It would seem that there is no simpler tool than an ax. Maybe a shovel. However, in fact, making an ax so that it perfectly performs its functions, is convenient and lasts a long time is not so easy. Many people remember the old Soviet axes, which were successfully used by more than one generation of men in the family. However, their quality varied greatly; moreover, the wooden handle could not withstand the loads and required periodic hammering of the wedges, and then, sooner or later, complete replacement.
Today there are tools on the market that combine several decades of manufacturing experience, technologically advanced materials and special equipment. The result is Finnish axes from Fiskars, which are at the top of the ranking of similar products.
Main characteristics
When performing various tasks in the garden, it is advisable to use high-quality tools.
Fiskars universal axes have incredible functionality. They have a modern design and ergonomic shape. One of the latest innovations is a three-dimensional handle made of SoftGrip material. It has touch points that provide a comfortable grip. During production, the working surface is subjected to a double hardening procedure, due to which the blade becomes strong and reliable. The blade design is made using a special grinding technology, thanks to which the sharp edge has better contact with the wood. It is quite wide, so dense wood can be split with a few blows.
The blade remains sharp for a long time because it is covered with a protective layer of Teflon. It reduces friction by 25% and protects the blade from the negative effects of moisture.
With the Fiskars axe, which has only good reviews, you can easily split powerful logs and cut down trees with thick trunks. Due to the fact that weight and power are correctly distributed during operation, the impact is very strong. It is almost impossible to break FiberComp handles. FiberComp is a rare fiberglass composite that:
- has low weight;
- stronger than steel;
- prevents surfaces from slipping;
- immune to rust;
- has shock-absorbing properties and low cold conductivity.
However, one must keep in mind that each type of ax is effective only in its own area, for example, it is quite difficult for carpenters to cut down a large trunk, and a cleaver is not intended for performing fine carpentry work. The model range of Fiskars axes is distinguished by its diversity.
Blade
An equally important parameter. All cleavers are divided into two categories based on blade type:
- The so-called eared blades. Such axes are intended for chopping only dry logs and logs, since they get stuck in damp ones. This feature of the blade is the reason that many users do not understand how to work with cleavers of this type and resort to sharpening the blade, believing that it is dull and does not cope with its task. As a result, work becomes even worse. To avoid getting the ax stuck in the wood, it is enough to intensify the blows or apply a second blow with the butt, if it is not possible to increase the force. In most cases, after such manipulations, the log splits easily.
- Wedge-shaped blade. These cleavers are designed for working with raw wood. The dull, wide blade does not get stuck in the log, so the log can be divided into pieces in a few strokes. Wedge-shaped blades do not sharpen because they must be dull and only in this state can they chop dry wood.
Which brand ax to choose?
As we already mentioned in one of the articles, hand tools are produced by many companies around the world. Similar enterprises exist in every country - from some Uganda to great Russia. The production methods used are approximately the same. Tool steel is available everywhere, and handle material is easy to find. And yet, some companies have become world leaders - their products can be found not only in their homeland, but also in other countries.
The most popular axes in our country are under the following brands:
When choosing an ax, you should not pay special attention to the country of origin. Believe me, a high-quality product is produced in Russia, and in Germany, and in the USA, and in many other countries
Properties of new models
The Finnish company constantly introduces the latest technologies. The new generation of cleavers has become tools with an improved blade. To increase efficiency, the center of gravity is slightly shifted. As a result, the new models began to differ from the previous ones in several additional properties:
Double hardening together with precision grinding increased the strength of the blade.- Productivity has increased.
- Work has become safer.
- The handle has acquired shock-absorbing properties.
- There is a special hook at the end of the handle that prevents the tool from falling out of the hand.
- The handle is pressed into the ax handle under high pressure. The instrument will never split into several components.
If you follow the basic rules when choosing a tool, you can be sure that such an ax will be used for many years.
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The best splitting ax
MATRIX 21816
Hand tools under the MATRIX brand have proprietary fiberglass handles. This ax is no exception. Its handle is made of the above-mentioned material. Additionally, the creators rubberized it. The result is a very beautiful instrument. But much more interesting is the fact that it does not slip in your hands at all.
And this is important, because the length of the ax is 880 mm. With a weight of 2 kg, the swing turns out to be sweeping and strong - under no circumstances should the ax slip out
There are special thickenings on both sides of the working blade. It is thanks to them that the ax is called a cleaver. The wood splits under the pressure of these thickenings even if the blow is not very strong. It is also impossible not to note the fact that the blade is made of grade 45 steel and is forged. The cutting edge has a Rockwell hardness of 48-50 HRc.
Advantages:
- There are special thickenings on the sides of the canvas;
- Very long handle;
- Fiberglass material is rubberized;
- High blade hardness;
- The head is placed very tightly on the handle;
- The weight of the ax has been deliberately increased.
Flaws:
- Many people will find it too expensive;
- There are examples with poorly processed steel;
- Forgotten hanging hole.
Advantages and disadvantages
The pros and cons of such a product, on the one hand, characterize this particular type of ax, and on the other hand, they give a general assessment of axes in comparison with other means for cutting wood. First of all, its advantage is its low cost compared to its closest competitors - chainsaws. Although, on the other hand, using axes is physically more difficult and, in addition, they are more expensive than hacksaws.
Compared to travel axes and axes, the universal look is best balanced due to the optimal ratio of weight and size of the blade and handle. In addition, modern multifunctional tools have multiple blade attachments, which ensures their reliability. Unfortunately, sometimes additional sharpening is required after purchasing an ax in a store.
The best carpenter's axes
IZHSTAL 030904-120
The company, located in Izhevsk, produces a variety of hand tools, which are then sold at a very low price. And if other budget products have a number of disadvantages, then IZHSTAL axes generally only delight their customers. The model we are considering is a quality product. It uses a wooden handle that practically does not slip in your hands. The instrument turned out to be weighty, which only benefits it.
The manufacturer used hard wood to make the handle. The fastening of the ax turned out to be quite reliable. This tool is recommended for splitting, cutting and processing wood. In particular, the ax has proven itself well in carpentry and cutting wood.
Advantages:
- Reliable wooden handle;
- Weight is 1200 grams;
- Excellent ax handle made of steel;
- Very low cost;
- Well sharpened.
Flaws:
- Approximately every fifth copy is defective;
- No hanging hole.
Husqvarna 5769264-01
One of the best carpenter's axes. Its handle was made of wood, and it has an ergonomic shape and a hole for hanging. The total length of the tool is 375 mm. It differs in that the ax handle here sits on the handle, as if poured into it. Some buyers have no complaints even after two years of regular use of this ax. The fastening system consists of two wedges: one is wooden and the other is steel.
The only serious drawback of the product is its price. This is explained by the fact that Swedish steel was used to make the butt. We must also not forget that Husqvarna is not a Russian company, and therefore certain funds were spent on the delivery of the tool. Otherwise, it is impossible to find fault with the axe.
Advantages:
- Sharp sharpening;
- The butt is made of Swedish steel;
- The handle hardly slips in your hands;
- High-quality wood was used to produce the handle;
- Optimal weight (985 g);
- Good case included;
- There is a hole for hanging on a hook.
Flaws:
MATRIX 21640
Nowadays, axes with handles made of rubberized fiberglass are increasingly coming on sale. MATRIX 21640 is one of them. This type of handle is good for several reasons. Firstly, it reduces the weight of the tool. In this case, the mass does not exceed 0.6 kg. Secondly, such an ax does not slip in your hands at all. Thirdly, it is impossible to damage the fiberglass handle, which has a positive effect on the service life of the tool.
The ax handle of MATRIX 21640 is made of 60G steel; the open forging method was used for this purpose. Buyers note that the handle of this tool does not deform under any conditions. They are also delighted with the low expenditure of force, which is facilitated by the decent inertia of the impact.
Advantages:
- The handle cannot be damaged;
- The rubberized surface absorbs all vibrations;
- Minimum expenditure of effort;
- The ax does not slip in your hands;
- Quite sharp sharpening;
- Durable ax handle;
- There is a hole for hanging.
Flaws:
There is not enough weight for the most effective cutting.
Manufacturers rating
Fiskars
The Finnish company Fiskars, founded in 1649, is now an international supplier of gardening products and tools for home use. For example, a special series of Fiskars Solid tools has been developed for gardening.
Gardena
German leader in garden tools from A to Z since 1961. Nowadays they are leading manufacturers of intelligent garden care systems.
One of the largest and most popular industrial gardening and industrial equipment companies in the world.
Hultafors
The Swedish manufacturer of working tools has been producing all types of products in question since 1883 in accordance with old traditions. A striking example is the Hultafors Felling Ax HY 20.
The best domestic manufacturer of tools and equipment for home and industry.
Kraftool
Another German company that produces professional equipment for construction and repair work.
For more information about universal axes, watch the video below.
Rules of care
The condition of the instrument and the result of the work depend on proper care. The greatest attention is paid to purchasing a branded sharpener. It is a grinding stone made of special ceramics.
For sharpening:
- They lower their head into the groove.
- Turn it several times (the process lasts less than a minute).
It is also worth considering these recommendations:
- store in a dry and warm place;
- avoid exposure to sunlight;
- protect from moisture;
- do not work with objects harder than wood.
Compact tourist Fiskars.
Peculiarities
A multifunctional forged ax in skillful hands can help in preparing firewood for the winter, cutting down branches and even a whole tree. Such a universal tool, in its structure, is similar to others, because it consists of a butt, blade, blade and handle, but has unique features. The main distinguishing features of such an ax include weight, length of the handle, and the sharpening angle of the blade.
Handle weight and length
Unlike other types of axes, universal axes are characterized by relatively large weight. They usually reach one and a half kilograms (for example, the Paratech Biel Tool ax), and this is enough for effective manual work, for example, woodworking. The length of the handle of this product reaches 50 centimeters, since this size guarantees maximum ease of use for a person of average height.
Blade shape and sharpening angle
The most distinctive feature of a utility forged ax is the rounded appearance of its blade. The unique shape significantly influences the work with different types of wood. Thanks to the sharpening angle of 30 degrees, the ax fits better into the logs, separates its chips and thereby reduces the applied effort.
If, when purchasing a tool, it has a straight edge, then you simply need to sharpen and change the shape of the blade to make it easier and more efficient to work with the axe. However, you should entrust this work to specialists, because achieving the ideal shape and thickness is quite difficult. If the cutting edge angle is made too small, the ax will get stuck between the fibers and, conversely, with a large blade angle, the required force during operation increases.
Weight
Before purchasing, it is advisable to hold the instrument in your hands and evaluate its weight and convenience. The process of chopping wood takes a lot of time and effort, so working with a heavy tool can lead to rapid fatigue. But at the same time, the Fiskars splitting ax should not be too light, since the blows delivered to the wood must have sufficient strength and power.
The average weight of a cleaver is 2-2.5 kilograms. Such axes ensure successful work with medium-sized logs and maintain performance for a long time.
