
Home craftsmen use several types of wood to make wooden handles, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's try to figure out which wood makes the best ax handle.
Birch
This is a “come and take” raw material, but the availability of the material does not guarantee high quality. To make a high-quality birch ax handle, the wood will have to be dried for 10-12 months. Even after this, the material remains sensitive to humid environments.
It is also an accessible and widespread material with a limited scope of application. In particular, maple handles are not suitable for making quality tools for a carpenter or lumberjack. However, the wood has a beautiful texture, making it ideal for decorative and souvenir wooden products.
Hickory
This unusual name hides an American walnut that grows in Canadian forests. For the manufacture of an ax handle, this is the best option, successfully combining strength, elasticity and durability. However, only American and Canadian loggers can truly appreciate these benefits.
Jatoba
This is a type of wood unique in its properties, which is used for the manufacture of sports equipment and furniture. Jatoba is easy to process and has a presentable appearance. At the same time, such solid wood is not inferior in strength to oak, so ax handles made from it are very reliable.
Ash
Among the listed options, ash is considered the optimal balance between availability and quality. At the same time, the wood has an interesting texture, so after appropriate processing, the wooden ax handle will have a presentable appearance without loss of strength and elasticity.
Tip 3: processing and length of the ax handle
The standard length of the handle is measured from the top edge of the ax to the handle at the bottom, and its classic length is 91 cm. It is this length that provides strength and control of movement when working. Avoid using handles that are coated with paint or any varnish. Coated handles pose two possible dangers: first, by increasing the likelihood of blistering during use, and second, by increasing the risk of loss of grip with wet palms, resulting in poor or no control of the ax during the swing.
The best axes for chopping wood (cleavers)
Only special axes called splitting axes can split a thick log with one blow. Thanks to the massive working part with a thick blade, the impact leads to cracking of the wood along the grain. Experts recognized the following models as the most effective.
Kraftool X25
Rating: 4.9
The Kraftool cleaver has a handle length of 710 mm and a powerful steel part that cuts the fibers of any wood. In total, the weight of the product is 2.45 kg, which does not tire your hands much, but helps to increase the applied load up to 25 times. The handle is hollow at the end, so when the ax is lowered, the entire mass is transferred forward. The metal part is equipped with an anti-friction coating (such as Teflon), so it slides well between the wood and is easily removed back. This feature also improves productivity. The product comes in a case equipped with a convenient carrying handle. Reviews show that this tool copes with damp birch logs with a diameter of 25-30 cm.
The ax handle is made of polyamide and covered with rubber, which increases the grip reliability both with gloves and bare hands. Artificial materials are of such high quality that they retain their elasticity even in temperatures of -30 degrees. This will allow you to safely chop wood in winter in very cold regions and avoid the ax handle from becoming loose, as happens with models with wooden handles.
Advantages
- extended end improves grip ergonomics;
- rubberized coating;
- comes with a case;
- anti-friction layer on metal.
Flaws
- Some people encounter poor-quality processing of flash on plastic.
Tip 5: Ax Head Angle
Avoid ax heads that have a handle that bends too far forward, as this can significantly upset the already delicate balance. The eye of a hand ax should be at a very slight angle from the cutting edge so that the handle is at a very slight angle to the blade. While the bottom of the handle should be almost in line with the cutting blade.
An example of an ax that is classic in all the above parameters would be the Asaka Japan Traditional Tourist Ax with a wooden handle, weighing 0.925 kg and priced at 4,850 rubles.
A separate point when choosing an ax is the steel of the blade.
Let us define what steel is in principle.
Steel is a metal containing a mixture of iron and carbon. When the composition does not contain other elements, it is called simple carbon steel. Steel containing other elements such as sulfur, manganese, chromium, nickel, etc. is called alloy steel. Stainless steel is an alloy steel with a chromium content of at least 12%. Chemistry isn't that complicated when it's put into simple words.
Hardening an ax at home
If the ax quickly becomes dull during use and dents appear on the tip, then the steel is soft. And this means that the ax is not hardened. And if the tip chips or cracks, that is, the steel is very hard and brittle, then this is possible if tempering has not been carried out after hardening.” A clean file with a fine notch will help us evaluate the hardness of steel, and therefore the quality of hardening.
If the hardness of the steel is high, then the file glides over it almost without catching. If the hardness of the steel is medium, then the file will take it a little. And if the hardness of the steel is low and the file takes it easily, it means that the steel is not hardened, or the heat treatment technology was violated. In the case of this axe, the file takes it easily. In this case, as well as in the case of increased fragility, the ax is subjected to a full heat treatment cycle. First, annealing, and then quenching and tempering. Correct hardening of an ax is considered to be hardening in which different parts of the ax are hardened differently. In the area of the blade, at a distance of about three centimeters from the tip, the hardness of the steel should be high. The hardness of the rest of the ax should be much less. This hardening ensures the wear resistance of the blade and the ductility of the rest. And it is a guarantee that during operation the butt will not burst or the blade will not break off.
Important qualities of steel
Hardness: The ability of steel to resist warping and deformation after use. Hardenability: A measure of the ability of a steel to be hardened during heat treatment. Strength: How well the blade can withstand stress and force. Ductility: A measure of the flexibility of steel. Durability: The ability of steel to absorb shock. Initial Sharpness: How sharp the blade comes straight from the factory. Edge Retention: How well the blade maintains its edge without resharpening. Wear Resistance: The ability of steel to resist corrosion. Durability: How well an ax can withstand basic wear and tear over time.
It is important to remember that if the ax is being used for its primary purpose, it must work flawlessly. That being said, when a tool is abused or used inappropriately, it is unlikely that you will see positive results regardless of the quality of the steel. Make sure you know exactly what you intend to use your ax for.
Last but probably first: safety tips
- Never use an ax if the head is not securely attached to the handle or if the handle is cracked. Do not hit the end of the ax with a hammer - make sure that the blade of the ax is sharp and not rusty - pay attention to the material near the handle of the ax: if there is a possibility that slipping may occur due to humidity - wrap part of the handle with electrical tape, and it is best to work gloved.
Which ax is better to buy?
When buying a good axe, you first need to inspect the working part. It can be made of tool, alloy (the most durable) or carbon steel. The working part is a butt and a blade with a blade.
- The expanded blade is suitable for cutting large logs;
- Carpenter's, tourist and universal axes are made with a blade of medium width;
- The splitting axes have a narrow working part.
The edge of the blade can be rounded or straight. The first is especially convenient for carpentry work. The sharpening of the tool is also important: a sharp blade is more fragile, but penetrates wood more easily. For large logs, it is better to choose sharpening at an angle of 30-40 degrees. The Finnish type of blades is considered ideal, when the edge is sharpened at an acute angle and the top is made blunter.
Tap the ax blade. If the sound is clear, this indicates that the product is durable and can handle even hard wood.
Wood is the most popular material for making an ax handle. This handle is elastic and absorbs shock well.
The wood fibers should run lengthwise and there should be no visible defects. But such a product can dry out, so it’s good if the handle is treated with oil, paint or varnish.
Solid metal axes are very reliable, but heavy. The fiberglass (fiberglass) handle is strong, practical and durable. In any case, its length should be 6-7 times longer than the butt.
Best travel ax
Outdoor recreation is not complete without a fire, and for convenience, a small table and simple benches are often made. A compact and lightweight hatchet will be a reliable assistant for a tourist or fisherman. Experts recommend several models for outdoor enthusiasts.
Kraftool 20645-06
Rating: 4.9
An excellent option for tourism is the Kraftool 20645-06 ax with a solid forged handle and a weight of 600 g. This makes it one of the most reliable and facilitates long walks when you need to carry all the luggage on yourself. The three-component handle improves grip security. Due to its thickened shape, it fits perfectly in the hand and does not rub during prolonged use. Along with the ax, a belt sheath is provided, equipped with a loop for hanging on a nail. You can carry the tool with you and quickly free your hands if necessary.
Experts singled out the tourist model for its indestructibility. Tool steel retains its sharpness for a long time, and it is simply impossible to make jagged edges on it. The one-piece design will prevent the working part from breaking off. The flat steel end allows you to safely use the tool when chopping logs in order to hit it with a heavier hammer.
Advantages
- monolithic design;
- Comes with a belt pouch;
- thickened rubber handle;
- The total weight of 600 g is convenient for hiking.
Flaws
- high price.
Fiskars X5-XXS
Rating: 4.8
The Fiskars X5-XXS universal ax is an excellent assistant for outdoor enthusiasts. Thanks to the short handle (23 cm) and low weight (0.55 kg), the tool is easy to transport. You can carry an ax not only in a backpack, but also on a waist belt. Experts gave the product second place in the rating for its sharp blade made of durable and hard steel. The fiberglass handle has a shock-absorbing coating, so even after getting wet it does not slip in the hand. Users note the comfortable shape of the axe, which ensures a reliable grip.
For safe movement of the ax there is a protective case with a latch. The blade is securely connected to the ax handle, forming a monolithic structure. Users note the sharp blade that can easily cut through branches or small logs.
Advantages
- high-quality manufacturing;
- ease of use;
- good blade sharpening;
- reliable case.
Flaws
- not detected.
The best hammer-axe
Some builders highly value the versatility of an axe. For example, installers have to trim boards with an ax, knock down panels, and remove bent nails. One effective ax hammer can handle such tasks.
Bahco 494-600
Rating: 4.9
Many DIYers and builders need to have a multi-tool on hand. The Bahco 494-600 hammer-axe is an excellent combination of impact and chopping products. In addition, the tool allows you to quickly and easily remove nails. A set of these qualities will suit both the plasterer, the roofer, and the installer. Experts pay attention to the durable steel handle with rubber lining. It is securely connected to the working part, which consists of an ax blade with a nail puller and a square butt.
The model wins the rating; it is compact (31.5 cm) and light in weight (0.85 kg). Only the manufacturer forgot to make a hole for hanging on the handle.
Advantages
- wide scope of application;
- strength and durability;
- reliable and comfortable handle;
- hardened steel of the working part.
Flaws
- no hanging hole.
Recommendations for selection
How to choose the right carpenter's ax model? Once you decide to purchase a tool, you can check the quality of the material from which it is made. To do this, you need to hit the chopping part with a hard object. A thin and long sound indicates the high quality of the steel, which is hard enough and hardened according to all the rules, so it does not have to be constantly sharpened. Scratches and nicks from knots will not appear on the blade.
When purchasing a carpenter's cleaver for yourself, the buyer can check whether the chosen model is suitable. Taking the ax by the end, you need to lower your hand down. And then try to lift the brush and stretch it horizontally. If it doesn’t work out, or it’s difficult to do, then it’s better to take another tool.
The radius of the circumference of the blade of a carpentry tool should be 27-33 cm. This can be checked by drawing an arc of the specified radius onto paper using a protractor. The toe should have an angle of up to 90°, the head should be of medium length. A carpenter's ax has an ax handle 45-50 cm long. The blade should sit firmly on the ax handle.
A carpenter's cleaver is used to perform fine work with wooden material: grooves are cut out, blocks are trimmed to the required dimensions, etc.
Best all-purpose ax
The farm should have an ax on hand that can equally well chop wood and cut up an animal carcass. With its help, you can monitor the garden and, if necessary, drive stakes into the ground. The following products can perform such a range of tasks.
Fiskars X10-S
Rating: 4.9
The universal ax Fiskars X10-S can perform a wide range of work with wood. This includes carpentry and carpentry work, chopping wood, cutting bushes and small trees. High strength of the blade is ensured by hardened steel. To protect the blade from corrosion, the manufacturer used an anti-friction coating. With a total length of 440 mm, the tool weighs 0.98 kg. The handle is made of two-component material that does not absorb moisture and does not dry out. The plastic case ensures safe transportation of the ax.
The model deservedly becomes the winner of the rating; its excellent performance qualities are confirmed by consumer reviews. The ax is comfortable, does not slip in your hands, and successfully combines length and weight. But hitting the back side with a hammer is not recommended.
Advantages
- comfortable handle;
- light weight;
- protective case;
- quality production.
Flaws
- You can’t hit with the butt of an axe.
Cold Steel Trail Boss Ax 660mm
Rating: 4.8
The American ax Cold Steel Trail Boss Ax 660 mm is already considered a living legend. A well-known company at one time made a real revolution in the world of chopping tools. Modern materials with a large margin of safety are used to make the masterpiece. The hardness of the 114 mm long steel blade is 54-56 HRc, which allows you to work with the ax for a long time without sharpening. The handle is made of natural walnut wood. With an ax you can not only chop branches and logs, you can throw it at logs, cut up animal carcasses, and hammer nails with a butt. With a total length of 660 mm, the tool weighs 1.115 kg.
Experts gave the model second place in the rating due to its high price. Users are satisfied with the quality of the ax and its durability.
Advantages
- durable modern materials;
- high blade hardness;
- comfortable handle without cracks.
Flaws
- high price.
