
These are designed to cut against the grain of the wood, so when felling a tree, it should be swung sideways at the tree trunk. The blade of a felling axe has a flared shape and a sharp and thin tip. The grain of the hickory should follow the handle lengthways and curve along with it, for superior strength. Traditionally the handles are made from hickory wood, which is strong. This long handle enables the user to produce a more powerful swing with greater leverage, making for a better cut. The head of a felling axe will weigh between two and four pounds, and sit at the end of a long handle. These axes are specifically designed for felling trees and chopping logs of wood. These tools are very useful in the garden, as they can dig holes to set new plants in or break up resistant roots of old plants. The name ‘grub axe’ comes from the way the tool is used, as it is great for grubbing in compacted soils and rough terrain. The axe blade will be at a vertical angle, while the adze blade, which is the longer of the two, will be at a horizontal angle. Grub AxeĪlso known as a ‘cutter mattock,’ a grub axe has a head with an axe on one side and an adze on the other side. These axes are generally made from steel so that they have the strength to cope with a multitude of tasks. It’s ideal for camping trips, as it can help with cooking, chopping wood for campfires, and digging holes. The primary use of this axe is chopping, but it can also function as a close-range weapon, a shovel, a pry bar, and a hammer. Also commonly known as a tactical tomahawk, this axe has gained popularity among law enforcement officers, soldiers, and security staff, as well as survivalists. The tactical axe is a modern invention, which is something of a multi-tool. A person who is six foot tall would be best with a handle measuring around 32 inches, as this will offer a good balance between accuracy and force. The standard length of a full-sized felling axe is 36 inches, but this should be the maximum length most users should consider. For a felling axe, a longer handle will give a greater swing and more leverage, but a shorter handle will result in better precision. The ideal size of an axe handle is a much-debated topic and one that will largely be determined by its intended use. For your first axe, the head should weigh no more than three pounds, and you can work up to heavier bits with more experience. If it’s too heavy, you will gain force but lose accuracy, while if it’s too light, it won’t cut very deep. The weight of the axe head will affect its use. For the best quality, look for a hickory or ash handle. A wooden handle is more ergonomic and will last longer. The best quality axes have wooden handles, though increasingly big box stores are selling axes with rubber handles. Some things you will want to consider in your search for the perfect axe are: Things You Should Consider When Searching a Perfect Axe A. Of course, there are many other types of axes besides the well-known felling axe. This is a popular axe head pattern that takes the shape of a slightly flared wedge. It has a curved head, which is ideal for chopping large trees and dense wood types. This axe is a common shape for felling axes, having originally risen to popularity in the 1860s. This axe has a straight edge across the top of the blade and a slightly bearded bottom edge. It is a popular pattern that is ideal for general outdoor ax jobs. It has a curved blade with a gentle flare. This pattern is named after Dayton, Ohio.
