Tips for Choosing the Right Axe
Which Axe Is Suitable for Which Task?
The ideal axe is always a combination of the tool, the user and the intended application. A lightweight axe is particularly easy to control and suitable for many everyday tasks. Larger pieces of wood, hard or knotty wood and driving in wedges, on the other hand, require more weight and a suitable head shape. Before choosing an axe, consider which tasks you actually want to carry out and how the tool matches your height and physical condition.
1. Choose the Right Size
The right axe size depends, among other things, on your height and physical condition. A tall and strong user will generally be able to handle a heavy axe with a long handle more easily than a smaller person. A lighter and more manageable axe, on the other hand, can often be guided with greater control and causes less fatigue. Our forestry tools are available with different head weights and handle lengths. For example, the SPALT-FIX axe is available with a 70 cm or 80 cm handle, and you can also choose between different head weights for splitting mauls and similar tools. Also bear in mind that the handle protection sleeve of the ROTBAND-PLUS system adds several hundred grams to the overall weight.
2. Choose the Right Specialist
The intended application also determines which axe is suitable. A universal axe, such as the Gold Forestry Axe OX 20, can be used for felling, delimbing and splitting wood. If you intend to use the axe exclusively for splitting, a splitting axe such as the SPALT-FIX is generally the better choice because of its wedge-shaped head geometry. The ILTIS axe OX 10 is the classic axe design, characterized by its long, rounded cutting edge and flat head. It is best suited to felling, delimbing and forest stand maintenance.
Forestry axes are specifically designed to cut across the grain, making these tasks easier. Specialist tools such as billhooks, brush hooks and bark peelers are also available for forest stand maintenance.
3. Use Head Weight for Greater Splitting Power
The head weight affects the axe’s splitting power. A handle protection sleeve not only protects the wooden handle; with its additional weight of approximately 300 g, it also makes the tool more head-heavy. For example, the lighter SPALTFIX® axe with a 1,250 g head can achieve greater splitting power than a comparable axe head without a handle protection sleeve.
4. Use a Splitting Maul to Drive in Wedges
The 3 kg BIG OX® splitting maul is particularly suitable for driving in wedges. Its head has a large striking surface. In addition, the handle protection sleeve protects the wooden handle below the head against damage caused by missed blows. Always use axes and wedges for their intended purpose, maintain a secure stance and keep a sufficient distance from other people.
5. Choose a Heavy Tool for Knotty Wood
Wood with many branches is particularly difficult to split. A heavy splitting axe or splitting maul is therefore recommended for this task. Both tools provide the necessary splitting power to work on demanding pieces of wood. Also make sure to wear suitable personal protective equipment.
The Right Axe for Your Work
Find the right OCHSENKOPF tool for your application—from the versatile universal axe and powerful splitting axe to the robust splitting maul.
Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions
A universal axe such as the Universal Gold is versatile and can be used for felling, delimbing and splitting wood. It is a good choice if you want to carry out different tasks with one tool.
If you intend to use an axe exclusively for splitting, a splitting axe is usually the better choice. Its wedge-shaped head geometry supports the splitting of wood. Our bestseller is the SPALT FIX.
Consider your height, strength and experience. Tall and strong users can often handle a heavier axe with a longer handle well. For smaller or less physically strong users, a lighter and more manageable axe may be easier to control. Our axes are available with different head weights and handle lengths.
A handle protection sleeve protects the wooden handle below the axe head against damage. Its additional weight of approximately 300 g also makes the tool more head-heavy and can therefore increase its splitting power.
