Types of Axes: A Comprehensive Guide to Axe Types

Understanding Axes: History & Evolution

Different types of axes have been greatly helpful over the centuries, from primitive stone tools to sophisticated cutting tools. An axe was a weapon of war carried by Viking and knight warriors during the Middle Ages.

Axes differed in handle size and blade design to suit various combat styles. Modern axes have numerous uses, from forestry and woodworking to tactical and survival. There are also variations of axes, like the splitting maul, felling axe, and hatchet. A key distinction is that an axe typically has a longer handle and a heavier head as opposed to a hatchet, which is a smaller, one-handed tool. A hatchet is designed for finer tasks like splitting kindling, carving, and general campsite use. An axe, in turn, is ideal for chopping large logs and felling trees.

Modern advancements have refined both tools, incorporating ergonomic grips, durable materials, and specialized blade designs to maximize efficiency for specific cutting needs.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Axe

You need to be very attentive when choosing a high-quality axe. The right choice will be based on what you will use it for. That said, you should understand the key characteristics of your tool.

Function and Use

The purpose of an axe significantly influences its shape and overall efficiency. One such axe is the felling axe, which has been designed particularly for felling trees. It has a thin, sharp blade that can cut deep into the wood grain. This type of axe requires a balance between weight and edge sharpness to maximize cutting efficiency.

On the contrary, splitting mauls split wood along its grain rather than shearing across it. They consist of a large, heavy, wedge-shaped head that applies forces of separation within the wood fiber for effective firewood processing. The heaviness allows descending blows that minimize the strokes needed to cut logs apart.

A tactical axe is a practical choice for those who require an axe for purposes other than cutting and splitting. Its durability and light design make it practical for several purposes besides regular wood chipping. Tactical axes also have additional features, such as a hammer or pry bar, making them useful for survival, emergency response, and even self-defense.

Weight and Balance

The heavier an axe is, the more it affects its use and efficiency. Heavier axes generate more force per swing and are best suited for felling large trees or splitting large logs. The extra weight of the head allows for deeper penetration into the wood, which means fewer swings to complete a task. The drawback of a heavier axe is that it requires more energy to swing, which may lead to fatigue when used over long periods.

Conversely, a light axe provides greater control and agility, making it an excellent tool for fine work. A short hatchet, for example, will be ideal for camping and bushcraft, allowing users to cut small details, whittle wood, and shave tinder without exhausting themselves. The reduced weight also promotes ease of carrying. Hence, it is a welcome addition to any outdoor enthusiast's equipment. Other than weight alone, balance plays a deciding factor in how smoothly and comfortably an axe can be swung.

Handle Material and Design

An axe handle is the most significant component that affects durability, hand comfort, and overall performance. Handles made of wood, usually hickory or ash, are favored because they absorb a lot of shock. These woods naturally absorb shock in each blow, with slight vibration passing on to the hands and arms. This makes wooden handles extremely easily grasped, particularly for extended chopping activities.

Fiberglass handles are weather-resistant, meaning they will not warp, crack, or rot quickly when exposed to heat or moisture. They are also light without compromising, weaker, and simpler to hold onto. Composite handles, in which fiberglass is mixed with other manufactured materials, have more impact and stress resistance and are, therefore, better suited to a heavy workload.

The only downside of non-wooden handles is that they do not have as good shock-absorbing qualities, which can cause more stress to be transferred into the hands and wrists of the user over the long term.

The majority of modern axes have ergonomic handles that curve along the natural shape of the hand. The grip surface provides even more control through decreased slippage, particularly if wet. Some even have rubberized spots that offer additional cushioning, reducing pressure during extended use. Handle length is also part of the performance, with longer handles providing more leverage for powerful swings.

Exploring Different Types of Axes

Axe types vary relatively significantly based on their intended use, size, and blade shape. Different axe types are designed to accomplish specific tasks efficiently for survival, outdoor, or woodworking purposes. Here is a detailed description of some of the most sought-after and specialized types of axes.

Tactical Axe

A tactical axe is a multi-tool often used in survival, emergency response, and self-protection. It typically has a sharp edge on one side and additional tools, such as a hammer, spike, or pry bar on the other. Tactical axes are lightweight, rugged, and easy to deploy and use in various ways. They are best for emergency responders, campers, and military troops who require a tool that will allow them to perform many different tasks.

Felling Axe

Felling axes are made to be employed in felling trees and chopping large logs. They have long, straight handles that provide leverage for forceful swings and thin, sharp edges that cut deeply into wood fibers. Felling axes are typically used by loggers who need to process large amounts of wood quickly. The difference becomes clear when one compares a felling axe and a hatchet when viewing an example of a felling axe and a hatchet. While a felling axe is heavy and two-handed to handle, a hatchet is light and one-hand angled.

Splitting Maul

Unlike felling axes, splitting mauls are made to split wood along the grain rather than cut through it. They feature a heavy, wedge-shaped head separating wood fibers with minimal effort. The maul's head is heavy, and this weight creates the force that is used to split logs effectively. A splitting maul is essential for someone who splits firewood daily since it will do the job much more easily than when an ordinary axe is used.

Hatchet

What is a hatchet? A hatchet is a one-handed, small axe best suited for light chopping, kindling preparation, and other camping tasks. It is portable and useful and, thus, an essential tool for outdoor users. So, what's the difference between axe and hatchet? The compact nature of a hatchet makes it simple to carry in a backpack and, thus, a good survival and hiker tool. 

A bushcraft hatchet is specialized for survival in the wild and for making work, allowing precise shaping and carving of wood. Understanding the difference between an axe and a hatchet is necessary when choosing the right tool for a specific job.

Double Bit Axe

A double-bit axe has two cutting bits, offering versatility and longer life. One blade is typically very sharp for cutting, and the other is less sharp for application in more demanding tasks such as splitting or reworking wood. The double-bit axe configuration allows the user to replace blades for different functions. These different kinds of axes are used extensively in forestry, timber felling, and wood-chopping events, where efficiency and durability are crucial.

Carpenter’s Axe

A carpenter's axe is an excellent woodworking tool with precision for detailed woodwork operations. It has a short handle and a sharp, flat cutting edge for performing controlled cuts and accurate wood shaping. The head can also have a surface to hammer nails or pegs, hence a multipurpose tool for carpenters and woodworkers. Instead of larger axes, the carpenter's axe is used for accurate work that needs precision over power.

Tomahawk

Tomahawks were initially lightweight, multi-purpose tools used by Native American tribes and later by the military. A forged tomahawk axe is a modern interpretation of the original design, offering strength and utility for cutting, throwing, and survival applications. The lightweight design makes tomahawks easy to carry and use in combat and wilderness settings. They are often used for self-defense, hunting, and general-purpose applications.

Pick Axe

A pick axe is a complex instrument with one pointed and flat edge. It is used to break compacted earth and mine and perform demolition activities. The pointed end is used to bore heavy materials such as rocky ground and ice, whereas the flat side is employed for prying and digging. Pick axes are valuable instruments in construction, landscaping, and excavation.

Roofing Axe

A roofing hatchet, or roofing axe, is a roofing and building tool specially designed for roofing work. It typically features a sharp blade for cutting shingles and a hammer head for driving nails. Some roofing axes come with an inbuilt gauge to measure the correct shingle position so that alignment can be precise when undertaking roofing work. The hatchet's small size makes handling easy, which helps provide easier roofing work and accurate results.

Specialty Axes (e.g., Viking Axe, Broad Axe)

Specialty axes are designed for a particular purpose or based on a historical craft, and as a result, they are excellent pieces for collectors, reenactors, and professionals. These axes are usually traditional in their design but with modern materials for strength and enhanced performance:

1. Viking axe with hammer. A Viking hammer axe is a dramatic example of a battle-ready tool that blends historical aesthetics with multi-functionality. Inspired by the arms of Norse warriors, the axe features a broad cutting blade for slashing and a hammerhead at the back for delivering crushing blows. The two-in-one feature made it a lethal weapon in close quarters, capable of shattering shields and armor. Today, Viking axes with hammerheads are collected by collectors, historians, and individuals participating in medieval reenactments. Some modern designs are also used for functional purposes, such as woodworking and survival exercises.

2. Broad axe. A broad axe is a specialized woodwork tool used primarily for hewing logs to beams and cleaning timber. Unlike standard axes, the broad axe features a flat, wide blade designed to produce precise cuts. It is commonly used in traditional timber framing, log cabin construction, and period woodworking. Some broad axes are single-beveled for controlled, single-sided cuts, while others are double-beveled for general purpose. Due to how well they're constructed and beneficial, broad axes remain an important tool for serious woodworkers who appreciate traditional hand-hewing.

How to Choose the Right Axe for Your Needs

Determine the Purpose

The first is to find the primary purpose of the axe. There are different axes for various tasks:

• Chopping axes. It is used to cut down trees and break wood into smaller pieces. They have a slender, pointed blade to make deep cuts.

• Splitting axes. As the name suggests, they divide wood along the grain. They possess a heavy head and a wedge-shaped blade.

• Carving axes. These axes are used for carving and woodworking. They have smaller, more precise blades suitable for fine detail.

• Survival axes. These small, multi-functional survival axes, such as camping axes, are designed for use in the wilderness and may include features such as fire starters or saw blades.

• Tactical axes. Used for self-defense or military purposes, tactical axes compromise functionality and durability, offering items such as pry bars and hammers.

Understanding your basic needs will help you narrow your options and avoid purchasing an axe that fails to meet your expectations.

Choose the Right Size

Selecting the proper size is essential for performance and comfort. Axes are available in various lengths and weights, each suited for a particular task:

• Small hatchets (10-14 inches). A small hatchet is ideal for light-duty use like cutting, kindling, carving, and camping. Their compact size makes them very portable.

• Medium axes (15-24 inches). Ideal for more rigorous work, i.e., cutting small trees or splitting small logs. They provide a balance of power and portability.

• Large felling axes (25-36 inches). Suitable for heavy-use activities like felling large trees and log splitting. Higher strength and experience are required to wield these axes properly.

• Splitting mauls (36 inches or longer). They have heavy heads and long handles, making splitting mauls suitable for quickly and effectively splitting large logs.

Choosing the right size makes the axe easy to handle and productive for extended periods.

Evaluate Handle Material

The handle is a determining factor in the axe's performance, usability, and life. Common materials used for handles include:

• Wooden handles. Traditional, esthetically pleasing wood handles (typically hickory or ash) provide a natural grip and shock absorption. They need to be serviced regularly to prevent cracking.

• Composite handles. Made of fiberglass or plastic reinforced with material, composite handles are very strong, waterproof, and low-maintenance.

• Metal handles. Extremely hard and widely found in tactical axes, metal handles provide maximum strength but can be heavier and more tiring to hold for extended periods.

Your preference for a comfortable handle material will depend on durability, maintenance, and comfort.

Consider Blade Sharpness and Maintenance

A good axe should have a sharp, durable blade that retains its edge over time. Some of the key considerations are:

• Blade material. High-carbon steel or stainless steel axes provide the best sharpness and durability.

• Edge retention. High-carbon steel blades are more durable between sharpenings but must be oiled periodically to prevent rust.

• Sharpening requirements. Sharpening with a whetstone or sharpener every so often will give optimum performance.

Look for Additional Features

Modern axes also typically include additional features that make them more versatile and functional:

• Multi-functional heads. Some axes have hammers, pry bars, or saw blades integrated into their heads, which are convenient for various tasks.

• Sheath and belt loops. Protective sheaths make the axe safer to transport and store, and belt loops make it convenient to carry outdoors.

• Ergonomic grips. Non-slip grips and ergonomic handle designs make it more  comfortable to hold and reduce hand fatigue.

• Interchangeable heads. A few axes allow you to switch heads for different jobs, which makes them even more flexible.

Conclusion 

Axes have been crucial in human history, evolving into specialized axes with different uses. If you need a felling axe to chop down trees, a splitting maul to break firewood apart, or a small hatchet for bushcraft adventures, the right type of axe is important, to choose. Understanding the distinction between an axe and a hatchet and the various axe designs will allow you to select the most appropriate tool. Investing in a quality tool in the form of an axe will ensure durability, efficiency, and consistent performance over the long term.