Review of the best axes in 2020

Axes have been popular since ancient times. Despite the unchanging function of this tool, the appearance and characteristics of the structure and the materials used are subject to regular refinements.

Today, people use axes in different conditions: on hikes, in country houses, during renovations, in the kitchen, in the army, in the process of making pieces of furniture, etc. And to make it easier for you to choose and understand all the characteristics of the tool, the editors of the site “bestx.htgetrid.com/en/” prepared an overview of the best models on the market in 2020.

Variety of models

Unlike the axes of our ancestors, modern models differ in shape and some characteristics depending on the purpose. So, for example, modern durable plastic is used, various alloys that blunt more slowly and do not crumble when hitting hard surfaces.

For clarity, let's consider the main types of axes offered by manufacturers. Instruments are divided into two groups: basic and special.

Basic, used in everyday life for working with wood. They feature a straight blade and a classic handle shape.

• Household. The weight of such a model is less than a kilogram. The blade is straight and razor sharp. The main purpose is finishing wood blanks or clearing bark from felled trunks. The possibility of cutting and processing hardwood is not provided.
• Carpentry or versatile. Thanks to its light weight (just over 1 kg) and a thin, sharp blade, the tool can cope with a large list of tasks. The sharpening angle should be 25-30 degrees. Strong deviations from these values ​​endow the ax with completely different functions.
• Cleaver. It is a massive heavy ax designed for splitting logs and firewood. The wide blade is relatively blunt, about 30 degrees. As a rule, the weight is 2-3 kg, but there are also heavier models, about 5 kg. To provide a powerful blow, the tool is equipped with a long handle - from 80 cm.

Special models are designed for use in narrow areas. For example:

• For felling wood. A felling ax is similar to a cleaver, but looks much more powerful. The length of the handle is at least 90 cm, and the weight is about 3-4 kg. Working with such a product is difficult but effective.
• For butchering meat. When chopping meat, the blade of the ax meets with powerful blows against hard bones. To prevent such mechanical influences from destroying the cutting edge, the tip is made of tool steel and sharpened in a special way. Also, to make more accurate strikes, the shortened ax is pushed down
• Fireman. Such a tool is used not only by firefighters, but also by rescue services. They are divided into two subspecies - assault and belt. Assault vehicles are massive in size and are used to destroy some structures and knock out doors, for example, in the process of rescuing people. Belt axes are smaller and have a sharp, curved peg needed to knock out windows and knock down locks. To protect your hands from burns, the handle has a rubberized coating.
• Hiking or tourist. The main difference between such hatchets is their compactness and low weight.Often there is a folding function for compact transportation, and additional mini tools are hidden in the handle, which is why the hatchet is called a multitool. For safe use, manufacturers equip such models with protective covers.

At first glance, it seems that in such a variety it is easy to get lost. However, it is much easier to find your own version, for this it is enough to know for what purpose the tool is purchased.

What criteria should be considered when choosing a tool

There are many types of axes, and knowing the exact purposes for which this tool is purchased, it is easy to make a choice. However, in order to select the best quality model, it is worth considering several general important parameters:

1. Weight. This parameter depends on the purpose for which the ax will be used. For example, for splitting firewood, it is better to choose a cleaver weighing at least 2.5 kg. And if the tool is purchased for light work, such as processing a trunk or a wooden blank, then a product weighing about 1 kg is also suitable.
2. Hatchet. Classic handles are made of solid wood. The disadvantage of this material is cracking and drying out over time. And the tree requires special care. It is important that the fibers of the wooden handle are aligned.
   Also, there are often models on the market with all-metal handles. But these axes have more disadvantages than advantages. For example, the metal surface slides in the hands, and the manufacturer often compensates for this disadvantage with a rubberized insert. Also, the metal element makes the product much heavier, which makes the master get tired faster. And the main disadvantage is the recoil to the hand on impact.
   The most profitable and well-proven material for the handle is fiberglass. This is fiberglass, which has a lot of advantages. Such as long service life, corrosion resistance, strength, vibration damping from shock.
3. Blade. Here it is important what kind of steel the most important part is made of. Alloy steel is the most durable, and hydrocarbon steel is the most common, but also strong. When choosing a tool, you can do one simple test. If you hit the blade, then a ringing and drawn-out sound will indicate the high quality of steel. The width and angle of sharpening are selected in accordance with the tasks ahead.
4. Butt. Often, when chopping wood, the log gets stuck on the tip of the ax, and then a back blow with a butt on the log helps to solve the problem. In this regard, it is important to make sure that the butt is strong and that the manufacturer has permission to subject this part to such loads.
5. Safety and practicality. If the tool is rarely used, then the presence of a protective cover will not be superfluous. Such an accessory will not only protect the master from accidental cuts, but also the blade from corrosion and other adverse external influences.
   Also, a small but important element like a hole in the handle is an advantage. With him, you will not have to look for an ax throughout the workshop, if necessary, he will always wait in the wings in his place.

It is not worth saving when choosing a tool. The low price only indicates that not the highest quality materials were chosen for its manufacture, respectively, such an ax will not last long and will only bring disappointment from the acquisition.

Review of the best axes in 2020

In this section, we will analyze the best tools for chopping, breaking down products by type.

Universal

VORTEX T1000F

The lightweight and compact tool is suitable for working with wood of any hardness. Thanks to the fiberglass handle, work is possible in high humidity or dry conditions. The ax will not crack or swell. The blade is made of heat-treated tool steel.

The product is convenient to use in household needs. The materials do not require any special maintenance. Besides basic carpentry work, it can also be used as a necessary tool kit in the car. Thanks to its compact size, it does not take up much space in the trunk or in your home toolbox.

Average cost: 920 rubles.
Country of origin: China.

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STANLEY 1-51-030

The STANLEY 1-51-030 model is designed for all kinds of domestic and carpentry tasks. The carbon steel blade withstands significant loads. The secure connection of the steel handle to the ax head withstands a breaking force of more than three tons.

This hatchet is perfect for those who like picnics in nature. Fits perfectly as a necessary inventory in the car and for small work around the house and garden.

Average cost: 1,140 rubles.
Country of origin: Taiwan.

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Cleavers

FISKARS X11

A compact cleaver for chopping wood with a diameter of up to 30 cm. The maximum acceptable ratio of the handle length and the total weight of the product makes it convenient for work on the site and in the workshop. The blade has an anti-friction coating to prevent corrosion.

The handle, due to the rubberized lining, lies securely in the hand and does not slip out. Thanks to this, the hands do not get tired during the work.

For safe storage and transportation of the instrument, the manufacturer provides a plastic protective case. There is also a hole at the end of the ax, using which the ax can be easily hung on a nail, so it will not get lost and will always be at hand.

Average cost: 3,340 rubles.
Country of origin: Finland.

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PATRIOT PA 711

With the PATRIOT PA 711, wood harvesting is quick and easy. Thanks to the anti-friction coating, the blade glides better and splits logs. The ax head does not cling to wood.

The total weight of the tool is about two kilograms, which makes it easy to chop medium-sized logs. The length of the ax is 71 cm. The handle lies comfortably in the hand, does not slip during work and allows you to make strong blows on wood.

Average cost: 2,700 rubles.
Country of origin: China.

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Matrix 21822

The cleaver is perfect for splitting massive logs. In case of getting stuck in wood, blows with a sledgehammer on the butt are permissible. The hardened steel can withstand such loads with ease.

Impressive in size with a weight of almost 5 kg and a handle length of 90 cm, the cleaver allows you to deliver precise and powerful blows to the logs of even hard wood species. The best weight-to-size ratio for tall craftsmen.

The handle is made of fiberglass and is additionally rubberized. This shape allows the instrument to be held securely in the hands and does not slip out.

Average cost: 1,830 rubles.
Country of origin: China.

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Tourist

FISKARS X7 + sharpener

For lovers of outdoor activities, this hatchet will be a faithful assistant. The main weight is on the head and the handle is light. This balance makes it easy to chop wood chips and twigs to light a fire. The total weight is less than 1 kg, thanks to which it does not burden the already heavy load of tourists.

The set includes a protective blade cover and a sharpener. The sharpener is easy to use and is suitable for sharpening not only axes, but also knives. The FISKARS X7 hatchet itself is already perfectly sharpened by the manufacturer.The blade does not forgive only accidental hits on very hard surfaces, for example, stones.

Average cost: 3,110 rubles.
Country of origin: Finland.

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GARDENA 900B (8713-48)

The GARDENA 900B is perfect for all those who enjoy hiking, picnics and all kinds of outdoor activities. The tool is distinguished by its lightness and compactness. There is a hole on the handle for which you can fasten the hatchet with a carabiner, for example, to a backpack. On the reverse side there is a butt-hammer, which is also relevant in natural conditions.

The blade is treated with an anti-friction coating that reduces friction and improves working results. The handle has an ergonomic shape, which allows you to hold the tool firmly while harvesting firewood.

Average cost: 2,330 rubles.
Country of origin: Germany.

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Carpentry

PATRIOT PA 356

PATRIOT PA 356 is a compact carpenter's ax for small woodworking. With this model it is easy to chop wood for a fire. Its light weight allows you to take it with you on hikes, picnics. The tool is convenient for working in a workshop and performing minor household chores.

It is permissible to use the butt as a hammer. The ergonomic fiberglass handle fits comfortably in the hand and does not slip out during the chopping process.

Average cost: 1 210 rubles.
Country of origin: China.

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FISKARS Solid 1020168

FISKARS Solid is an effective tool for carpentry, firewood chopping, small chores and wood processing. The special coating prevents the development of corrosion and reduces friction, so the tool does not get stuck in the logs.

The total weight is 1 kg, and the sharp blade, sharpened at an angle of 30 degrees, easily handles large logs up to 20 cm in diameter.

Average cost: 2,140 rubles.
Country of origin: Finland.

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Hammer ax

Husqvarna Universal Ax A1400

This is a versatile model designed for cutting firewood and carrying out construction work. The butt is capable of playing the role of a sledgehammer and can withstand significant loads. For example, driving in felling wedges is acceptable.

The blade is made of hardened steel and has a special coating that helps to reduce negative external influences and friction, making the logs easier to split.

In case of misses and blows on the deck, the handle is protected by a special stainless pad that takes all the force of the blow on itself.

Average cost: 5,100 rubles.
Country of origin: Czech Republic.

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Armed with the right advice, you can easily choose a quality tool. And if you are already using any of the models discussed in the rating, share your opinion in the comments.