Let's talk about axes

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chudly

chudly

10 Year
Joined
Apr 2, 2015
Threads
75
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1,126
Location
MD
What is everyone using?

I'm looking to replace a multi use tool I had. It was the Zippo 4 in 1 woodsman
https://www.amazon.com/Zippo-40475-Axesaw/dp/B0753JL125/?tag=ihco-20

They seem to be pretty close in reviews. I'm mostly using them to help build fires. Make kindling, split firewood into smaller pieces. Haven't had to chop any trees down or anything.

Any experience with these?
I've been eyeing these 2.
https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-X15-Chopping-Axe-23-5-Inch/dp/B000BX4SBI/?tag=ihco-20

and

https://www.amazon.com/Husqvarna-26-Wooden-Multi-Purpose-Axe/dp/B004WJGXAQ/?tag=ihco-20


As I was just posting I just realized Husqvarna has a composite version too.
https://www.amazon.com/Husqvarna-A2400-Composite-Multi-Purpose-Axe/dp/B06XW39WC6/?tag=ihco-20



Would I also need a hatchet or are these multi purpose enough you think?
They are slightly longer but should be better at splitting some of the logs when building a fire. That was the main issue I was having with my zippo axe.

as for hatchets I was considering also a fiskar or husqvarna
 
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I am total traditionalist, but someone gave me a Friskars composite ax, and that thing is a game changer/better mouse trap. I have all kinds of high dollar axes and mauls, but the Friskars is the one I reach for.
 
hkeller said:
I am total traditionalist, but someone gave me a Friskars composite ax, and that thing is a game changer/better mouse trap. I have all kinds of high dollar axes and mauls, but the Friskars is the one I reach for.
Click to expand...

I couldn't keep one sharp. Seemed like the metal was too soft. I returned it and got a replacement and the head broke off about half way through a 8" trunk. Apparently they have around a 15-20% lemon factor.
 
TRAIL TAILOR said:
I couldn't keep one sharp. Seemed like the metal was too soft. I returned it and got a replacement and the head broke off about half way through a 8" trunk. Apparently they have around a 15-20% lemon factor.
Click to expand...

I think I saw something about the metal being softer or something. I'll look into the baileys, what is it that you like about them?
 
I've got the Husqvarna 19" carpenters axe and while it isn't for chopping it does a pretty decent job for its size. Its Swedish steel made by Hults Bruks and rebranded as Husqvarna, obviously for cheaper than what those go for. It really surprised me how nice it is for cheap but you have to put in some time to regrind it since they do a terrible job at the factory. Then after that just carry a Lansky puck and you're good to go when you need to sharpen it. My vote is a real axe not one of those tacticool composites
 
chudly said:
I think I saw something about the metal being softer or something. I'll look into the baileys, what is it that you like about them?
Click to expand...

Nice balance, but a slightly heavier head. The head bevel is not a straight flat wedge like these newer designs. It's more of the old style flared/sweep bevel. I think mine are 1- Woodland and 2-Bailey's. 4 or 5# heads.

I'm a bigger guy 6-3 and 260# and can swing some weight. But I can run a long time on one sharpening.

J
 
pandathrust said:
I've got the Husqvarna 19" carpenters axe and while it isn't for chopping it does a pretty decent job for its size. Its Swedish steel made by Hults Bruks and rebranded as Husqvarna, obviously for cheaper than what those go for. It really surprised me how nice it is for cheap but you have to put in some time to regrind it since they do a terrible job at the factory. Then after that just carry a Lansky puck and you're good to go when you need to sharpen it. My vote is a real axe not one of those tacticool composites
Click to expand...

Hults are a great axe. Hold a good edge. They make a few non-contemporary designs as well.

J
 
I have the Fiskars x15 you posted, as well as the matching hatchet in the next post. Compared to the Estwing axe and generic Cambodian Tire hatchet i used before, they are incredible and worth every penny.
 
I take a 14" Chainsaw (echo 320 - Japanese Quality older than me) and Fiskars X27. I look for a leaning dead tree (not on ground) and can make enough firewood for a Campground in short time. I burn any type of wood for an outside fire, and really like Pine.
 
Fiskars X15 all the way.
I used mine for the first time on vacation last month splitting up some logs, and first swing every time they split perfectly.
I have used traditional axes in the past, this new one blew them away.
I read reviews on it, watched YouTube vids, and that is what convinced me to buy it via Amazon.

20.jpg
 
I like the hand forged Swedish axes...several good makers out there. I have a couple small hatchets that have a smoothed and rounded over polls for flaying the skin off game and then a couple bigger double bit axes for heavier work. No big felling axes though.
 
Here is my little arsenal...the top two, working axes, great for limbing and chopping. The bottom, my camp axe. The middle a Hudson Bay axe, my favorite since I was a kid...

IMG_20170919_121259195.webp
 
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TRAIL TAILOR said:
If you can find an "old" Norlund or Collins head and re-handle it... I'd go that route. Great forged steel heads.
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I've got a couple of Collins axe heads, work just fine. I think a lot of the younger guys just like the new fancy looking stuff. You can find a good axe or hatchet for cheap at estate sales, flea markets, etc., but I like wood handles on all my stuff.
 
Corey said:
Fiskars X15 all the way.
I used mine for the first time on vacation last month splitting up some logs, and first swing every time they split perfectly.
I have used traditional axes in the past, this new one blew them away.
I read reviews on it, watched YouTube vids, and that is what convinced me to buy it via Amazon.

20.jpg
Click to expand...


Looks like its new, must have been the original poser shot..
 
TRAIL TAILOR said:
Looks like its new, must have been the original poser shot..
Click to expand...
Yep, it was about one day old, had just put it in the rig.
I have had a lot of axes in my 60 years.
An old one that was my dads from the 50s, newer wood handled ones, but I like the feel and swing of this Fiskars one better than any axe I have ever used.
It put a smile on my face splitting up wood at the campsite.
 
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