12/16/2023 0 Comments Another name for a double sided axe![]() ![]() I have a much more detailed article here.Īxe handles are made from wood because it’s flexible, strong, and can easily be cut and shaped to fit the head and user’s needs. This is a bit of an oversimplification, and most axe users would say to use whatever is most natural to you. Straight handles provide a consistent strike, are stronger, and are more common on splitting axes and reversible axes like double-bits or half-hatchets. You just need to know what to look for.Ĭurved axe handles are more ergonomic and balanced for a wider range of cutting angles, and are best for felling and chopping. Different types and patterns of axes could be better suited to handles with deep, shallow, or even no curves. This gives the user a wider range of cut angles and deliver slightly more rotational force.Ĭurves aren’t a requirement and you might even want a straight handle. The handle bottom (grip) may curve back to allow for more rotation.The blade side of the head is typically heavier, so the forward curve centeres the balance better. The middle (belly) of the handle may curve forward so the top hand keeps the axe balanced during horizontal swings.There can be two curved areas in an axe handle. There is more to it than that, see the more detailed article with ratios and pictures here. A curve also makes the cutting edge longer and allows the swing momentum to rock the blade forward, extending the cut. All the force is concentrated into the small point of the curve that makes first contact with the wood. There are exceptions and specialized axes, like mini hatchets (9″-11″) – but this covers the most common range of axes.Īxe blades are curved to point load the force of the swing and cut deeper. Axe weight to length guide Size Weight Length Hatchet 1 – 1.5 lbs 12” – 17” Small axe 1.5 – 2 lbs 18” – 23” Boy’s axe 2 – 3 lbs 24” – 29” Full-size axe 3 – 4 lbs+ 30”-36” While there isn’t a fixed ratio between the axe head weight and the handle length, there are 4 general size groups that are fairly consistent. Is there a weight to length ratio for axes? The aggressive chopping angle might be 20° to cut deep, while the more durable cutting edge might be more like 30°, and used for roots, chopping near the ground, or tough wood. Both sides would be sharp, they would just have different angles. It is commonly stated that the more durable side would be left dull or blunt, which is not true. Or it could be used twice as much without sharpening. ![]() Each bit could be shaped for a different use, often one aggressive edge for chopping, and one strong edge for work near the ground. We have a more detailed explanation with more pictures and additional methods hereĭouble-bit axes were used by loggers to improve capability without needing to carry multiple axes. Traditionally the metal wedge was only added to tighten a loose axe head but currently is almost always added from the start. A metal wedge may be added for extra pressure if needed. This expands the handle against the inside of the head, holding it in place. The handle is slotted so when it’s fitted through the bottom of the head, a wooden wedge can be hammered in from the top. Is there a weight to length ratio for axes?įriction keeps axe heads in place. ![]()
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