Types of cleavers
- Screw (cone-shaped). The most widespread. Among consumers, about 80% choose it. A steel ingot in the shape of a cone (which is where the name comes from) with durable threads. The tool has the ability to dive deep into the material, while using an electric motor. Field of application: chopping wood.
- Hydraulic;
- Electrical.
There are two types of cleaver blades:
- Sharpened for a wedge;
- Lop-eared. This is a new product on the market. Allowed to work only with dry materials.
Wooden parts have their disadvantages as well as their advantages. And one of the main ones is that they can unexpectedly split during operation. They can be replaced with instruments with fiberglass parts.
The material is more durable and lightweight, making it comfortable. Plus, it fits better in your hand and can absorb unnecessary vibration.
Criterias of choice
Below is a list of the most popular manufacturers of firewood axes.
GARDENA 1600S cleaver in use
Manufacturer
- FISKARS;
- GARDENA;
- Husqvarna;
- Kraftool;
- PATRIOT ;
- STAYER;
- Vacha's work;
Varieties of classic cleavers
Iron
Eared
Sledgehammer
Wedge-shaped
| Iron | A traditional domestic option, it’s better for a beginner to start with it. |
| Wedge-shaped | The blade has a wedge shape |
| Eared | There are ears on the side cheeks of the cleaver; they serve to widen the crack during a strike. They often get stuck in logs. |
| Cleaver - sledgehammer | Serves for splitting wood and as a sledgehammer for working with wedges. |
What are the types of axes for woodworking?
Taiga
Plotnitsky
Carpentry
| Plotnitsky | This type has a rounded edge |
| Carpentry | Similar to a carpenter's blade, but with a straight blade edge |
| Taiga | The blade shape is at an acute angle |
It is better to chop firewood in the cold; this occurs due to frozen moisture in the fibers, which tear rather than stretch.
Handle material
The longer the handle, the harder you can strike with less effort. Made from wood, fiberglass, polyamide.
The wood for the handle is selected dried without knots; it is made mainly from the butt part of birch, aspen, ash, rowan, for example, Canadians prefer maple. According to some reviews, birch and maple dry out your hands when hit, but again, this is not for everyone.
The wooden handle should be slightly curved; for cutting small logs the length is 40–60 cm, for larger ones 70–80 cm.
What else to pay attention to when choosing:
| Cleaver weight | You need to select the weight for yourself so that you can work comfortably. Average figures are from 1.5 to 2.5 kg. |
| Butt weight, kg | With the help of a striking butt you can hammer in wedges. Weight varies from 0.5 kg to 4 kg. |
| Add. set | Rubberized handle - prevents hands from slipping, a cover for safe carrying, an anti-friction coating that protects the blade from corrosion. |
Rating of modern models of cleavers
There is quite a large selection of tools and devices on the market, in which it is very easy to get confused without the proper knowledge.
Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with a small selection of cleaver models from manufacturers from Russia, Germany and the USA.
Matrix splitting ax
Tool weight – 3 kg. The material from which the cleaver is made is 66G steel.
- There is a small anvil on the back of the head, which ensures effective splitting of massive wooden objects.
- The handle is made of fiberglass, so it is not exposed to moisture and external factors, and also does not dry out over time.
Cleaver "Bars" from Nylon
Weight – 0.75 kg. It is easy to work with different types of trees. The cleaver is made of U14 steel. The strength of the manufacturing material is above average. Thanks to the thickenings on the sides, it is quite easy to split the wood.
Cleaver Inforce
Weighs 3.5 kg. Handle length – 910 mm. This allows you to split large ingots without much difficulty. It is also distinguished by its durability.
The Great Divider
Weight reaches as much as 4 kg. The handle of the device is formed from fiberglass material. The steel from which the ax is made is 65G. Thanks to high-quality materials, it is not susceptible to heavy loads and is not subject to unnecessary vibrations.
Popularity rating of firewood axes
Set FISKARS X17 + sharpener 1020182
I like2I don't like
Characteristics
| Ax type | Cleaver |
| Handle length | 600 mm |
| Handle material | fiberglass |
| Rubberized handle | Yes |
| Anti-friction coating | There is |
| Case | There is |
| Kit | There is |
| Add. information | Sharpener included |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| average price | 5400 rubles |
Pros and cons comfortable, lightweight, good weight distribution, optimal handle length, good quality, small chopping edge, high price
Hammer ax GARDENA 1600S (8718-48)
I like2I don't like
Characteristics
| Ax type | Sledgehammer |
| Handle length | 600 mm |
| Handle material | fiberglass |
| Rubberized handle | Yes |
| Anti-friction coating | There is |
| Butt weight | 1.2 kg |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| average price | 4750 rubles |
Pros and cons good balancing anti-miss pads ergonomics rubberized handle for large logs too light
Cleaver PATRIOT PA 711
I like2I don't like
Characteristics
| Ax type | Cleaver |
| Handle length | 711 mm |
| Handle material | rubberized fiberglass |
| Rubberized handle | Yes |
| Anti-friction coating | There is |
| Case | There is |
| Butt weight | 1.55 kg |
| average price | 2890 rubles |
Pros and cons value for money light ergonomic good sharpening of blades sticky case plastic metal spear paint on the ax is quickly erased the handle inside is empty
Cleaver matrix 21819
I like it I don't like it
Characteristics
| Ax type | cleaver |
| Handle length | 400 mm |
| Handle material | fiberglass |
| Rubberized handle | Yes |
| Butt weight | 1 kg |
| Weight | 1.442 kg |
| average price | 790 rubles |
Pros and cons low price composite handle price/quality ratio rubberized handle too soft, sticks to the palm difficult to chop large logs
Cleaver Trud Vacha 21850
I like it I don't like it
Characteristics
| Ax type | cleaver |
| Handle length | 600 mm |
| Handle material | tree |
| Butt weight | 1.6 kg |
| Weight | 1.9 kg |
| average price | 760 rubles |
Pros and cons low price good shape of the splitter poorly set, can quickly fall apart blade is not symmetrical, slightly offset
Kraftool X25 splitter
I like1I don't like
Characteristics
| Ax type | cleaver |
| Handle length | 710 mm |
| Handle material | polyamide |
| Butt weight | 2.45 kg |
| Rubberized handle | Yes |
| Anti-friction coating | There is |
| Case | There is |
| average price | 3380 rubles |
Pros and cons price/quality ratio there is a protective case ergonomic hollow handle
Cleaver Park AXE25TPR
I like2I don't like
Characteristics
| Ax type | cleaver |
| Handle length | 900 mm |
| Handle material | plastic |
| Butt weight | 2.5 kg |
| Rubberized handle | Yes |
| average price | 1650 rubles |
Pros and cons long handle price/quality ratio does not get stuck in the field inconvenient to use you need to hit the log accurately, if the blow falls on the handle there will be a strong recoil Final rating table FISKARS X172 sledgehammer GARDENA axe-sledgehammer 2 PATRIOT PA 7111 splitter 2 Park AXE25TPR splitter 2 Kraftool X251 matrix splitter 2181 90Cleaver Trud Vacha 218500
Scope of application of cleavers
The devices are used quite widely and are designed for chopping wood. Often they will be needed when fuel is being prepared for the cold season for a summer cottage or a small country house.
For larger quantities of fuel required and the following cases:
- Heating of houses throughout the whole season;
- Bath heating;
- Providing heat for kebab establishments;
You will need to choose a more productive tool.
Best cleaver: rating
Based on the characteristics and reviews, it is worth noting the best options:
- “Husqvarna Sledge Ax” – sledgehammer weight 3.2 kg, length 82 cm. The ax is based on hickory impregnated with linseed oil and wax. Comes with a leather case;
- “FirskasX24” - a device weighing 2.6 kg has an irreplaceable fiberglass ax handle, as well as a plastic case. It is longer than the previous model. Reaches 91.5 cm;
- “Large Splitting Ax” is a well-known product, 70 cm long, weight 2.3 kg. Has ax protection. Suitable for any type of wood;
- “Wetterlings Splitting maul N146” - with a working surface weighing 2.5 kg and length 81 cm;
- “Biber 85125” is a “big-eared” executive class model from Germany. Weight – 3.47 kg. The handle is rubberized.
Wood splitters.
How to choose the right cleaver
Selecting a suitable unit for yourself is a rather difficult task. There are several criteria by which it is better to choose an ax:
- Weight;
- Material of manufacture;
- Sharpening shape;
- Ax parameters.
If the size of the product is too light, they will find it difficult to split very large objects. Working with a heavy cleaver will require too much energy. However, in this case, splitting heavy objects will become easier.
For the ax material, it is better to choose durable wood species that have astringent properties. This will guarantee longevity, despite significant loads on the tool.
The length of the handle should not be too short - this will make it very difficult to work with.
Many knowledgeable people use the following types: classic and wedge-shaped instruments. The first option is better suited for freshly felled wood, which remains at a high level of moisture. The second one is more convenient for splitting dry logs.
Cone-shaped cleavers are effective and at the same time easy to use. This is especially noticeable when working with large objects.
How to choose a cleaver
A cleaver is not a universal tool.
For this reason, there is simply no general advice on choosing the best model.
It is necessary to build on the shape of the blade, the length of the handle and the weight of the head.
The kinetics of the impact directly depends on them.
However, before you buy a specific cleaver you like, which in theory will perform the task, you need to check it for mechanical damage and absence of cracks.
The ax handle should sit tightly in the head; any play is unacceptable.
The handle should be comfortable and long enough, well polished.
Some models come with a case that will ensure safe storage and transportation of the tool.
It must cover the blade and sit securely.
