Axes and associated items

[Squareground3691]

So this stuff has been down in logs for approx 20 years. I cut it into rounds a couple years ago. Actually splits relatively easy. I don’t have to go full power on every swing like usual.

Poor chains ,

 

[wap13]

@wap13 I see it listed anywhere from 4.5 to 8lbs, mostly 6. I bet it’s a 6lb head and 2lb handle. I bet it will work well!

Estwing 8 lb Wood Splitting Maul w/36" Hickory Wood Handle & Steel Blade(Used) | eBay

Material: Wood, Alloy Steel. Item has been opened and has signs of use; this could be scuffs or scratches from use, dirt and/or dust from use. The item is in otherwise good working condition. All parts or accessories will still be intact.

www.ebay.com

I took it to be different weight/size options. Amazon has a 4.5, 6 and 8lb option, all available with fiberglass or wood handle. At 6lb I would likely still try it but was more interested at 8lb. Guess I will have to order one to get to the bottom of this.....

Thanks SimonHS, I saw it cheaper at amazon also but wasnt sure about posting amazon links here

 

[Kerfed]

Slasher , Splitter ,

Love the Jersey pattern

 

[davidwyby]

I took it to be different weight/size options. Amazon has a 4.5, 6 and 8lb option, all available with fiberglass or wood handle. At 6lb I would likely still try it but was more interested at 8lb. Guess I will have to order one to get to the bottom of this.....

Thanks SimonHS, I saw it cheaper at amazon also but wasnt sure about posting amazon links here

I’d go 6 unless you’re trying to split crazy stuff. That pattern is supposed to work well in lighter heads so 6 should be good.

 

[Squareground3691]

Love the Jersey pattern

That head works well ,

 

[Gullet]

That head works well ,

I've got a 3.5# Rixford Jersey I'm chomping at the bit to mount.
Holding out to find a 32" handle.

 

[Moparmyway]

I’d go 6 unless you’re trying to split crazy stuff. That pattern is supposed to work well in lighter heads so 6 should be good.

I’ve got both the 6# and 8# on order. Hickory handles will get a quick sanding and then a couple of coats of BLO

 

[Wilhelm]

1.8kg/4lbs "Dragonslayer" head with 40" wooden handle takes the cake 90% of all times.
The other 10% You are better off leaving the wood be or noodle it!
The longer the handle is, the lighter the head can be. The lighter the head is the more often You can swing it without fatigue.
Simple wedge design, 1.8" at its widest, either slices through or bounces off - rarely ever gets stuck.

Without this ax I would not hand split firewood.
I refused a hydraulic/electric splitter as a gift due to this ax!

All my efforts to find a comparable ax head have failed so far.

 

[wap13]

I’ve got both the 6# and 8# on order. Hickory handles will get a quick sanding and then a couple of coats of BLO

Let us know what you think when they show up. I'm inclined to go with the 8lb as I have several in the 6lb range and only 1 8lber (fiskars) in the lineup. I hate fiberglass handles so would be nice to have a wood handled 8lb maul

 

[Wilhelm]

Let us know what you think when they show up. I'm inclined to go with the 8lb as I have several in the 6lb range and only 1 8lber (fiskars) in the lineup. I hate fiberglass handles so would be nice to have a wood handled 8lb maul

For me the fiberglass handles on my ax & ax/maul hybrid flex too much cushioning the blow.
Also, their handles are only 32".
I don't use them at all!

 

[wap13]

For me the fiberglass handles on my ax & ax/maul hybrid flex too much cushioning the blow.
Also, their handles are only 32".
I don't use them at all!

I do use a fiskars x(whatever the long handle 4.5lb is) a lot but other than that and my 8lb fiskars all my mauls/splitting axes are wood handled. Thing about the fiskars is I can leave in the bed of my truck year round and the handle dont care

 

[Wilhelm]

I do use a fiskars x(whatever the long handle 4.5lb is) a lot but other than that and my 8lb fiskars all my mauls/splitting axes are wood handled. Thing about the fiskars is I can leave in the bed of my truck year round and the handle dont care

Yeah, I pay attention to keep my ax handle dry.
I did coat it in engine oil, but still - a dry wooden handle is a firm fitting handle.

I rarely split wood outside of my yard so keeping my ax handle dry is not an issue.

I loaded these into the tractor crate as pictured, my body hates me for it!



Too gnarly to split anyway, gonna noodle them!

 

[SimonHS]

1.8kg/4lbs "Dragonslayer" head with 40" wooden handle takes the cake 90% of all times.
The other 10% You are better off leaving the wood be or noodle it!
The longer the handle is, the lighter the head can be. The lighter the head is the more often You can swing it without fatigue.
Simple wedge design, 1.8" at its widest, either slices through or bounces off - rarely ever gets stuck.

Without this ax I would not hand split firewood.
I refused a hydraulic/electric splitter as a gift due to this ax!

All my efforts to find a comparable ax head have failed so far.

View attachment 399833 View attachment 399834

How about a Helko Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter? The head weight is 2.3kg.

Vario Heavy Log Splitter

The Vario Heavy Log Splitter is known as one of the best splitters available. The deep wedge profile of the head combined with its punishing weight delivers a powerful strike.

helko.co.uk

This is mine on the right. It could do with a new handle (it has a small split) or at least some care and boiled linseed oil. But the handles always seem to be out of stock. I bring it out for rounds that are hard to split.

 

[Wilhelm]

How about a Helko Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter? The head weight is 2.3kg.

Vario Heavy Log Splitter

The Vario Heavy Log Splitter is known as one of the best splitters available. The deep wedge profile of the head combined with its punishing weight delivers a powerful strike.

helko.co.uk

View attachment 399897View attachment 399898View attachment 399899

This is mine on the right. It could do with a new handle (it has a small split) or at least some care and boiled linseed oil. But the handles always seem to be out of stock. I bring it out for rounds that are hard to split.

View attachment 399900

Make Your own handle!
I do not like the short looking blade and the concave cheeks.
Also, with that many individual pieces I'd be questioning how it'll all stay assembled.

That handle looks kinda short!
What length is it?

 

[SimonHS]

Make Your own handle!
I do not like the short looking blade and the concave cheeks.
Also, with that many individual pieces I'd be questioning how it'll all stay assembled.

That handle looks kinda short!
What length is it?

70cm / 27.5"

They do a 90cm / 35.5" handle for it.

 

[davidwyby]

@SimonHS could we get a profile pic straight on from the end?

 

[SimonHS]

@SimonHS could we get a profile pic straight on from the end?

View attachment 399924

Here you go:

 

[davidwyby]

Here you go:

View attachment 399939

Dang. I like the look of that. Might have to try it.

 

[SimonHS]

They have a US presence. Not cheap though.

Helko North America Home Page

Helko Werk - German axe makers since 1844. Helko's hand forged axes are some of the finest in in the world.

www.helkonorthamerica.com

 

[davidwyby]

Yeah I after looking I think it’s too close to my oxhead to bother. Whew.