Correct axes. Time-tested outlines

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 attachment 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:

• 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, and there will be no nicks or scratches from the wood on it.

On the farm you may need different types axes, but most often there is only one tool in the house, 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 with a rubberized handle, despite serious weight, quite convenient to use.

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. Such 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 correspond to the arm length from 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.

• 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.

Usually has a very light weight and compact 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:

• 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.

Cons:

• 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:

The light weight, just over a kilogram, will not weigh down a tourist, 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.

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.

Cons:

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

• “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. Average weight 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.

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.

Cons:

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

• 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.

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.

Cons:

• 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.

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.

Cons:

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

• 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.

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.

Cons:

• 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.

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.

Cons:

• 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 “irreplaceable”. IN hiking conditions she 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. For the handle, the craftsmen chose ash wood.

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 choice;
• good balance increasing striking force.

Cons:

• 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.

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:

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

Cons:

• 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.

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;
• accessibility;
• multifunctionality.

Cons:

• 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.

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.

Cons:

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

Best models:

• ESTWING FIRESIDE FRIEND EFF4SE. Fire ax released in limited quantities as part of a special series. 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.

So, let's start a series of articles about lufting tools. The first tool, without which Norwegian chopping is impossible, is an axe. There are some blacksmiths who do some really cool stuff. By purchasing such an ax, you are investing in the future - its value will only grow from year to year. An ax from a trusted, old master is an amazing thing that can cost a lot of money and last for many generations! We work with an ax from Howard Bergland, an outstanding master, one of the best blacksmiths Norway. The instrument from Howard was “discovered” in Russia by Maxim Nikitin, for which I thank him very much. And many bought these blessed axes through him. One of them is with us, it’s a pleasure to work with them. By the way, according to rumors, Howard almost no longer forges due to health reasons. This is about investment.

Another Norwegian, Oyvind Clausen, makes some good tools - axes, staples, chisels, adzes, etc. Here is his website where you can view the products. To order something, you can contact us - we personally know Oyvind and can arrange delivery of the selected instrument. In addition to the Lafter ax with regular, double-sided sharpening and different sizes, Oyvind forges a mega-powerful ax with a one-sided blade, especially for the convenience of chopping cheeks. Here's what it looks like:

We are planning to order such an ax; according to reviews, it is really worth it. In general, a good instrument invariably delights and gives only joy and satisfaction from communication. By the way, according to rumors, the steel that Oyvind uses is somewhat soft. But this is more of a quibble - editing an instrument is also a pleasant and thoughtful task. You can do this more often))).

Another blacksmith who makes axes and other good things is Latvian John Niman, here is his website. Real experience and we don’t have any reviews on it yet, we need to try it. Which is exactly what we will do.

Happy work everyone!

ADDITION.

I am posting the full catalog of Oyvind Clausen's products. All items are available for order. Prices on request.

CUP MARKING

1. Flexible template for marking the top notch.

5. Marking the bottom notch.

2. Taking measurements on the frame to mark the cup.

3. Using a template to mark the top notch.

6. Marking the side points.

4. Four base points of the upper notch.

7. Cut line of the lower notch.

The large size and weight of the ax are necessary to make chopping easier. The hardest job is chopping top part castle If the ax is an ordinary one, then you get tired faster, and the quality is poor. Therefore, the ax must have a height of at least half the width of the carriage. Our ax has a height of 240 mm, a blade width of about 180 mm, and a weight with an ax handle of almost 2.5 kg. After working with such an ax, an ordinary carpenter's ax seems like a frivolous children's toy.

In addition to an ax, to cut a “Norwegian” castle using a hand tool, you also need a semicircular adze. In mo

I use adze technology only to form the main tenon (fat tail) on both sides of the carriage. Other craftsmen also use it to form a longitudinal groove on the underside of the carriage. I don’t have to do this, since I select the groove on my planer.

As I already said, the most important thing in the “Norwegian” technology, in my opinion, is the marking and method of cutting the “lock”. I learned this wisdom self-taught, so I didn’t always do everything correctly. At first I tried not to show anything to anyone - after all, it’s intellectual property! Now I don’t keep “secrets” to myself - I just try to be one step ahead.

I realized that no matter where you live, if you are interesting and constantly developing, then people will be drawn to you. This is exactly what happens. Over the past year or two, the Norwegian George Fuller, a cutting teacher from Lillehammer, where he has his own school, visited me, and he liked the way we work here. We met Mikhail Trishin, the head of the carpentry school of Taiga LLC. He was also surprised and delighted by our progress in mastering the “Norwegian” technology. Quite often I communicate with colleagues from the neighboring village of Sokolskoye; we work together with them, fulfill orders, and earn money. As a result, I made some adjustments to my technology, and they made some adjustments to theirs. Now they have the same machine as me, and I have a deeper understanding of the “Norwegian castle”, figured out the various options for cutting it and came up with my own very simple templates for marking.

With my templates, you don’t need to lift and put the carriage back into place in the frame several times (and its weight can be up to 300 kg or even more) in order to “locally” determine the parameters of the bowl and decide what needs to be done with it next. It is enough to take measurements, as tailors do, then draw all the lines necessary for cutting the bowl using the template, and then I know for sure that there will be no mistakes. All cutting takes place below on sables in a convenient place. Hence all the ensuing consequences: labor costs are reduced, the safety of all work is increased, there is no need to purchase additional mechanisms, which means the construction will cost much less.

So, let's start a series of articles about lufting tools. The first tool, without which Norwegian chopping is impossible, is an axe. There are some blacksmiths who do some really cool stuff. By purchasing such an ax, you are investing in the future - its value will only grow from year to year. An ax from a trusted, old master is an amazing thing that can cost a lot of money and last for many generations! We work with an ax from Howard Bergland, an outstanding craftsman, one of the best blacksmiths in Norway. The instrument from Howard was “discovered” in Russia by Maxim Nikitin, for which I thank him very much. And many bought these blessed axes through him. One of them is with us, it’s a pleasure to work with them. By the way, according to rumors, Howard almost no longer forges due to health reasons. This is about investment.

Another Norwegian, Oyvind Clausen, makes some good tools - axes, staples, chisels, adzes, etc. Here is his website where you can view the products. To order something, you can contact us - we personally know Oyvind and can arrange delivery of the selected instrument. In addition to the Lafter ax with a regular, double-sided sharpening and different sizes, Oyvind forges a mega-powerful ax with a one-sided blade, especially for the convenience of chopping cheeks. Here's what it looks like:

We are planning to order such an ax; according to reviews, it is really worth it. In general, a good instrument invariably delights and gives only joy and satisfaction from communication. By the way, according to rumors, the steel that Oyvind uses is somewhat soft. But this is more of a quibble - editing an instrument is also a pleasant and thoughtful task. You can do this more often))).

Another blacksmith who makes axes and other good things is Latvian John Niman, here is his website. We don’t have any real experience or reviews on it yet, we need to try it. Which is exactly what we will do.

Happy work everyone!

ADDITION.

I am posting the full catalog of Oyvind Clausen's products. All items are available for order. Prices on request.

I drew several axes in Inkscape - Russian carpenter's and Norwegian.

I think it will be useful for carpenters looking for decent tools, and for blacksmiths who will have something to dance about.

So, welcome. Russian splitting ax based on the 16th-17th centuries. Large two-handed. Weight ~1.6 kg.

Russian cleaver ax medium. Two-handed. Weight ~1.4 kg.

Norwegian big ax to suit their features and quirks. Weight 2.4 - 3 kg.

Smaller Norwegian axe. Weight ~ 2.5 kg

Axes that are not intended for purely one-sided cutting, it is advisable to make them coaxial, so that the axis of the eye and the axis of the handle are in the same plane.
If the ax has a misalignment (see figure), then it will be more convenient to work with one hand, and less convenient with the other hand. I note that on hand-made axes there may be a slight misalignment (handmade, living form), the main thing is that it is as moderate as possible.

All drawings can be printed on A4 and used as patterns.
Well, when reprinting it in your articles, Please, refer to my journal.

Best regards, Maxim