How to choose the best ax for a hike, its characteristics

The structure of the ax has not changed for centuries: the head and handle. On some you can see a goatee.

It is mainly found on carpenter's axes and looks like a small protrusion near the blade, which enhances the strength of the cutting part to the ax handle and protects it from impacts on the material.

It is believed that such models came to us from Northern Europe, where they were used as military weapons.

The service life of the ax depends on the steel used to make the cutting part of the head. The best blades are made from high-carbon steel, which is impervious to temperature changes and external damage.

In Soviet times, several types of steel were used, they were known under the following markings:

• U7A;
• U8;
• U8A;
• U8GA.

The buyer can check the quality of the steel immediately before purchasing the tool in the store.
To do this, you need to hit the blade on the ax handle with a dense object. The sound should be loud and long. Such a tool will not require constant sharpening from the owner; there will be no nicks or scratches from the wood on it.

A household may need different types of axes, but most often there is only one tool in the house, which is used as a universal one.

How to choose an ax

When choosing an ax, first of all you need to decide on the type of tool. This will determine a number of characteristics that you should pay attention to when purchasing.

The cutting part of the head can be of different widths:

• narrow;
• average;
• wide.

The weight of the tool is important. A heavy ax will cut logs well, but it is impossible to work with it for a long time. Low weight will require great human effort with little impact force.

The choice of ax depends only on the personal preferences of the buyer. Plastic handles are no less durable than traditional wooden handles. And the iron ax handle with a rubberized handle, despite its serious weight, is quite convenient to use.

Important parameters

When choosing a tool, special attention should be paid to the following points:

• Blade shape. It can be rounded or straight. The rounded shape allows you to focus on cutting qualities. The second option is more suitable for splitting wood.
• Sharpening the blade. A sharpening angle of less than 40 degrees allows the ax to penetrate deeper into the material. These tools are ideal for cutting down trees, but will become dull very quickly.

A sharpening angle of 40 degrees or more is ideal for chopping wood and chopping meat.

Many people prefer combined sharpening, when the edges are blunter compared to the center of the blade.

This significantly increases the strength of the tool, especially in cases where the impact force is transferred to the edge of the blade.

• Steel quality. First of all, it affects the durability of the tool. The branded head must have a stamp indicating the grade of tool steel. Preference should always be given to a forged product.
• Ax length. The short handle forces you to work with outstretched arms to increase swing strength. Recoil to the hand in this case will interfere with long and productive work.

The ideal ax handle should match the length of the arm from the shoulder joint to the wrist. This tool is very easy and comfortable to work with.

• Thickness of the axe. The ax handle should fit comfortably in your hand. If your fingers do not close around it, then you can definitely prepare for injuries during work.

Minor parameters

• Place of purchase. Often, tools in large construction stores are more expensive than in the markets. Although this does not affect the quality in any way. The difference in prices for tools from the same manufacturer can be 15-20%.
• Tool price. If the owner of an ax plans to use it almost every day, then you should think about buying a good and expensive tool that will quickly pay for itself.

But if you plan to use it occasionally, then buying an expensive model is not advisable.

• Active advertising from the seller. Each model has pros and cons that have to be taken into account when planning a purchase.

Rules of operation and storage

It’s not enough to buy a good axe. He needs to be provided with proper care and proper storage. Do not use it to cut parts such as nails. Store the tool exclusively in a dry and inaccessible place. Don't forget to sharpen your blade regularly.

When using a tourist ax in noticeably low temperatures and frost, you should exercise maximum caution. This is explained by the fact that in such situations the metal often undergoes cracking and may even begin to crumble.

Certain Finnish-made models cannot withstand having their butts used as hammers. The Soviet versions of such work are not afraid at all.

It is very useful to pay due attention to adjusting the force of the blow produced. Remember: modern tourist types of axes really “don’t like” when they are subjected to excessive loads

If you want your tool to last as long as possible and not be subject to deformation/destruction, then you should follow all the listed rules, be sure to take into account the nuances of operating such products. Treat your camping hatchet with care, do not subject it to unnecessary stress, and store it correctly.

You will learn how to choose the right tourist ax from the video below.

Best travel ax

Typically very light weight and compact in size. The blade of such a hatchet may have semicircular edges to make it easier to carry in a backpack. Most often, manufacturers pay special attention to the design of such an instrument and always provide it with a case.

Main advantages:

• a light weight;
• The instrument is equipped with a protective cover;
• a sharp blade that allows you to use the tool as a knife;
• handle length no more than 50 cm.

Minuses:

• high price (usually significantly above average);
• rust on the blade (after long use the blade becomes covered with a layer of rust, especially after being in the case for a long time);
• not suitable for cutting firewood and logs.

Best models:

• Geter Gator II. It easily wins in the “price-quality” category, it has a low cost, compact size and a comfortable fiberglass handle. The Geter Gator II meets all the requirements for a touring tool.

• Expedition NV-040. It can rightfully be called the most functional among all its brothers. The manufacturer has equipped it with a straight blade and a bright handle to make it easier to find the tool in the forest.

The light weight, just over a kilogram, will not weigh down your travel backpack, and the plastic handle with a rubber lining will make the ax as safe as possible when chopping branches.

• STAYER Taiga. The lightest of the touring models. It has a rounded blade and weighs 800 grams. It has a wooden handle, which is not very convenient during long hiking trips.

The best ax for chopping meat

This type is designed for chopping meat and bones. At home, it can be replaced with a regular multifunctional one, but professional butchers cannot do without such a tool.

It is ideal for chopping carcasses in cafes and restaurants. Only a man can cope with it.

A professional product for chopping meat has considerable weight, a wide blade and high density steel (large manufacturers use alloy steel). The ax handle is most often made of wood.

Main advantages:

• heavy weight makes it easy to cut the most stubborn material;
• the blade is sharpened at an acute angle, which makes working with meat carcasses easier;
• high safety margin;
• durable.

Minuses:

• classic weight of more than 3 kilograms requires the use of great physical strength;
• A wooden ax handle dries out over time.

Model rating:

• “Meat Chopper.” Most popular among butchers. The tool has a forged blade made of high-strength steel, which eliminates the appearance of chips and scratches. The handle is coated with a layer of varnish that provides protection from premature drying.
• "Butcher". It can be considered one of the easiest. The average weight is just over 2 kilograms, the blade is semicircular and has an anti-corrosion coating.
• “Labor” VACHA S901. It has no competitors in the “most proven model” category. The manufacturer has been producing it virtually unchanged since 1950. The ax has a wooden handle and a forged blade with high quality steel.

Model rating

Carpenter's axes are made by forging from U7 and 60G steel. Properly processed and hardened blade material acquires good hardness. Such a product will be durable and will sharpen well. Low carbon stamped steel will dull quickly and is too hard to sharpen well. Often the element crumbles when working with wood, so this blade is considered defective.

The Izhevsk plant produces many tools that are characterized by low cost. Budget products delight customers with high quality.

The following advantages are noted:

• reliable wooden handle;
• optimal weight – 1.2 kg;
• ax handle made of high quality steel;
• good sharpening.

There are also disadvantages:

• the opportunity to purchase a marriage;
• no hanging hole.

Japanese examples of carpenter's axes differ from Izhevsk ones in their increased ergonomics. There is a hole for hanging on the handle. The tool is made very convenient, fits in the carpenter’s hand like a glove. However, frequent use of such a tool does not entail any changes. The only drawback of the products is their high cost.

There are several more convenient models with high sales ratings. For example, Fiskars 121440*10 is in demand. Its blade is double-hardened, has a special coating, and has an interesting shape. The handle is polyamide, but comfortable and reliable. The ax handle, made in the shape of a hook, does not allow the tool to slip out of your hands. The company provides each product with a 10-year warranty.

Ax 21649 from Matrix also has good sales ratings. The product is equipped with a handle made of modern fiberglass material. The blade is high quality, forged, made of 60G steel. This carpenter's ax belongs to the budget price category.

The best ax for chopping wood

Mainly used for cutting logs, it has a hardened carbon steel blade. The handle of the tool is most often made of wood. The sharpening angle of the blade varies between 40-60 degrees.

Main advantages:

• ease of use:
• accessibility for the consumer;
• wide price range.

Minuses:

• very narrow specialization;
• There are a large number of low quality Chinese fakes on the building materials market.

The following stand out in this category:

• TUTAHI. The blade is sharpened for a specific type of wood and can easily be damaged if used for other purposes. It comes with a handmade leather case.
• KRAFTOOL Rhine. Its design can withstand increased daily loads. The blade is made of tool steel, and the handle is carved from hazel wood.
• KRAFTOOL is universal. It copes well with cutting wood and splitting firewood. Used as a professional tool for lumberjacks. The handle consists of two components, which prevents it from splitting during operation.

Which steel is better

Several types of steel are used to produce axes, but grade 9XC is considered the best. Before making a tool from it, the steel is subjected to high-temperature treatment twice, which reduces the level of deformation during broaching.

During the forging process, the workpiece is stretched and the cross-section is reduced - this is how the metal acquires the necessary ductility and strength. In simpler terms, the ax becomes able to withstand a blow to a tree, while maintaining its integrity.

The 9ХС grade contains 0.9% carbon, 1.5% chromium and the same amount of silicon. Carbon is responsible for strength, chromium adds hardness to the alloy. The latter also protects against corrosion. Silicon is responsible for rust resistance.

The best double-sided ax

A double-sided ax has two blades of the same size and thickness. Due to this, a good balance of the instrument is achieved. The blades are made of high carbon steel and can have different sharpenings.

Main advantages:

• double blade allows you to perform multiple tasks with one tool;
• the ax handle can be easily replaced with a new one if necessary;
• used as a throwing tool.

Minuses:

• heavy weight;
• lack of shock function;
• traumatic;
• high price;
• uncomfortable handle.

The most commonly found models in stores are:

• SOG F12. The lightest of the double-sided category, weighs only 800 grams. The Chinese manufacturer equipped it with a polymer handle and a protective cover. The blade steel density is average.
• OCHSENKOPF. The sportiest of all two-sided instruments. The German manufacturer created this model according to sports standards. The weight of the product is about 2 kilograms making it an ideal throwing projectile.
• BLACK EAGLE ESTWING EDBA. This model can be read as the most military of all. It was created by American specialists taking into account the latest scientific developments for military specialists.

The tool has perfect balance, a high-carbon steel blade and a handle with a genuine leather overlay.

The best ax for felling trees

This species is used in forest plots for deforestation. It is difficult to use for other work due to its very impressive weight. The cutting part of the head is processed especially carefully using manual and mechanical forging.

Manufacturers always use the highest strength grade of steel. The handle is most often made from hickory, a type of hickory.

Main advantages:

• impressive weight increases impact force;
• powerful and comfortable handle;
• The blade is rounded, which reduces the risk of injury.

Minuses:

• heavy weight;
• narrow focus;
• makes it difficult to move through the forest.

The rating of these models looks like this:

• HULKAFORS. Suitable for cutting trunks of any diameter. The blade is made of high-carbon steel by hand forging with mechanical processing at the final stage of production. The handle is made of hickory and highly polished.
• SCANDINAVIAN FOREST AX. The Swedes proudly consider it the largest of the logging axes. It belongs to the category of professional tools.

The manufacturer used high-strength steel for the blade and hazel wood for the handle.

• WETTERLINGS AMERICAN FOREST AX. The American manufacturer made this tool for the work of professional lumberjacks, providing it with a particularly long handle.

Swedish steel with a large margin of safety was used to make the blade. A leather case is included.

Purpose of the tool

A tourist on a hike will have to carry everything he needs on his back. On the way, he will not need to collect firewood in large quantities, build houses or make furniture.

Accordingly, he will not have to use a cleaver or carpentry tool. Hunters and foresters who spend a lot of time on fences and cordons usually bring and leave axes and saws there. They don't have to carry this property on themselves. Traveling tasks are limited and narrowly focused.

Hiking tasks

A tourist on the route has to perform a number of tasks with the help of an ax.

1. Cutting and sharpening tent pegs.
2. Drive these pegs into the ground (don't take a hammer with you!).
3. Chop brushwood and dead wood for firewood.
4. Clear the road in the thicket.
5. Make means for crossing water obstacles (bridges or rafts).
6. Sometimes you have to protect yourself from a wild animal or a pack of feral dogs.
7. If on a hike there is a need to cut a massive block, you will need wooden wedges. They are also made with a tourist hatchet.

The full range of the listed tasks is not faced by every tourist and not on every trip. In the middle zone you can walk through the forest without an axe.

On a winter hike, a lot of firewood is required, and tourists buy pegs complete with a modern tent. Accordingly, the characteristics of the instrument differ.

Best carpenter's ax

The ideal carpentry tool has a medium-thick blade and an ergonomic wooden handle. Professional carpenters sharpen a straight blade based on their personal preference.

Main advantages:

• well balanced;
• has a sharp blade;
• The blade is fixed to the ax handle in several ways, which prevents unexpected injuries.

Minuses:

• not suitable for chopping wood;
• After purchase, you have to sharpen it “for yourself.”

Best models:

• Gardena 1000A 08714-48.000.00. This is the most powerful model. It features a special blade coating that reduces friction with wood and makes work easier. The tool handle is reinforced with fiberglass and perfectly balanced.
• Izhevsk carpenter's axe. This tool can rightfully be called the highest quality among all. For the semicircular blade, a special steel with a high degree of hardening was used. The handle is made of birch and carefully polished.
• Small Norwegian axe. The Norwegian model is the most unusual. It is only suitable for the construction of wooden houses using Canadian technology. Its weight is just over two kilograms, and the durable blade has rounded edges.
• Wetterlings Hjartum Carpenter's Axe. This is the most legendary and famous carpentry model. Its history goes back more than 100 years. The tool has an alloy steel blade with a cutout at the base, allowing you to comfortably hold it while working.

Best forged ax

Such instruments are made entirely by hand by the master. Each model is distinguished by high quality steel and its own character. The design of such products allows the butt to be used as a hammer.

Main advantages:

• piece copy;
• high quality;
• long operation.

Minuses:

• high price.

Best models:

• Forged ax on an ash ax handle. Designed for cutting and splitting wood. Can claim to be the most convenient forged tool.

The blade steel is similar in composition to the Soviet grade U7. The fit on the ax handle is very strong and completely prevents slipping.

• "Taiga". This model can easily be classified as “indispensable”. In field conditions, it is capable of chopping wood, felling wood and butchering carcasses.
• Workshop “Phoenix”, ax “Journeyman”. Such products serve for many years without the slightest complaints. They can safely be called the most reliable.

The total weight of the tool is just over a kilogram, and the blade is made of hardened steel in accordance with GOST standards. The craftsmen chose ash wood for the handle.

Recommendations for selection

Scope of application.

You should start your search for a tool with the scope of application.

1. Universal models are best suited for owners of private houses. With their help, you can assemble and dismantle buildings, cut down trees and bushes in your garden, and prepare firewood for a fireplace or barbecue.
2. Tourist axes are somewhat similar to universal models. A distinctive feature of this group will be its lightness, compactness and the presence of a high-quality case. In addition to cutting down trees and bushes, tourist models are often used as hammers, so the butt must be durable.
3. Carpenter's axes stand apart. They are designed to perform specific wood processing operations. This group includes models with a special sharpening angle and a shortened ergonomic handle. A professional is unlikely to lend his ax for cutting firewood.
4. But homeowners with stove heating have to prepare a large amount of firewood. A cleaver can best cope with this task. It has the dullest blade. But the ax is distinguished by its large weight, which, in combination with a long handle, allows it to make a sweeping blow. At the same time, the shape of the blade is convex, so the cleaver does not get stuck in the wood.

Blade

. The working part of any ax is the blade.

1. It is made from high-strength alloy steel. To ensure that the cutting edge remains sharp and jagged-free for a long time, manufacturers carry out local heat treatment. The butt remains softer, so it does not burst under high loads.
2. Modern axes have significantly different sharpening angles. The smaller it is, the sharper the cutting edge. The smallest angle (20-25 degrees) is found in tools for logging work. Universal models are sharpened at an angle of 25-30 degrees, while carpenters prefer blunter blades (30-45 degrees). Many cleavers have a double-sided blade cut at an angle of 35 to 50 degrees.

Toporische

. While working, a person holds the tool in his hand or hands by the ax handle. It comes in different lengths and shapes, and the part is made from different materials.

1. The longest handles are found on cleavers (up to 800 mm). This is explained by the fact that the sweeping movement leads to the formation of high impact energy. Tourist or universal models are equipped with short ax handles (300…400 mm).
2. The traditional material for making an ax handle is wood. Growers prefer high-density deciduous varieties. The priority is oak, birch, maple, walnut. They are currently facing serious competition from synthetic pens. They are made from polymer materials, reinforced with fiberglass. Another popular option is a one-piece design, in which the metal handle is covered with a layer of rubber.

Safety.

The sharp blade of an ax is fraught with danger both during storage and during transportation. In the house or workshop, it is best to hang the tool so that children cannot reach it. To do this, there must be a hole on the handle. Leather or plastic sheaths help protect the blade.

We have selected the 15 best axes for review. All these models are implemented in the trading network of our country. When distributing positions, the editors of simplerule magazine relied on the opinion of the expert community, taking into account feedback from Russian users.

The best ax with a long handle

Such a tool is often called a cleaver. It is equipped with a long and lightweight ax made of impact-resistant plastic. The sharpening angle of the blade made of hardened high-strength steel varies between 40-60 degrees.

Main advantages:

• light weight;
• reasonable price;
• wide choose;
• good balance increasing striking force.

Minuses:

• the quality of the model is difficult to determine visually;
• narrow specialization - such a tool will not be able to do other work.

Best models:

• VIPUKIRVES. It revolutionized the world of wood splitting tools by being the first modified axe.

The center of gravity of the tool is slightly shifted: when it hits a log, it turns slightly, thereby easily splitting even the most stubborn wood.

• WILTON BASH. This is the newest model of this type. It has significant weight and is suitable for short-term work.
• Council Tool Hudson Bay Axe. The best ax for chopping wood. It has a long handle and a sharp blade. The steel used in production and the special sharpening allows it to easily cut through centuries-old trees.

Best camping ax

Axes most often have a short handle and light weight. Like tourist ones, they are sold together with a protective case. The handle is most often made of durable polyurethane and rubberized. The blade of such a tool is wide and sharply sharpened.

Main advantages:

• a light weight;
• ease of use;
• wide range of applications.

Minuses:

• large selection of models;
• The quality of the steel requires frequent sharpening

Best models:

• STANLEY 1-59-068. This tool does a good job of chopping wood and chopping small sticks. The wooden handle is not very comfortable in rainy weather.
• TRUPER 14951. This model will help you chop branches on the go and deal with small trees. The handle is made of non-slip plastic and equipped with pads.
• SOLARIS S7101. This is the most reliable purchase for a tourist. The model consists entirely of Russian grade carbon steel. An anti-reflective coating is applied to the entire surface of the instrument.

In the area of ​​the handle there is a cover made of bakelite plywood. As an accessory, there is a leather case with a hanging loop.

Main characteristics

The set of tasks also determines the characteristics of the tourist axe. He is rarely required to have great performance or the ability to deliver powerful blows - other characteristics are more important.

1. The tool should not be heavy - after all, you will have to carry it on your back.
2. Strength is required, otherwise there is a risk of being left without a necessary item at a crucial moment.
3. The ax must be protected, not tear the backpack and clothes and not threaten the owner with injury if it falls.
4. On a hike, you need a copy that is suitable for specific tasks. There is no point in carrying a heavy thing with you if you are only going to cut brushwood. But you can’t build a raft with a short hatchet.
5. A tourist needs an ax that is easy to use in any weather and temperature.
6. Preferably a product made of moderately hard metal. This will reduce the likelihood of the blade breaking or the blade being chipped during an inaccurate strike. Hard steel is brittle.

It is also desirable for a tourist’s ax to be relatively multifunctional.

For camping conditions, it is practical if with one tool you can chop firewood, hammer in pegs, and open a tin can. But this quality is desirable, but not essential.

The best household ax

This type is suitable for chopping firewood and will help cut a beam or log. It is used by carpenters and builders. Its main characteristics include a wooden handle and a blade made of high-quality steel.

Main advantages:

• low price;
• availability;
• multifunctionality.

Minuses:

• the wooden handle dries out after 5-6 years of use;
• The fit on the ax handle is not strong.

Best models:

• “SUMMER RESIDENT” standard SZAN330. This model can be considered the most expensive. The tool has a curved wooden handle and a specially shaped straight blade. Ideal for garden work.
• VOREL 33107. This is the most typical representative of its type: the wooden handle weighing about one kilogram is well balanced, the polished wide blade is made of high-quality steel. The blade is sharpened at an angle of 60%.
• T-03-1. This is the most traditional model, which has remained in the households of many people since Soviet times. The blade steel and forging method fully comply with the GOST standards used in this area. The handle is made of dried birch wood.

The best ax for a fire shield

Such a tool is an integral part of the fire stand at the enterprise. The configuration of these shields is regulated by state rules:

• applying a red paint coating to the ax handle;
• Only wood is suitable for making the handle;
• The weight of the instrument should not exceed two kilograms.

Main advantages:

• the sharp blade is heat-treated;
• especially strong fit of the ax head on the handle;
• undergoes strength testing according to GOST;
• The product is accompanied by a quality certificate.

Minuses:

• narrow specialization - opening doors, window openings, etc.;
• The paint coating makes the handle very slippery.

Best models:

• ESTWING FIRESIDE FRIEND EFF4SE. A fire ax produced in limited quantities as part of a special edition. The blade has an anti-reflective coating, and the handle is made of genuine leather.
• ESTWING FIRESIDE FRIEND E3-FF4. The most durable ax for a fire shield. The tool is made entirely of steel and is well balanced. The handle has a high quality vinyl overlay.
• RUSARSENAL ax for fire shield. This instrument falls into the “most classic” category. It complies with GOST standards and has all the required certificates. The handle is painted red.

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