Top products from r/Axecraft
We found 30 product mentions on r/Axecraft. We ranked the 43 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
1. Husqvarna 26" Wooden Multi-Purpose Axe
Sentiment score: 2
Number of reviews: 5
Multi-purpose axe is a single-bit axe in traditional styleHead is attached to the hickory shaft using both a wooden and Steel Wedge to secure fasteningVersatile axe used for tree felling, wood chopping, and other jobsThe long handle provides power to the cutIncludes a leather edge cover
2. Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 3
Ideal for chopping kindling and small- to medium-sized logsChops deeper with each swing to get more done fasterPerfected balance and power-to-weight ratio increases swing speed to multiply power, much like an aluminum baseball batProprietary blade-grinding technique provides a sharper edge for bette...
3. Fiskars 378571-1002 X15 Chopping Axe 23.5", 23.5 Inch, Orange/Black,Yellow/Black
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 2
Ideal for felling treesChops deeper with each swing to get more done fasterPerfected balance and power-to-weight ratio increases swing speed to multiply power, much like an aluminum baseball batShock-absorbing FiberComp handle is lightweight yet stronger than steel to prevent overstrike damageLifeti...
4. The Ax Book: The Lore and Science of the Woodcutter
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 2
31 chapters in allHundreds of illustrationsCook8-1/2" x 11"134 pp.
5. Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe 19 Inch, 420
Sentiment score: 2
Number of reviews: 2
Length with handle: 19 inch, Comes original Gransfors "Axe-book"Weight: 2 lbsSheath in vegetable tanned leatherPerfect for splitting small sticks or cutting limbwoodThe Small Forest Axe is excellent for felling trees and limbing
6. Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maul 31.50 Inch Wood Splitting Axe, 450
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
5 1/2 ib. HeadLength with handle: 80 cm (31.5”)Weight: 3,2 kg (7 lb)Sheath in vegetable-tanned leather
7. Hults Bruk Sarek Wood Splitting Axe
Sentiment score: 0
Number of reviews: 1
Made in SwedenSolid Swedish Steel Axe HeadSolid American Hickory Wood Handle4.5 Pounds Overall Weight30 Inch Handle Length
8. Kings County Tools Japanese Kindling Hand Axe | Unique Beaded Design | 4-1/2” Laminated Steel Blade | Hardwood Handle | Excellent Balance | Weighs 1.6 Pounds
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
JAPANESE BEARDED BLADE – Shape allows you to bring your hand closer for controlled work as the center of gravity shifts to this areaSTRONG LAYERED STEEL - The high-carbon edge is sandwiched between thick layers of softer steel that give the super-sharp edge great strength and easy to sharpenSPLIT ...
9. Condor Tool & Knife, Woodworker Axe, American Hickory Handle with Sheath
Sentiment score: 0
Number of reviews: 1
Crafted from the highest quality materialsBuilt for performance and durabilityMade in El SalvadorHandle: American Hickory 18 inchBlade Material: 1045 HIGH CARBON STEELBlade Finish: Condor Classic
10. Condor Tool & Knife, German Style Splitting Axe, American Hickory Handle With Sheath
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
Crafted from the highest quality materialsBuilt for performance and durabilityMade in El SalvadorHandle: American Hickory 34 inchBlade Material: 1045 HIGH CARBON STEELBlade Finish: Condor Classic
11. Husqvarna 30" Wooden Splitting Axe, Large
Sentiment score: 0
Number of reviews: 1
Best suited for splitting thicker woodHead is attached to the hickory shaft using both a wooden and Steel Wedge to secure fasteningHead is designed to go easy into the wood, with minimal effort by the chopper and split the wood in two partsLong handle creates extra power and Utilizes a two-hand grip...
12. Tandy Leather Factory Size 2 Edge Beveler, Original Version
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
Bevels And Rounds Off Edges Of LeatherThe Larger The Number, The Wider The BevelPackage Contains Size 2Country Of Origin : Taiwan
13. Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP - Preserves and Protects Leather - Great for Boots and More - 4 oz
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
Repels water better & longerRepels chemicals, manure acid, salt, concreteResists dry toy, scuffing, crackingResists mildew, mold, bacteria growthRestores & Preserves dried-out leather natually
14. Cold Steel 90TH Trail Hawk American Hickory Handle, One Size
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
Sport type: Tactical & MilitaryCare instructions: Hand WashOverall Length: 22.00"Handle Material: American HickoryBlade Length: 6 1/2" (Hawk Length)Weight: 1.34 lbs.
15. SOG Tactical Tomahawks - Throwing Hatchet, Throwing Tomahawk, Survival Tactical Axe with Sheath and Emergency Breaching Tool with Spike (F01TN-CP),black
Sentiment score: 0
Number of reviews: 1
SOG TACTICAL AXE WITH BITE: At 15.75 inches, these throwing hatchets and tomahawks are built to swing fast and true; these tomahawk throwing axes feature a razor-sharp 420 stainless steel hatchet blade24 OUNCE TACTICAL AXES: Light yet heavy-duty, tactical throwing hatchet is a superb survival axe a...
16. Council Tool 2.25 lb Boy's Axe, 28 inch Curved Handle
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
2.25 lb Boy's Axe with 24 inch Curved HandleHand sharpened, tapered bit for cutting and light splittingThe interior detail of the eye is tapered and allows for a strong mechanical bond. Approximately 1/2" of overall length of the handle is removed during assemblyThe serrated shape improves bite, and...
17. Estwing Fireside Friend Axe - 14" Wood Splitting Maul with Forged Steel Construction & Shock Reduction Grip - E3-FF4
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
Crafted from the highest quality materialsBuilt for performance and durabilityMade in United States
18. Richard 625-3000 Kell Brass Bevel Gauge
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
Made of good quality productsSelect propellants that deliver consistent accuracy and performanceProduct is manufactured in United Kingdom
19. BAHCO 332-21-51 21 Inch Pointed Nose Bow Saw
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
Small and handy bow saw for all around usePointed nose makes the saw ideal for use in tight spacesUsed for pruning and roofing workModel 332 is equipped with an Ergo handle
20. Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
Woodworking hand tool designed for curved workAdjustable cutters ideal for shaping chair seats, legs, and other curved detailsReplaceable bladesIncludes vinyl pouch that protects plane when not in useCutter width: 2-1/8 inches; tool length: 10 inches; limited lifetime warranty
TBH I've gotten away from carrying an axe while backpacking entirely. If I'm splitting small logs I've really found that batoning them with a solid knife is just fine for me. So yeah, normally I just bring my knife and a bow saw like this. I just strap the body to my pack and pack the blade away safely. Saves a lot on weight (saw is < 11 oz.) and still gets me good results.
Ultimately we can't tell you what to do with your own axes, but I'd strongly advise against hacking up the one you've got. It seems like a lot of work and potential for botching it for pretty minimal gain.
First, get a leather edge beveler, like this. it will make your leather appear much more polished and clean.
Next, get a stitching awl and some waxed nylon thread. i cant quite see your stitches because it looks like you filled the stitch line with leather conditioner, but they seem like they are too far apart. when punching the holes, it is useful to use a stitching pony to help hold everything together while you stitch.
Your edges are unfinished, but it isnt too late.... you can still burnish them. get them slightly damp by wiping with a wet sponge (you only need one or two passes!) and then rub the edge vigorously with a very smooth object. even a sharpie or a very smooth countertop will work. I know some folks that use denim or canvas as well... like they say, there are many ways to skin a cat! just keep rubbing until the edge appears shiny and smooth. it shouldnt take more than a few minutes.
also, the watch distracts from the presentation of your craftsmanship. remove it from all future photos
I really like my Fiskars axe it's done everything I've tried to do with it. From carving spoons to splitting cottonwood (it was free) for the fireplace and yes cutting young trees very easily. Mostly gamble oak and mostly in one lick.
I have other axes that I like better. Two old double bits, one from when my dad was in the forest service and one i got on eBay that says CCCID on it. And an old fire axe I got from a thrift store I enjoy using these more but they don't work any better and I can't tell you where to buy your own.
The Fiskars axe is the one I leave in my truck because I like the others to much to let them rattle around back there full time and because it's always there it gets used the most (I only break out the others when I'm going to get logs to sawmill or burn).
Some people don't like the fiskars because it dosent have super hard steel but I haven't had a problem with it and I even dropped it onto concrete all along the edge from about 4 feet it made a little nick in the blade but it is still very usable.
As for the husquvarna axe (I'm assuming this one) it looks good a little more than double the cost of the fiskars and I am more of a sthil man myself they where about $80 at my local dealer last time I checked (about a year ago).
Yes. The BLO should be good enough for a working tool. I replace the finish on all my hammers and axes with BLO and they hold up well. The BLO/beeswax can feel nicer in the hand but I'm not sure that it is tougher. Though the leather will do a better job of absorbing the melted wax then wood does.
For leather I prefer obenauf over generic mink oil. I think it does a better job but I haven't run a side by side test. I put that on all leather products so I would put that on first out of habit.
Fiskars X7
14" hatchet for $24 (WalMart), w/ a lifetime guarantee. The steel is a little softer than a Gransfors Bruks or Wetterlings, but it's also super-easy to sharpen and takes a good edge. It splits well, chops well and carves well. I've used mine to carve a bow-drill kit.
Here's a video review.
I almost got the Estwing, but it's heavier and the handle doesn't go all the way up to the head, which makes carving, detail work and fine splitting difficult.
I'd really like to have a Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe because it's the right size and the bit is heat treated to a greater hardness, so it'll take and hold a much sharper edge, but that also means it's more brittle. I live in Kentucky, with lots of Oak and Ash trees and those woods are tough enough to chip a hard, brittle edge.
A Council Tool Velvicut Hudson Bay Axe would also be a great option. Though pricey, it performs as well as a Gransfors Bruks, but with a slightly softer edge so it can take a bit more abuse.
I use the splitting maul. Its awesome. My favorite tool I own. Some of my buddies think its strange I enjoy splitting wood. But this maul makes it enjoyable.
http://www.amazon.com/Gransfors-Bruks-450-Splitting-Maul/dp/B000WIOE7A
For the ~$30 range I would recommend the Cold Steel Trail Hawk.
I say this because you'll find that
Congratulations on the nuptials!
Stanley spoke shave works great and under $20. You've got enough meat on that handle that you can practice and get the blade right.
Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002X1ZG?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Then use your rasp there to clean it up and get things rounded off better. Finally moving to some sandpaper.
A worthy endeavor, but in the interim, do have any good links to videos or literature that show axmanship, technique, and safety? Personally, I can't recommended The Axe Book by Dudley Cook
That or any literature or videos from the USFS
Eastwing makes a nice hatchet (My father has one that was handed down to him from his father that although it needs a restore job still works well). It is however heavier than something with a wooden handle so if weight is a concern you may want to look more this way. (Sorry I don't know how to pretty up a link)
http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-X7-Inch-Hatchet-78506935/dp/B0002YTO7E/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1418002422&amp;sr=8-7&amp;keywords=fiskars
Splitting out a bunch of handle blanks from an oak log with an axe and some field-crafted wedges (although steel wedges or additional axes are a better choice.)
From the video description (some video "boilerplate" removed):
----
"Splitting an oak log into billets, staves or "rails" for axe handles, bowstaves, and other projects. Traditional and Green woodworking often starts with splitting wood for further processing rather than sawing it. It is possible to split most logs with one axe and disposable wooden wedges.
Link for the Council tool boy's axe, the red one in this video: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IJVDL8 The black headed axe that I use the most in this video is the forest service version of the council tool boy's axe, available only from Omaha Knife. There is another new model out now and 4 versions on the market in total. The red one is the cheapest and when you get a good one they are good axes but there are occasional quality control issues with the tempering resulting in soft edges. I think they are all pretty similar in the long run.
Every time I’ve seen this style it’s been referred to as a Japanese style carving axe.
https://www.highlandwoodworking.com/index.aspx/ImageGallery/Index?productId=7101
https://www.amazon.com/Kings-County-Tools-Japanese-Laminated/dp/B005CR4VHY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=carving+axe&amp;qid=1558048007&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-1-spons&amp;psc=1
And I’ve seen a new one for sale with the exact same unique wedging/head mounting method with the extra metal tab but now I’m coming up dry in my searches.
Nice find!
Edit: given the head size, it may have originally been hung on a full size handle.
https://www.woodcraft.com/products/5-1-2-carpenters-axe-daiku-ono-abe
I have the husqvarna 26" axe which is made by hults bruks. It has been a fantastic axe and keeps its edge very well. I also have a gransfors bruks axe and the quality of the husqvarna is nearly identical.
https://www.amazon.com/Husqvarna-576926201-Curved-Wooden-Multipurpose/dp/B004WJGXAQ
A brief overview:
First, read the sidebar. It's right over there to your right. Go ahead. We can wait. After you do that, this is a brief history of the Kelly Axe Company. I myself recently found an old Kelly Perfect axe in my late grandfather's shed. There is a really good video called "An Axe To Grind," produced by the US Forest Service that details hanging and sharpening an axe. There is also a really good book that's worth picking up. Also, you can check out Wranglerstar on YouTube. He does lots of tool restoration. I do warn you, though, he's a deeply religious guy, and not afraid to tell you about it. That kind of thing can get under people's skin. As for a handle, I'd recommend making one yourself. The first one will be a PITA and will probably wind up getting changed for your second one, but the feeling of empowerment you get from that experience will change your worldview.
To your questions specifically:
Take a look at the Hults Bruk "Sarek" and "Björk". You should also consider the Husqvarna splitting axe (manufactured by Hults Bruk). All of these have raised cheeks for splitting and should fit your needs well.
I'm just posting links to some random stores here so you can take a look:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004VQOAV4/ref=psdcmw_554566_t3_B011ZY1YAO
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011ZY1YAO/ref=dp_cerb_1
https://www.amazon.com/Hults-Bruk-Sarek-Wood-Splitting/dp/B07KRHJJMM
Any examples of it? I must admit I'm intrigued.
Edit: Found the culprit. https://www.amazon.com/Husqvarna-576926201-Curved-Wooden-Multipurpose/dp/B004WJGXAQ
Here you are and it's only $29.79. There is another Sog T for a couple dollars less.
Fiskars 23.5-Inch Chopping Axe
http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-7857-X15-23-5-Inch-Chopping/dp/B000BX4SBI
here ya go
https://www.amazon.com/Condor-Tool-Knife-Woodworker-American/dp/B004WMFMUU
Also, much as I hate to say it, I bet there is a fiskars just about identical to what you described. Those will likely be in your budget as well.
Remember that the lighter the axe head, the more work you have to do and the shorter the handle, the more dangerous. Unless you are 3 feet tall, boys axe or 3/4 axe with a 2.5lb head is in no way too small. The Husqvarna should be a good bet.
Not to be a downer but I was just this week shopping for my first axe. I thought the X7 was attractive for price but I always go on Amazon and look at the worst reviews to see if they are reasonable objections, or just people who don't know what they're talking about. Many of them reported the edge bending/folding after light use.
http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-78506935-X7-Hatchet-14-Inch/product-reviews/B0002YTO7E/ref=cm_cr_dp_qt_hist_one?ie=UTF8&amp;filterBy=addOneStar&amp;showViewpoints=0
I won't leave you with bad news without some good.
This is what I settled on: http://www.helkonorthamerica.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&amp;products_id=204
It's the Helko German Standard Universal Axe. I obviously haven't had the chance to use it yet but if you take a look at their description of their manufacturing techniques and specifications, it's a VERY good sign. My understanding is that these are primarily sold in Europe, so I couldn't find many Youtube reviews, but again the mfg. standards speak for themselves. All that for only $49 + $5 shipping!