How to choose a good axe: an overview of the features of different types and advice from professionals on choosing. 120 photos of the best ax models

Expert: Andrey Nikolaevich Kuznetsov

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

For Russian people, an ax is a familiar tool that distant ancestors held in their hands. With its help, huts were cut down, palaces were erected, bathhouses and outbuildings were assembled. The ax helped prepare firewood for the whole winter. Over time, the instrument has undergone a number of improvements and modifications. However, the classic form has undergone virtually no changes. Today there are models of different sizes on sale, they differ in weight, shape and price. To choose the right tool, you should pay attention to several parameters.

How to choose a quality ax

1. Purpose.
   First of all, it is necessary to outline the list of tasks that will be assigned to the chopping product. There are universal models; they are most often bought by owners of private houses. Some axes are designed for professional woodworking; they are needed by carpenters or joiners. And the most compact and lightweight hatchets help tourists out on a hike.
2. Blade.
   A serious difference is observed in the shape of the blade. For chopping firewood, thicker products are better suited, in which the cutting part does not have a very sharp angle. This shape prevents the ax from getting stuck in the log. But to remove bark or create depressions in wood, a sharp, thin blade is required.
3. Often during work you have to knock on the butt to release the cleaver from a knotty log or evenly chop off the excess part of the tree. Therefore, when purchasing a tool, you should pay attention to whether the manufacturer allows impact on the butt.
4. Handle
   . _ The handle provides ease of use. The classic option is to use natural wood. However, production does not always pay due attention to sediment. After a short period of use, the handle begins to wobble, making the tool dangerous to use. But axes made of artificial materials do not swell when moistened and do not dry out after drying. But not all of them are able to withstand shock loads.
5. Safety
   . _ To ensure that the ax does not pose a danger to humans during storage or movement, you should take care of a protective cover. It is convenient to hang the tool if there is a special hole on the handle.

Our review includes the 12 best axes. With the help of experts and users, it was possible to identify winners in several categories.

Materials

The functionality determines the selection of steel grade for the ax, handle material, etc. Technology determines the possibility of the most rational use and execution of an ax.

In our case, you make the butt of the product and the blade from spring steel grade 65G, the handle is made from hard deciduous wood such as beech, birch, ash. The handles must be soaked in heated linseed oil.

The ax cover is made from non-vegetable tanned cow leather, waxed and stretched.

Rating of the best axes

Fireman's hatchet

One of the most important types of tools used by firefighters. Usually worn on a belt together and helps the firefighter move along inclined and sliding planes. Typically, a fireman's hatchet is made from high quality forged steel. It has a wedge-shaped blade. The blade is divided into a blade and a pick. The sharp part of the blade is used to cut wooden beams and floors of houses. It is they that collapse during fires and impede forward movement. The blade is used to cut down parts of roofs and attics, windows and doors of a burning building. And with the help of a pick, the firefighter clings to the roof and can subsequently be held on it or on other unstable planes. Thanks to the pick, it becomes possible to catch the tip on the hatch and open the tank with water or steam generator. And if the ax is isolated from electricity, then it can cut electrical conductors.

For convenient carrying of the fireman's ax, it is equipped with a holster attached to the belt. The ax handle is covered with rubber to prevent the tool from slipping in your hands. It also softens shock vibrations and has an insulating effect when cutting live wires.

Fireman's axes are made especially reliably: the blade is pressed onto a metal handle and secured with a steel wedge. Of course, this gives the instrument greater resistance to destruction. The handle of the tool has grips with locks, specifically for easy holding of the ax. This significantly reduces the fatigue of firefighters because they have to make a lot of chopping movements.

• Weighs no more than 1.2 kg.
• The length is 365 mm.

Such an ax, thanks to its reinforced structure and excellent quality blade, lasts for about 8 years. At the same time, this instrument is the only one that is tested once a year during its service life. The handle and blade of the tool are struck with a massive hammer without hardening. If the ax has held up and the metal on the surface has not become wrinkled or split, then the tool is in perfect order and can be used further.

A fireman's ax must have:

• wear resistance, durability
• resistance to melting and sudden temperature changes in general
• rust resistant
• frost resistance
• resistance to physical damage

Which ax is better from the list we have listed? It's up to you to decide and choose.

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.

Inforce 725 mm

Inforce is a brand of a Russian manufacturer, but is manufactured in China.

A small and compact ax will become an indispensable assistant for short trips into nature. With a weight of 1.5 kg, it is easy to carry.

The steel working part is coated with materials that reduce friction. The sharpening angle of 30° easily hammers into a log in one fell swoop. The total blade width is 9 cm.

Safe operation is ensured by a butt pressed into the handle, which will not allow the blade to fly out during operation.

The handle itself is made of reinforced fiberglass and has a length of 725 mm.

The package includes a cover that attaches to the working part.

Advantages:

• reliable fastening of the blade to the handle;
• quality of sharpening;
• presence of a hole for hanging.

Flaws:

• small diameter hanging hole;
• the blade “reacts painfully” to metal objects that fall under it during operation.

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.

Correct blade sharpening

The sharp blade easily splits the tissue of an object upon impact. A well-sharpened blade increases work efficiency and greatly simplifies the process itself. Over time, the sharp cutting part of the ax becomes dull.

There are two types of sharpening for axes:

1. Dumb. Used for heavy cutting tools used to cut thin trees and split firewood. The angle of such sharpening is from 30° to 40°.
2. Spicy. Used for products used to cut thick wood. The blade is sharpened at an angle from 25° to 30°

Correct sharpening is not required for cleavers, since they are intended only for splitting firewood. Arched blades are usually sharper in the center than at the edges. Therefore, for such products, a floating sharpening angle is recommended - from 25° to 40°.

See also: How to choose the right trimmer line

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.

Manufacturers

The quality of ax parts largely depends on the manufacturers. The best ax models are produced by the following companies:

1. "MATRIX". The famous German brand produces different types of high quality axes. Products are made by forging from the strongest steel. Their fiberglass handles are durable and comfortable to use.
2. "Bahco". Finnish brand specializing in the production of axes for various purposes. All axes are made of birch, and the blades are made of strong steel.
3. "Fiskars". Another Finnish company produces axes with plastic handles. The manufacturer provides a ten-year warranty on its products. The steel blades of all chopping tools are Teflon coated.
4. "Bison". The Russian company is known for producing high-quality instruments. The company's axes come with both wooden and reinforced plastic handles. The cutting part is durable forged steel.

Many Chinese ax models have an attractive appearance and low prices. But such tools should be treated carefully, since their quality is usually low. You can only purchase a strong, reliable ax from trusted manufacturers.

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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.

Blade size

The cutting part of the ax can have different sizes. Depending on the size of the blade, axes are divided into three types:

1. Narrow. Such products are designed for work with light loads. With their help you can split wood chips or chop off not too thick knots.
2. Average. The tool is perfect for chopping and splitting wood and has a longer ax handle.
3. Wide. A chopping tool with a large blade is much heavier than other types, and therefore helps distribute the force applied by the user over a wide surface. With such an ax you can chop not only firewood, but also the largest trees. Wide axes are often used for cutting meat.

Types of axes with different blade sizes
Many new models have a recess at the bottom of the chopping blade. This design allows you to shift the center of gravity of the tool, thereby lowering its weight category.