Whether you live at home and need a quality ax for your current home business, or that you like to travel on the mountain with your tent and need a reliable tool to help you make the fire every night, choosing the best ax for splitting wood is a bit of a challenge.
If you have the impression that it is easy to find a quality ax and mainly suitable for your needs, it is very possible to have the surprise that you do not know too many details or even vital information about this type of tool. Whether you are a conventional user, needing a new model in the household, or needing a professional ax for various other activities, the information on how to quickly select an ax or a wood splitter is not available on all roads.
Why Would You Need an Ax?
There are three main ways you need a product of this kind, and from this perspective, you have to choose either a model for cutting or for carving or a wood split ax. To distinguish them without problems, you will first consider the profile of the tool, and here we refer to the angle that the edge creates.
To cut trees, logs, and any wood, you need a very sharp cut pattern. In this case, not only the cut is essential, it must always be very well sanded, but also how deep it can enter the wood. The entire force of the shot must focus on the first point of contact, that is, the line of the blade, which causes it to cut more efficiently.
The laws of physics confirm this, saying that punching occurs more easily when the same amount of force is concentrated on a smaller surface. Last but not least, you have to remember that the cutting option is specifically designed to cut perpendicularly on wood fibers.
A split spindle will have a different shape contour in the sense that the angle with the cutting edge will be lighter. So, the profile needs to be broader to efficiently separate the material through which it passes. Practically, the wood portions are forced by the broader profile of the ax to move away from each other by intermingling a thicker blade.
As in the previous case, the shape will allow the action according to the orientation direction of the fibers, in this case, the tool only cutting parallel to them and not transversally (perpendicularly). If you use an ax to chop wood cracks, you will soon damage it irremediably.
For carving, the instrument features will be very similar to those used in splitting wood. There are, however, two sub-typologies, differentiated by the orientation of the cut concerning the handle. When the line described by the edge is parallel to the one depicted by the handle, the confirmation is that of a conventional ax, useful for cutting or splitting.
You easily distinguish it from a variant for cracked wood material, because the blade is much broader in the edges of the cut than in the handle joint, having a fan-like shape.
On the other hand, when the line of the cut is perpendicular to the handle, it means that you are dealing with a professional teddy tool, used by carpenters to cut the wood.
The Edge and Its Shape
You can choose from conventional models with a single cutting edge, or you can prefer a two-tailed ax. The shape refers to the direction described by the side and maybe right or curved.
The most popular choice as a wood splitting ax and for cutting is the one with a single edge. This is since the pushing force will have a separate transfer edge for the energy imprinted by the speed at which the material is struck, and the opposite side, the blade, may be useful as a hammer.
The double-edged twin is useful for those who prefer a better balance of the blade due to the symmetry with which it is built. In the fully regular version, we recommend this tool for those who prefer the sports to the target. If the two edges have different shapes and sizes, the model will be useful in carpentry and especially in carving and molding wood, as you can get two tools in one.
If the cut is perfectly straight, then the ax will be more useful in shaping the wood by eliminating even and less deep chips. For chips of different shapes and sizes, a full curved cut in a fan is used. For cutting and even a split ax, the shape of the cut will be bent, but the edge will not be very long.
Always Look for Top Quality Materials
For the head of the ax is sought for the best quality steel, often in carbon-enriched form or other materials that increase its impact and pressure resistance. Those who want to buy professional axes are advised to select a product that contains between 0.3 and 0.6% carbon.
Also, more buyers will prefer a stainless-steel ax, as this choice is less vulnerable to rust and has limited maintenance. As a method of obtaining, we advise you to look for forged products, as this technique gives you the best results for durability and durability.
The tail can be made of metal, wood or plastic enriched with glass fiber. Currently, the best alternative to the resistance/weight ratio is the last one, is preferred to a forged ax, no matter if we are talking about a professional or conventional model, especially when the tool has to withstand the shocks of the applied strokes and not hinder the movements.
For metal, which does not absorb the shocks efficiently as a material, you need to be sure that you will not get tired of manipulating the piece, which will cause you to analyze your weight in advance. The tail made of wood will greatly absorb the shocks, but great attention when choosing it, because if the wood fibers are not oriented in length, it can break into too violent blows. Consider the length of the handle, and the length of the assembled ax, to better determine the usefulness of each object.
Utility Guide for the Best Ax for Splitting Wood
Depending on where you plan to use this tool, you will have pieces of different sizes, which are confirmed by many opinions about the best axes.
If you want a model of camping ax, then you have to think about the ultra-portable version. Here we mention the pepper, having a total length (with the tail) of 30 – 32cm, which is supposed to be easily packed and transported in hiking.
When looking for a more versatile (all purpose) model, you will see that the chosen range has all the features of a military axe, this pattern is used for most parts used in various activities and by household: total length 44 – 46cm (ideal for handling with a single hand), slightly arched tail in “S”, weighing 500 – 900g and wide blade for splitting.
When you want an ax to help you cut the tree branches out of a lateral position, its total length should be slightly larger, about 60cm, over a weight of approximately 900g. The profile is usually sharper, useful for cutting. The beneficial part is that it will be easy enough to handle it with one hand, but it is also a good length when you want to use both arms.
For tree felling, you can choose one or two cuts. This type of ax will total about 85 – 87cm in length, weighing 1300-1800g and will have a sharp profile and curved blade.
Like the following, it will be an excellent example as a professional ax. Both for cutting and breaking through various materials, you will choose a hybrid version, having a length of at least 87cm, a weight of less than 2Kg and an average profile. This prototype is most commonly used by firefighters.
Other design details: Even if most sizes are standardized in fabrication, you will figure out whether an ax seems to be ergonomic, comparing a few parameters that professional woodcutters have followed for hundreds of years.
For example, in the camping model, if you hold the blade in your hand, aligning the handle with the forearm, the tip of the blade will close to the wrist or below. The same happens with the one for the branches or the all-purpose, only that the top of the handle will reach the subbranch.
When checking the balance of the piece, grasp the handpiece product close to the blade, extending just the thumb to know at what distance should the palm be positioned. Then, fully opening it, you will realize if the tax remains in balance or inclines. If it is perfectly balanced, it means you have chosen a perfect tool. Last but not least, the head of the ax and the cut must be perfectly aligned on the straight line described by the tail.
If, after the reading of this guide has been completed, there are people who want to find out where they find reasonable prices at the top, we recommend ordering products from the Internet. In stores, it’s hard to find a Swedish ax from Husqvarna or Fiskars, two of the world’s most excellent suppliers of such tools.
Besides other famous online brands such as Stanley, Roland or Stihl, you will notice that prices are lower than those in stores. That’s why the top we’ve made here includes the most attractive top-quality deals on the Internet.
How to use an Ax – The Easy Guide
An ax is a tool that should not cause you too much trouble in terms of use, but make sure you handle it correctly, as accidents that can occur due to inappropriate behavior will be really tragic.
If you count among less experienced users, we suggest that you pay close attention to the instructions to be presented to you. We will also try to give you some tips on how to maintain such a tool, so do not leave the page!
Preparation & Maintenance
It goes without saying that the first step is to sharpen the blade of the instrument to give the best performance. This operation plays a significant role, so we advise you to give it a lot of attention. Former US President Abraham Lincoln said at one point: “Give me 6 hours to take a tree and spend the first 4 hours shaving the ax.” Of course, it’s a metaphor – as clearly and genuinely as possible.
What this is trying to say, in fact, is that any task can be carried out in a concise time, with little effort, if the necessary preparations have been made beforehand.
Also, during cold days, we recommend warming the blade before using the ax, as it may crack after a few powerful blows. Careful! It does not have to be too hot, as this can affect the hardness of the steel. Preferably, you can touch the edge surface without feeling any thermal discomfort.
Maneuvering
Once you have done the above steps, you should go to the work surface preparation. Managing an ax requires a lot of space, so we suggest you make sure nobody and nothing will stand in the way of the blade. Any obstacle can change its trajectory, causing an unfortunate accident.
To check the existence of such an object, lightly swing the ax in all directions and see if it does not hit or cling to something. For added safety, we advise you never to leave your children near the work area, as they are unpredictable and can be injured.
Uses
If you’re ready to go to work, grab the ax with both hands. A right-hander will always position his left hand at the base of the ax and the right one somewhere in the upper area, while a left-hander will reverse. The socket must be firm but not too tight!
When you hit, let the hand placed on the head of the ax slid quickly to the base at the base, meeting at the moment of impact. In the case of relatively small size models, things are a little more straightforward. All you have to do is catch the ax of the ax near the base and do not let the instrument get rid of you when it’s swinging.
Regardless of the purchased ax, try to focus on the direction rather than focusing on force, as this will allow you to finish your job in a much shorter time.
Storage
Never let your ax out when you do not use it, as moisture can cause rusting of the blade and bending the tail. It would also be advisable to store it in a hidden place, as far as the eyes of the little ones, because they will be tempted to “play” with the instrument and can easily be injured.
Top 5 Axes – Based on personal choice (First-hand experience with the top 3)
1. Fiskars x11
If you are interested in a wood splitting model, praised for its performance and handling ergonomics, this Fiskars X11 ax is a professional alternative. It’s recommended as good as you use it while cutting logs or merely cracking logs for the fire. We realize the capabilities of the object, analyzing its high angle profile and the cut with a very fine curvature.
The blade weighs 340g and is made of high-quality steel. With a total of 1074g and a length of 44.4cm, this track respects the features of an all-purpose model that you can handle without difficulty with just one hand. It is a shaft made of fiberglass, shaped with some curves that increase its ergonomics. On delivery, you also get a unique sheath made of plastic that prevents injuries and ensures optimum transport.
The popularity of this offer suggests that it includes the best all-purpose ax with splitting profile offered by Fiskars, the Finnish company with a remarkable tradition in the production of such tools.
Pros:
- It will help you crack wood or split logs, based on the wide profile blade.
- It is very easy to handle with one hand, weighing about 1Kg.
- The head is made of steel and glass fiber tail, a combination highly sought after by professional craftsmen.
- It comes with a special sheath that allows you to carry it safely.
Cons:
- It is not recommended for cutting trees, having a broad profile.
2. Strend Pro GSA1002
When looking for a new householder, it’s natural to move towards a more adaptable model of conventional work, especially recommended for splitting and splitting wood. Thanks to its cost or very accessible to anyone, we recommend this Strand Pro product. It consists of a Teflon steel blade, which slides easily into the wood, allowing minimal friction and wears reduction.
It is used primarily for wood splitting, having a full profile and a bent, curved blade. The fiberglass tail will alleviate shocks of shocks, also providing a secure grip on the rubber seal. With a weight of the only 1Kg and a moderate length of about 40cm, this piece can be held and used in one hand.
The Strand Pro GSA1002 demonstrates a reliable construction and is an inexpensive and good ax, and that’s why we recommend it to anyone who wants to buy such a tool for conventional use besides the house.
Pros:
- It’s a purchase that will cost you a little.
- It has a quality blade made of steel and Teflon, preventing friction with wood.
- It is lightweight and moderate in size and can be used in one hand.
- The glass fiber handle is very lightweight, absorbs the shocks efficiently and has a rubber seal for a better fit.
Cons:
- It will not be useful in the professional regime nor in tree cutting.
3. Gardena 900B
This universal ax will do its best, whether you take it with you on a trip or camping or prefer to use it for small home repairs. The model is made of high-quality materials with plastic handle and steelhead. A smooth anti-adherence film covers the blade, preventing the rust from appearing and guaranteeing a better slip of the cut in wood. It can be used to crack wood because the profile is wide and the line of the minimally curved cut.
For one-handed ergonomic handling, any user will appreciate the rubber grip that prevents slipping and the limited length of only 34cm. Even the 900g in weight will not pose problems, the piece being very light and wearing the strap directly, as it also includes a special grip device in this way.
The Gardena offer is one of the most efficient models of a universally usable ax and is recommended for conventional home or camping or hiking applications based on robust, yet ergonomic construction.
Pros:
- Excellent price.
- It is tiny and can be taken to camp because it measures only 34cm and weighs 900g.
- The slightly curved edge and full profile indicate the possibility of efficiently cutting logs.
- Under the quality and investment, the offer is a profitable one.
Cons:
- Some users do not consider the plastic handle as an asset.
4. Black & Decker Cleaver
We can fit this log splitter into the professional offer category from the well-known Black & Decker brand. The typology can be quickly recognized through the steel blade, which is characterized by an average profile, confirmed by an almost imperceptible curve. The method of obtaining is one that favors excellent results in equilibrium, as the glass fiber tail was poured directly over the blade.
The handle is both lightweight and durable, with a non-slip grip and a curved shape for a comfortable grip. Weighing only 575g and having the short tail, there is no question of maneuverability, for anyone can hold it in one hand. To be easy to carry, a specially shaped sheath is included in the delivery kit.
Being built for splitting and bringing together a sum of positive qualities, this Black & Decker ax also shows the benefit of an excellent balance between quality and cost of acquisition, deserving the attention it benefits from this top.
Pros:
- It is small but robust, effortless to handle, based on the low weight, 575g.
- It is mainly used for splitting logs in professional mode, with specific blade geometry and cast handle.
- Includes a lightweight, ergonomic tail and successfully absorbs shocks made from fiberglass.
- The package also offers reliable transport support.
Cons:
- Not recommended for sectioning or carving.
5. Strend Pro OrgA613
People who are looking for a little axle for sale, used in many household applications, will have the surprise to discover how inexpensive and adaptable this StrendPro is. As well as how it can help you crawl wood, it will manage to crack them. We recognize this from the average profile, with a curvature of the well-represented cut.
The head is made of wrought steel, and the handle is made of wood, a material that best suits the mechanical shock absorption. The track has a limited length of about 40 cm and weighs only 800g, which makes us say that it is just as ergonomic to one-handed handling, having dimensions close to a big ax.
Whether you want to take it to the camping or use it next to the home, this all-purpose product will do its job excellent, being small and easy to handle, and its primary asset remains the meager purchase cost.
Pros:
- It is used with one hand because it weighs 800g and is modeled as a camping ax.
- It will also be useful for chiseling and splitting due to the curved blade with a moderate width profile.
- The head is made of quality steel, forged, so very durable.
- Spend a minimum amount on this tool.
Cons:
- Although the wooden tail absorbs vibrations very well, it can crack or break.
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