How to choose the best felling axe?
The best felling axe has a long handle; around 30 inches in length. It goes without saying but, a hatchet isn’t fit for felling trees. It’s possible, sure, but it will take a long time using a hatchet. As for the weight, most of it comes from the head.
What size axe should I buy for tree removal?
Felling huge trees with an axe for example, requires a long curved handle to deliver maximum power generation to cut deep into that sucker quickly. 36 inches is often cited as ideal for this purpose, with a head weight of over 3 lbs – but it would depend on the size of the user as well.
How much should you spend on a felling Ax?
Look to spend at least $150 for a boy’s ax (this refers to a size even grown men can use — more on this below) and up to $400 for a full-sized felling ax. At the end of my first article about axes, I argued that for most guys, a single-bitted ax is the way to go.
How much does an ax head weigh?
But for the beginning ax-man and for everyday use, Brett recommends using an ax head that weighs no more than five pounds. While the heavier ax heads provide more force, you lose accuracy in your swing.
How heavy is a felling axe?
Felling axes are usually around 32 or 36 inches in length and 3 or more pounds in weight. Mauls can be even larger and go up to 40 inches in length and weigh up to 7 pounds. That's a lot of kinetic energy in every swing. Felling axes are made for the sole purpose of dropping trees – large ones.
How much does the average axe weigh?
According to the IATF, the head of a felling axe used in a big axe throw must weigh between 2.25 and 2.75 pounds, and the length of the handle must be a minimum of 25 inches, which includes the handle in the blade's eye.
How heavy should an axe be to split wood?
between 3 and 6 poundsStandard splitting axes come with heads that weigh between 3 and 6 pounds. Mauls, with sledgehammer-type heads, can weigh as much as 8 pounds. Unless the plan is to compete in wood-splitting competitions, it's usually best to go with an axe head that weighs 4 to 6 pounds.
How long should a felling axe be?
36 inchesThe standard length of a full-sized felling axe is 36 inches, but this should be the maximum length most users should consider. 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.
Does the weight of an axe matter?
The weight of the hatchet affects how much force you use when throwing to make it stick in the target. Keep in mind when we say heavier, we mean by only about half a pound to a full pound. If you choose one that is too heavy, you will drain yourself of energy.
What is a felling axe used for?
The felling axe, which has a long narrow blade, was used to chop down trees as it has a more elongated and rigid blade excellent for deep, gouging cuts. As the palisade walls of James Fort were built from upright logs, tools like this felling axe and broad axes were a necessary part of the colonial tool kit.
Can you split wood with a felling axe?
A felling axe should not be used to split wood. Generally if you try to split a medium sized piece of wood with a felling axe it will just get stuck in the wood and you will be lucky if you can get it out.
Is a heavier axe better for splitting wood?
For smaller pieces of wood, or splitting around the wood's edges, a splitting axe is the better choice. It's lighter, easier to swing and performs similarly to a splitting maul. The wood-cutting pros at Husqvarna recommend you have both, as together they form an excellent one-two punch for your wood splitting needs.
What type of axe is best for cutting down trees?
Felling trees is a task best suited for a special axe; the felling axe. With a sharp angle and high-quality steel, these tools are designed specifically for cutting down trees. The length of the handle, the weight of the head, and angle of the blade all play a role in just how deep it cuts.
What axe do lumberjacks use?
The felling axe is an axe specifically designed for the task and usually has a double-edged, sharp surface. This particular axe is available in a variety of shapes, weights, and handle sizes, but lumberjacks generally use the larger types.
Basic Applications
Felling huge trees with an axe for example, requires a long curved handle to deliver maximum power generation to cut deep into that sucker quickly. 36 inches is often cited as ideal for this purpose, with a head weight of over 3 lbs – but it would depend on the size of the user as well.
Axe head weight to handle length ratio
There really isn’t a linear ratio you can apply that works for all types of axes purely because peoples preferences vary considerably. However, there is a very simple method that works up to a point, and only as a very rough guide:
Conclusion
The bottom line is to find what works for you personally. The task you are doing, how strong you are, your form, and a multitude of other factors will have a bearing on what you consider the best length or weight for an axe.
1844 Helko Werk Germany Bavarian Woodworker Axe
Helko Werk is one of the oldest axe manufacturers still operating in Europe, based out of Wuppertal in Germany. Using the highest-grade raw materials, all their premium forestry tools are hand-crafted for world-class quality.
Council Tool Velvicut Premium American Felling Axe with Sheath
The Velvicut Premium from Council Tool is proudly and completely made in the USA and unlike some of their cheaper products that are often of inferior finish, this authentic felling ax is true ‘heirloom’ quality.
Hults Bruk Kisa Medium-Sized Felling Axe
Located just north of the Swedish city of Norrkoping, the Hults Bruk factory has been in operation since 1697. There have been several owners of the company, with the most notable being the Ekuland family, who ran it for over 100 years.
Hultafors Hand-forged Swedish Felling Axe
The Hultafors Group has owned Hults Bruk since 1992 and their own range of axes are made in the same forge which has been in operation since 1697.
How to Choose a Quality Felling Axe
Choosing the best felling axe that will both suit you and the job you need to use it for can be a tricky task, so we’ve come up with a few ideas to help you make a decision.
Why Choose a Wooden Handle?
The material the axe handle is made of can affect things like grip and how comfortable it is to use. The majority of handles are made from American hickory and with good reason.
What is the Axe Head Made of?
A felling axe bit is always made of some form of steel which is easier to sharpen to a fine edge and to hold that edge throughout many hours of use of hacking into a tree trunk.
How long is a felling axe?
The first thing you should think of is the length of the felling axe you’re going to get. Nowadays, you can find felling axes that measure 19 to 33 inches long.
What is the best axe for felling trees?
Product Description: If you're looking for the best axe for felling trees, you'll never go wrong with the Gränfors Bruks. This is a 31" felling axe with a curved handle. It's trusted by professionals who are felling trees in the forest and looking for a traditional tool. This 31" axe has a curved handle and a forged head that can cut through resinous wood. Its blade is also made heavy for considerable power, paired with an equally weighted handle. To give you an idea of how heavy this is, the Gränfors Bruks is twice as cumbersome as the Scandinavian Forest Axe from the same brand. Moreover, this has a 4.5" cutting edge and head weight of 3.3 lbs. Meanwhile, the handle is 5.3 lbs. with a 31" length.
What material is used for a felling axe handle?
Next, you must check the material of the handle. The most popular and traditional option is hickory due to its unbeatable toughness. Hickory can withstand everything, and it also gives the felling axe an aesthetic touch.
What is a Journeyman axe?
The 1844 Helko Werk Journeyman Felling Hatchet is an all-around axe with topnotch craftsmanship. This is a hybrid tool that can be used for felling trees, a camping tool, and a casual woodsman axe.
What is the most important part of a felling axe?
The most important part of a felling axe is its blade or head. It’s the part that gets the job done. With that, you should look for a tough blade that can put up with the type of wood on the tree you’re working on.
What is a Tomahawk axe?
It’s surprisingly lightweight since it used to be thrown in combat. In modern times, tomahawk axes are stylish tools for camping and outdoor adventures .
What is Hudson Bay Axe?
The Hudson Bay axe is a utility axe used to chop firewood and even fell small trees. It has a size that’s in between a felling axe and a hatchet. This is the reason why it serves as an all-around axe for your cutting and chopping needs.
What is the weight of a Helko axe?
The heavy head on this axe weighs in at 4.5 pounds. This is a serious axe designed for the professional lumberjack in mind.
Why is the blade of a felling axe razor sharp?
Felling axes have a thinner blade than other axes. This blade is razor sharp to help it to cut deep into the tree when swung. When you are felling trees, it is important to note that you are cutting against the grain of the tree. You also have the weight of the tree weighing on your axe every time it is stuck into the grain. To help avoid getting your axe stuck felling axe heads are very thin.
What is a hand forged axe?
The Hand Forged Felling Axe by hbforge comes in a unique dark brown design that adds to the overall appeal of this blade. The head weighs 2.5 pounds making this an ideal camping axe. The hand-forged head provides this axe with added chopping power and the 28″ handle is well suited for felling trees.
What is a Gransfors axe?
The Gransfors Scandinavian Forest Axe is designed to make felling trees easy. Each axe is handmade giving each blade its own unique feel. The craftsmanship on this blade is stunning. This axe is made from high-quality materials; it can be handed down to your next generations. I love how this axe retains its blade even after heavy use.
Is there a shortage of felling axes?
There is no shortage of felling axe manufacturers and sorting through the endless selections can prove to be frustrating. If you are like me, you need a tough felling axe that can handle years of abuse. Below are my picks for the top 5 best felling axes for the money.
Antique or New
The most important part of an ax is the head. To function efficiently, its bit must be sharpened to a keen cutting edge — thin enough to bite into the wood, but thick enough to resist chipping and breaking. And the ability to achieve this keen cutting edge is dependent on the quality of steel the ax head is made from.
Single Bit or Double Bit
At the end of my first article about axes, I argued that for most guys, a single-bitted ax is the way to go. While it is the most common household ax, according to (the other) Brett, if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, get a double bit. “If I could carry one ax I would probably carry a double bit,” Brett told me.
Weight of the Ax Head
Another factor you’ll want to consider when selecting an ax is the weight of the head. “Most guys want the heaviest ax possible because it produces more force. It’s why we’re using ax heads that weigh six, six and a half, and even seven pounds in cutting competitions,” says Brett.
Length of the Handle
While most men would prefer an ax with a longer handle because it allows you to swing with more force, Brett says that it’s actually better to go with a handle that’s shorter than you’d think you’d need.
Handle Material
A lot of the ax handles you’ll find at the big box hardwood stores are made from plastic, but Brett says you always want to go with a handle that’s made from wood. Specifically, hickory or ash. Brett’s preference is hickory, but ash will work just fine.
Curved or Straight Handle
As we discussed in our first article, ax handles are either curved or straight. Most single-bitted felling axes have curved handles. If you go with a single bit, Brett recommends the curved handle: “Swinging an ax with a curved handle feels a little more natural.”
Conclusion
For such a simple tool, there’s a lot to consider when purchasing an ax. But if you take the time to find the right one for you, you’ll have a tool that will provide a lifetime of useful service. Heck, if you take care of it, you can even pass it on to your son, and he to his son.
