Correct axes. Shapes that have stood the test of time

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

It is mainly found on carpentry 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 that is used to make the cutting part of the head. The best blades are made from high carbon steel, which is immune to temperature extremes 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 directly before buying a tool in the store. To do this, you need to hit the blade on the handle with a dense object. The sound should be loud and long.

Such a tool will not require constant sharpening from the owner, it will not leave nicks and scratches from wood.

The household may need different types 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, you first need to decide on the type of tool. This will depend on a number of characteristics that you should pay attention to when buying.

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. Light weight will require great human effort with little impact force.

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

Particular attention when choosing a tool 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.
• Blade sharpening. A sharpening angle of less than 40 degrees allows the ax to penetrate deeper into the material. These tools are ideal for chopping trees, but will dull very quickly.

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

Many prefer a combination sharpening, where 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 corporate head must have a stamp indicating the brand of tool steel. Preference should always be given to a forged product.
• The length of the axe. The short handle forces you to work with outstretched arms to increase the power of the swing. Recoil in the hand in this case will interfere with long and productive work.

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

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

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

But if you intend to use it from time to time, then buying an expensive model is not advisable.

• Active advertising from the seller. Each model has pros and cons that must be considered when planning a purchase.

Usually has very a light weight and compact size. The blade of such a hatchet may have semi-circular edges to make it easier to carry in a backpack. Most often, manufacturers pay special attention to the design of such a tool and be sure to supply it with a case.

Main advantages:

• a light weight;
• complete set of the tool 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 well above average);
• rust on the blade (after long use, the blade becomes covered with a layer of rust, especially after a long stay in the case);
• not suitable for cutting firewood and logs.

Top Models:

Light weight, just over a kilogram, will not weigh down the tourist, and the plastic handle with a rubber lining will make the ax as safe as possible when cutting branches.

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

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

It is ideal for cutting carcasses in cafes and restaurants. Only a man can handle it.

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

Main advantages:

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

Minuses:

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

• "Meat grinder". 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 covered with a layer of varnish that provides protection against premature drying.
• "Butcher". It can be classified as the easiest. Average weight just over 2 kilograms, the blade is semi-circular and has an anti-corrosion coating.
• “Labor” VACH S901. It has no competitors in the nomination “the most proven model”. The manufacturer has been producing it almost unchanged since 1950. The ax has a wooden handle and a forged blade with high quality become.

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

Main advantages:

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

Minuses:

• very narrow specialization;
• On the market building materials there are a large number of low quality chinese knockoffs.

• TUTAHI. The blade is sharpened for a certain type of wood and can be easily damaged by misuse. It comes with a handmade leather case.
• KRAFTOOL Rhine. Its design withstands daily increased loads. The blade is made of tool steel and the handle is carved from hazel wood.
• KRAFTOOL is universal. He does a good job of cutting wood and chopping firewood. It is used as a professional tool for lumberjacks. The handle consists of two components, which eliminates its splitting during operation.

A reversible 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 be sharpened differently.

Main advantages:

• double blade allows you to perform multiple tasks with one tool;
• the handle is easy to change to a new one if necessary;
• used as a throwing tool.

Minuses:

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

Most often in stores there are the following models:

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

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

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

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

Main advantages:

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

Minuses:

• big 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 carefully polished.
• SCANDINAVIAN FOREST AX. The Swedes proudly consider it the largest of the felling 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 an especially long handle.

For the manufacture of the blade, Swedish steel with a large margin of safety was used. The set includes a leather case.

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

Main advantages:

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

Minuses:

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

Top Models:

• Gardena 1000A 08714-48.000.00. This is the most powerful model. Features a special blade coating that reduces friction with the wood and makes work easier. The handle of the tool is reinforced with fiberglass and perfectly balanced.
• Izhevsk carpenter's ax. This tool can rightly be called the highest quality among all. A special steel with a high degree of hardening was used for the semi-circular blade. The handle is made of birch and carefully polished.
• Small Norwegian axe. The Norwegian model is the most unusual. It is suitable only 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 Ax. This is the most legendary and famous carpentry model. Its history spans over 100 years. The tool has an alloy steel blade with a cutout at the base, allowing you to comfortably hold it while working.

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

Main advantages:

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

Minuses:

• high price.

Top Models:

• Forged ax on an ash ax handle. Designed for cutting and splitting wood. It can claim the title of the most convenient forged tool.

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

• "Taiga". This model can easily be classified as "indispensable". IN field 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 criticism in their address. 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 GOSTs. For the handle, the craftsmen chose ash wood.

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

Main advantages:

• light weight;
• democratic price;
• wide choose;
• good balance increasing impact force.

Minuses:

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

Top 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: getting into the log, it turns slightly, thereby easily splitting even the most resistant wood.

• WILTON BASH. This is the newest model of this type. It has a significant weight and is suitable for short 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 special sharpening allows him to easily cut centuries-old trees.

Axes most often have a short handle and light weight. Like tourist ones, they are sold 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:

• a large selection of models;
• steel quality requires frequent sharpening

Top Models:

• STANLEY 1-59-068. This tool does a good job of chopping firewood and chopping small sticks. The wooden handle is not very comfortable in rainy weather.
• TRUPER 14951. This model will help to cut branches in field conditions and cope with small trees. The handle is made of non-slip plastic and has pads.
• SOLARIS S7101. This is the most reliable purchase of a tourist. The model entirely consists of carbon steel of the Russian brand. An anti-reflective coating is applied to the entire surface of the instrument.

In the area of ​​​​the handle there is an overlay made of bakelite plywood. Comes with a leather case with hanging loop.

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

Main advantages:

• low price;
• availability;
• multifunctionality.

Minuses:

• the wooden handle dries out after 5-6 years of operation;
• landing on the handle is not strong.

Top Models:

• “DACHNIK” standart SZAN330. This model can be attributed to the most expensive. The tool has a curved wooden handle and a straight blade of a special shape. Ideal for garden work.
• VOREL 33107. This is the most typical representative of its kind: a wooden handle weighing about one kilogram is well balanced, a 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 that has remained in the economy of many still Soviet times. Blade steel and forging method fully comply with GOSTs used in this area. The handle is made from 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 the rules of the state:

• applying a red paint coating to the ax handle;
• only wood is suitable for the manufacture of the handle;
• The weight of the tool must not exceed two kilograms.

Main advantages:

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

Minuses:

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

Top Models:

• ESTWING FIRESIDE FRIEND EFF4SE. Fire ax released in limited quantity in a special series. The blade is coated with an anti-reflective coating, and the handle is made of genuine leather.
• ESTWING FIRESIDE FRIEND E3-FF4. The most durable ax for the fire shield. The tool is completely made of steel and well balanced. The handle has a high quality vinyl lining.
• RUSARSENAL ax for a fire shield. Such an instrument falls into the “most classic” category. It complies with state standards and has all the required certificates. The handle is painted red.

So, we begin a series of articles about the tool for lafting. The first tool, without which Norwegian felling is impossible, is an ax. There are some blacksmiths out there that do 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 best blacksmiths Norway. The tool from Howard in Russia was "discovered" by Maxim Nikitin, for which many thanks to him. And many bought through him these blessed axes. One of them is with us, it is a pleasure to work with him. By the way, according to rumors, Howard almost no longer forges for health reasons. This is about investment.

A good tool is made by another Norwegian, Oyvind Clausen - axes, staples, chisels, adzes, etc. Here is his website where you can see the products. To order something, you can contact us - we are personally acquainted with Oyvind and we can organize the delivery of the selected tool. In addition to a 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 cutting cheeks. Here's what it looks like:

We plan to order such an ax, according to reviews it is really worth it. In general, a good tool 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 nit-picking - editing an instrument is also a pleasant and thoughtful thing. You can do it more often))).

Another blacksmith who makes axes and other good things is the Latvian John Nieman, here is his website. real experience We don't have any reviews yet, we'll have to give it a try. What are we actually going to do.

All pleasant work!

ADDITION.

I am posting a complete 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 log for marking the cup.

3. Using a template to mark the top notch.

6. Marking 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 facilitate felling. The hardest job is cutting upper part castle. If the ax is ordinary, then you get tired faster, and the quality is lame. 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 child's toy.

In addition to the ax for cutting the "Norwegian" castle from a hand tool, you also need a semicircular adze. In mo

I use adze technology for it only to form a root spike (tail tail) on both sides of the gun carriage. Other masters also form a longitudinal groove on the underside of the gun carriage. I don't have to do this, because I choose the groove on my planer.

As I said, the most important thing in the "Norwegian" technology, in my opinion, is the marking and the method of cutting the "castle". I comprehended this wisdom by self-taught, so I didn’t always and didn’t do everything correctly. At first I tried not to show anything to anyone - after all, intellectual property! Now I don’t keep “secrets” with me - 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. That's exactly how it happens. Over the past year or two I have been visited by Norwegian George Füller, a felling teacher from Lillehammer, where he has his own school, and he liked the way we work here. We got acquainted with Mikhail Trishin, the head of the school of carpenters 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 - to theirs. Now they have the same machine as I have, and I understood the “Norwegian castle” more deeply, figured out the various options for cutting it and came up with my own very simple marking templates.

With my templates, you do not need to lift and put the carriage into place in the log house 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 according to the template, and then I know for sure that there will be no mistakes. All cutting takes place below on Sabans in a convenient place. Hence all the ensuing consequences: the expenditure of forces is reduced, the safety of all work is increased, there is no need to purchase additional mechanisms, which means that the construction will cost much less.

So, we begin a series of articles about the tool for lafting. The first tool, without which Norwegian felling is impossible, is an ax. There are some blacksmiths out there that do 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 in Norway. The tool from Howard in Russia was "discovered" by Maxim Nikitin, for which many thanks to him. And many bought through him these blessed axes. One of them is with us, it is a pleasure to work with him. By the way, according to rumors, Howard almost no longer forges for health reasons. This is about investment.

A good tool is made by another Norwegian, Oyvind Clausen - axes, staples, chisels, adzes, etc. Here is his website where you can see the products. To order something, you can contact us - we are personally acquainted with Oyvind and we can organize the delivery of the selected tool. In addition to a lafter ax with a regular, double-edged sharpening and different sizes, Oyvind forges a mega-powerful ax with a single-sided blade, especially for the convenience of cutting cheeks. Here's what it looks like:

We plan to order such an ax, according to reviews it is really worth it. In general, a good tool 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 nit-picking - editing an instrument is also a pleasant and thoughtful thing. You can do it more often))).

Another blacksmith who makes axes and other good things is the Latvian John Nieman, here is his website. We don’t have real experience and reviews on it yet, we need to try. What are we actually going to do.

All pleasant work!

ADDITION.

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

I drew several axes in inkscape - Russian carpentry and Norwegian ones.

I think it will be useful for carpenters who are looking for worthy tools of labor, and for blacksmiths who will have something to dance from.

So, meet. Russian cleaver-shaped ax based on the 16-17th century. Big two-hander. Weight ~1.6 kg.

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

Norwegian big ax under 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 should preferably be made coaxial so that the axis of the lug and the axis of the handle are in the same plane.
If the ax has a misalignment (see fig.), then one hand will work more comfortably, and the other hand less conveniently. I note that on handmade axes there may be a slight misalignment (handmade, living form), the main thing is that it be as moderate as possible.

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

Sincerely, Maxim