Felling axes
Felling axes
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE FELLING AXES
Buy the right felling axe
An axe must suit the woodcutter. The axe models differ mainly in the weight of the head and the Length of the axe handle. A lighter axe with a shorter handle is more suitable for petite and less experienced people. If you have experience in felling wood and are fit enough, you will have more fun with a larger wooden axe. A suitable axe is important for ergonomic reasons and allows you to work more safely.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a heavy axe head?
The traditional American Shape, as forged by Gränsfors Bruk, for example, has a massive axe head with a fairly high weight (1.5 kg). In comparison, the axe head of a Qvarfot from Hults Bruks looks compact and light (850 g head weight). A higher weight brings more energy into the blow, the cutting edge penetrates deeper into the wood. However, a heavier axe head also requires more force when lifting or swinging sideways. Choose an axe whose dimensions you can control well over Lengthy periods of time.
Short or long axe handle?
Felling axes usually have a slightly curved cowhide handle, which is easy on the wrist and ensures fatigue-free working. Bear in mind the leverage effect of the handle: the longer it is, the more force you need to move the axe. Some axes are therefore available with wooden handles of different lengths (e.g. 800 or 900 mm Total length).
Can I also split wood with a felling axe?
Felling and splitting are two different processes. When splitting wood, the wood fibres are driven apart lengthwise. A splitting axe or splitting axe is struck from top to bottom on the log. Splitting axes therefore have a heavy head with a large wedge angle and a straight axe handle (makes it easier to hit the log precisely). When felling and delimbing, the blade must cut right through the fibres. Felling axes have a slightly curved cutting edge so that it can be turned out again if necessary (axe is stuck). A felling axe is usually lighter than a splitting axe, its cutting edge has a more acute angle and the handle (usually made of ash, robinia or hickory) is slightly curved.
Forestry axe or felling axe?
Felling axes are generally categorised as forestry axes, as they are intended for use in the forest. If you are looking for a universal axe that you can use for other tasks in addition to felling, take a look at our forestry axes, forest hatchets and outdoor axes. For example, a hand axe is a little easier to handle, you can get between branches more easily and you can stow it away more easily.
Proper axe care
With the right care, you will enjoy your axe or hatchet for a long time! Care includes the timely sharpening of the cutting edge as well as the care of the handle. Our axes do not have an "easy-care" handle made of plastic or fibreglass or with a rubber coating. The handles are made of high-quality hickory wood, ash wood or robust robinia to ensure blister-free work even with sweaty hands. A wooden handle needs a little care from time to time to protect it from moisture, e.g. with a few drops of linseed oil. Keep the handle dry, but not too dry. Check regularly that the handle is still firmly seated in the eye of the axe head. If the handle comes loose or even breaks, our handle service will help you to repair it.
Transport protection and sharpening: Always protect the blade with a sheath or the leather case supplied. The head, usually forged by hand from carbon steel, will also benefit from a little oil to protect it from rust. To sharpen the cutting edge, we recommend a sharpening device that you can also use outside in the forest at any time, for example a diamond folding sharpener with two different grits. If you would like to learn how to sharpen different blades or tools, you are welcome to attend a sharpening course at DICTUM.
Finding the right axe or hatchet is not easy. In our DICTUM shops, you can try out, test and compare all axes and hatchets in advance.
