Rating of the best axes: review, description, pros and cons, price

The first labor tool that was made by man 5 thousand years ago and is still used in everyday life or in nature is an ax.With the development of technology, this tool also changed, becoming more ergonomic, smaller, lighter and sharper. You should know what parameters you need to pay attention to before purchasing it.

What to look for when choosing an ax

In order not to make mistakes in the functionality of the ax, you need to follow the recommendations:

1. What is the head made of? Today, the working parts of cutting tools are made of steel. Manufacturers choose a tooled, alloyed or carbon head. The blade is attached to the handle using a butt. You need to pay attention to the shape of the working part itself, since the purpose of the tool depends on it. A product with a wide blade can be used for cutting down large trees. Axes for hikers, gardeners and carpenters have narrower blades. It does not require much effort, as when working with wide logs. There are axes with a very narrow blade for firewood. They are convenient for stabbing, whittling wedges or chips.
2. Steel sharpness — is also a significant parameter.A blade that is sharpened too much becomes more brittle and may crack if it makes improper contact with the wood. It is important to choose the correct angle for sharpening the ax. Finnish technology is considered suitable for any work, i.e. the toe is sharpened at an acute angle and becomes blunt at the top.
3. What material is the grip? The handle is traditionally made from wood. Ash, oak and birch trees are considered strong. On a wooden ax handle, the veins should run along part of the tool. The handle is selected in one piece, free from damage and traces of pests. If you frequently use an ax with a wooden handle outdoors and store it in a damp room, it may darken or dry out over time. To avoid this, you need to purchase painted or varnished models.
4. Tool weight. The ease of use depends on this parameter. For small carpentry operations, a light ax is suitable. But to cut down a “true giant” in the forest you will have to work hard with a heavy blade and take a larger butt.
5. Equipment. Companies that make hand tools often add bonuses to the product that customers value. For safe storage and transportation, a plastic protective cap is attached to the blade. For careful storage, new axes are placed in cases. Some of them can be attached to the belt with a special cord so as not to get in the way on the road.
6. Production. Before purchasing a tool, it is also important to choose a reliable manufacturer. Of course, it’s cheaper to go to a hardware store and not worry about the brand. However, well-known companies manufacture their products on reliable equipment and use certified materials, which greatly increases their quality and performance.

There are completely metal varieties of axes on sale.They are a single frame of the handle and blade, which makes them especially durable, but heavier than wooden ones. To make the iron model comfortable to hold, a rubber pad is put on it.

In the store you can find axes with fiberglass grips. This is a new material that is distinguished by high performance qualities: reliability, durability, ergonomics.

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The best tourist axes

For those who like to relax in the mountains or on the lake, an ax is a must-have item to take with you. You may need it when making a fire, strengthening a tent, or repairing other camping equipment. To understand which ax is better, you need to compare models from different brands included in the top.

Tramp TRA-179

The tool is suitable for tourists traveling both on foot and by car. A tourist ax takes up little space, which is convenient even for hiking. At the same time, they work comfortably and quickly. Costs 2250 rubles.

Pros:

• short length (35 cm);
• there is a plastic case;
• handle material - reliable fiberglass;
• head made of steel with polymer coating.

Flaws:

• The rubber pad on the handle has an unpleasant odor.

Gerber 14″ hatchet (formerly sport axe II)

The Gerber&mdash company has been on the market of equipment for tourists for a long time. This new product from the Finns is made of high-quality steel and is productive when cutting wood. Costs 2700 rubles.

Pros:

• does not wear off for a long time;
• ergonomic handle design is slightly wider at the end for a more complete grip on the tool;
• the chain for attaching the ax passes through the handle;
• lightweight body material;
• guarantee from the company.

Flaws:

• too light.

DDE Dynamic AX9

A universal tool for hunters, tourists and fishermen.They can not only chop wood for a fire, but also split logs. Costs around 1500 rubles.

Pros:

• the fiberglass handle does not crack due to temperature fluctuations;
• non-slip handle coating;
• forged steel blade;
• the case has a strong clasp;
• long service period.

Flaws:

• a bit long;
• heavy, weighs almost a kilogram.

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The best hammer axes

The hammer-axe subspecies is used in construction and in the preparation of firewood. In addition to the ability to chop, they can hammer a nail or demolish a small partition. If there is no space to store many tools, this combination in one tool will solve the problem of small space. The best hammer axes are produced by the following manufacturers.

Fiskars hammer ax

Suitable for use in a country house when performing various tasks on the site or indoors. It is highly durable and can serve for many years. You should use a hammer from a Finnish manufacturer when installing a fence or building a shed. Costs about 6,000 rubles.

Pros:

• You can perform several tasks with one tool;
• shockproof;
• the steel is treated with a unique composition that reduces friction.

Flaws:

• expensive;
• no cover included.

Tactical ax Hammer

The ax is small in size and light in weight and has a dual-use axe. The handle is reinforced with fiberglass and impregnated with an anti-slip solution. 3Cr13Mov steel is renowned for its strength and reliability among builders. Cost: 1800-2500 rub.

Pros:

• compact size;
• There is a case with the function of attaching to a belt;
• easy.

Flaws:

• There are not always discounts on the model.

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Axe-cleaver-hammer “Swiss” Leonhard Mueller 3000 grams

The tool from the Austrian company is “three in one”. The butt is made in the shape of a sledgehammer. And the shape of the blade allows you to carefully chop wood. The handle is made of durable wood and will last for decades. The ax weighs about 4 kg. For quality you will have to pay 6,400 rubles.

Pros:

• working part made of hardened steel, durable;
• The handle has a beech insert, which makes it stronger.

Flaws:

• weighs a lot;
• no cover included;
• not everyone can afford it.

Best sledgehammer axes

Among the products for chopping, splitting and breaking, the leader is sledgehammer axes. Such models are additionally strengthened by the manufacturer so that they can be used when working with wide and long logs, as well as brick walls, stone and concrete buildings, and floors.

The blunt side of the sledgehammer is a steel surface that is the same along its entire length. With such an ax you can break the necessary obstacle without difficulty. You just need to have the skills to work with heavy objects and be in good physical shape. As a rule, the handle and butt are fastened together with wedges made of steel and wood, which ensures safe use of the equipment.

Axe-sledgehammer HUSQVARNA

This is a powerful tool for removing or driving large nails when assembling large parts of a room. The Swedish company has a long history of creating heavy equipment for gardening and construction operations. Costs 13,100 rubles.

Pros:

• low weight for such a tool;
• there is a manufacturer's certificate;
• made of durable material.

Flaws:

• high price;
• there are no discounts.

Axe-sledgehammer FISKARS

The model has a handle of optimal length 920 mm, made of fiberglass and complemented with an anti-slip coating. The manufacturer uses high-quality hardened steel, which guarantees results from the very first swings of the tool. Costs 9400 rubles.

Pros:

• comfortable handle with rubber nozzle;
• reliable fastening of the butt to the handle.

Flaws:

• weight more than 5 kg;
• high price;
• It is not always possible to achieve the goal the first time.

Hammer ax GARDENA 1600S

A small ax can be used when harvesting medium-sized wood or splitting logs. This small tool is designed for chopping wood. The head is treated with a special composition that helps to work effectively on the site. The ax handle is reinforced with fiberglass, which makes the handle feel light but reliable.

The handle is framed with a stainless steel case for protection in case of a mistake. The model incorporates a combination of an optimal steel formula and a lightweight grip, which allows you to adjust the impact power. The sledgehammer function will help when driving in bulky fittings. Costs 8300 rubles.

Pros:

• light weight;
• comfortable to hold in your hands.

Flaws:

• For some, the ax handle is too light.

The best cleavers

A splitting ax is an ax specifically designed for splitting wood. Typically, the head of such a tool is attached to a long handle. Cleavers have proven themselves well in rural areas where there is no central gas supply, and they have to use wood for heating. These are indispensable axes for a summer house, garden or country house. There are several well-known companies that create this type of tool.

Cleaver GARDENA 1600S

The little cleaver will become a reliable assistant in chopping wood.The steel tip is hardened and coated with a compound that makes it easier to slide into the depths of the tree. The geometric shape of the blade is best suited for working with medium-sized logs.

The tool handle is reinforced with fiber glass. This approach to the manufacture of tools made it possible to make the ax handle light, but firmly in the hand. The handle is also protected by a stainless steel contour, which provides a protective coating in case of a mistake. Costs 7900 rubles.

Pros:

• optimal handle length;
• light weight;
• anti-friction coating of the blade.

Flaws:

• comes in an uncomfortable case;
• too expensive;
• some may find it easy for this type of instrument.

Cleaver PATRIOT PA 711

The PATRIOT cleaver does an excellent job of splitting wood. The hardened steel blade is treated with antifreeze, which makes work easier. It is used for processing small wood. Despite the fact that the instrument is made in China, it is not much different from its European counterparts. Chopping wood is easy and comfortable for them. Costs 3500 rubles.

Pros:

• forged axe;
• the working part is made of carbon steel;
• lightweight fiberglass handle;
• good combination of price and quality.

Flaws:

• wears off quickly;
• The cover does not fit well.

Stayer 20623-20

This cleaver is made in Germany. Kraftool has been producing hand tools for 20 years. According to customer reviews from different countries, it produces strong and durable equipment. The Stayer 20623-20 model has a grip made of fiberglass, fastened with two fasteners, which allows it to withstand strong impacts and not crack.

There is a protrusion at the end of the handle that prevents the ax and hands from falling out.Tool steel is used, specially designed for such tools. The head is durable and easily takes the load. The combination of a long handle and a heavy working part makes it easy to handle wide logs. Costs 6740 rubles.

Pros:

• sharpened;
• ergonomic handle;
• good weight;
• There is a storage case.

Flaws:

• may seem too long.

The best carpenter's axes

For a worker who processes wood, builds wooden buildings or creates furniture, a professional ax is a must-have item in the workshop. The main difference between this tool and those discussed earlier is that the carpentry tool does not split, but cuts the material.

An ax for carpenters is always a smooth, up to 10 cm finely sharpened edge at an angle of 35˚. This sharpening helps to break off chips from wood and obtain a smooth, chopped surface for further processing. When handling a carpenter's axe, it is important to avoid contact of the blade with stones and sand. They can damage the level of sharpness.

There are several good brands in this category. Below we will look at the best carpenter's axes.

Archimedes Carpenter's Ax

A simple model that can be used to perfectly realize carpentry fantasies. Made from durable materials. It cuts wood well. The ax handle is made in a comfortable curved shape, which ensures a secure hold in the hands. Costs 1200 rubles.

Pros:

• inexpensive;
• easy.

Flaws:

• The handle is not securely fastened.

Carpenter's ax Park AXE8PR

Every dacha owner should have this ax. It has small dimensions. The lightweight fiberglass handle makes carpentry work easy.The ax handle is equipped with a thermoplastic rubber insert. Its wear resistance allows you to use the ax for a long time and without fear of dropping it from your hands while working. Costs 800 rubles.

Pros:

• long rounded blade;
• not only chops, but also cuts material;
• low price.

Flaws:

• the blade is not too sharp;
• repeated sharpening does not give results;
• handle made of low-quality plastic;
• mild steel;
• no case.

Carpenter's ax Vira 900113

With the Vira ax you can split firewood, split wood, and carry out minor processing of wooden products. The head is securely connected to the handle so that they appear to be one. The steel is sharpened at the optimal angle for carpentry tools, which ensures maximum penetration into the wooden surface. Costs 1000 rubles.

Pros:

• does not require frequent sharpening;
• has a light but strong handle;
• manufactured according to German production standards.

Flaws:

• blunt;
• the ax handle is wobbly;
• the price is alarming.

Buying an ax is an activity for which you should prepare in advance. It is important to understand what work the tool is needed for and how often it will be used. The size, weight, shape of the base and length of the ax depend on this.

Another aspect is the choice of manufacturer. There are companies that have been producing tools for a long time and are already known for the quality of their axes. It is worth studying their ratings and making a choice that meets your specific request.

What kind of ax do you prefer to work with and how often do you sharpen it? Share the link on social networks and bookmark the article.

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