Welcome to our article on types of axe heads. Axes have been around for centuries and different styles have evolved over time. An axe head is a tool that is used to chop wood, dig holes, split logs, shape objects and more. In this article, we will explore the various types of axe heads available as well as their advantages and disadvantages so you can make an informed choice about which type is best for your needs.
Cutter Mattock
The cutter mattock axe head is one of the most common types of axes and it has a wide range of uses. It features a pick end to help break up rocky ground and an adze end for digging trenches or shaping wood. Its design makes it ideal for general tasks such as splitting logs, cutting firewood or chopping down small trees. The downside of this type of axe head is that it may not be suitable for more specific tasks such as shaping intricate objects. [1]
Hudson Bay Axe
The Hudson Bay Axe is a classic tool used by woodworkers, lumberjacks, and outdoorsmen alike. This type of axe head features an elongated oval shape with a convex curve at the cutting edge. The blade of this axe is typically thinner than other types, making it ideal for precision work. Not only does the shape of this axe make it easier to control, but it also provides a larger surface area for chopping wood.
The Hudson Bay Axe is great for shaping and sculpting pieces of wood. Its thin blade cuts cleanly through logs without leaving large chunks behind like some other types of axes would. This type of axe head works well on both hardwoods and softwoods, making it a versatile tool. [1]
Double Bit Axe
Double bit axe heads are distinguished by two separate blades, or “bits,” that can be used for cutting or chopping. The double bit design offers several advantages over single bit axes, including a longer edge and greater balance. The double bits also allow you to alternate between using the same side of the blade or switch from one side to the other as you work, which can be beneficial when attempting to balance the axe’s stroke and reduce fatigue.
Double bit axes are most commonly used for cutting trees and logs into smaller sizes. By having two sharpened blades instead of one, they offer more precision and a better chance at making even cuts in both directions. Additionally, double bit axes are lighter than single bits. [1]
Felling Axe
The most common type of axe is the felling axe, which usually consists of a long handle with an axe head attached to one end. Felling axes are used for chopping down trees and other large objects. The blade is usually straight or slightly beveled on one side, and designed to easily cut through wood. The weight of a felling axe ensures that it can chop through large objects with minimal effort, while also providing balance when swinging. [1]
Dayton Axe
The Dayton Axe is a classic style of axe head that features a flat blade and a low profile. This type of axe has been used for centuries, and it’s still popular today. The wide blade makes it great for chopping wood and clearing brush, while the low profile ensures that you don’t chop into the ground too deep when using it. It’s also a great axe for splitting logs because it has more power when compared to other axe heads. The Dayton Axe is available in different sizes, so you can choose the perfect one for your needs. If you’re looking for an axe that will get the job done and last a long time, then consider getting a Dayton Axe. It’s sure to be worth every penny! [1]
Michigan Axe
Michigan axe heads are suitable for chopping and splitting logs. They’re relatively large, and typically have a flat-faced head with a thin bit near the cutting edge. Michigan axe heads come in two standard shapes: convex and concave. The convex shape is designed to provide more force when striking a log, while the concave shape is better suited for making deeper, even cuts. Both of these axe shapes are available in different sizes and weights depending on the type of work you’re doing.
Jersey Axe
A Jersey axe head is a type of axe head that is designed for use in confined spaces. The shape of the axe head allows it to fit into tight spaces and reduce the risk of hitting something unintended. It has a straight cutting edge which makes chopping wood an easy task, while its curved blade can be used for splitting logs or cleansing them from bark. This type of axe head is ideal for use in cramped work areas, such as in a woodshed or garage. When using a Jersey axe head, it’s important to be aware of the shape and size of the handle since handles come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the task they are intended for. Additionally, it’s also important to pay attention to the weight of the axe head since heavier ones are more difficult to use but can provide greater force. [1]
Swamper’s Axe
Swamper’s axes are the most popular type of axe head. They are best suited for cutting small trees, chopping through brush and clearing land. The swamper’s axe has a wide blade that is held at an angle to the handle in order to create maximum force when chopping. Swamper’s axes feature a long handle which allows users to chop with greater force. [1]
Forest Axe
Forest axe heads are the most common type of axe head, and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes suited for different tasks. They typically have two cutting edges – one curved edge for chopping and one straight edge for splitting wood. When looking for a forest axe head, make sure to choose a size that is appropriate for the job you intend to use it for. For example, if you are cutting down trees or chopping logs, you will want a larger axe head that can easily penetrate deeper into the wood. If you are just needing to split kindling, then a smaller axe head should suffice. It’s also important to consider the weight of the axe head – lighter heads are better for more controlled and precise work, whereas heavier. [1]
Pulaski Axe
The Pulaski axe head is a combination of an axe and a mattock in one tool. It has a cutting blade on one side and a small hoe-like adze on the other, making it perfect for digging, chopping, and removing roots and stumps. The blade is curved for easy slicing and splitting while the adze is flat and can be used for a variety of tasks. The combination makes it an excellent choice for anyone who needs to dig out stumps or break up dense soil. It is also useful in wilderness firefighting and search and rescue operations, as well as being popular with campers, backpackers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. [1]
Boy’s Axe
The Boy’s Axe is the most common type of axe head and features a wide range of sizes. It has a single bevel blade that is suitable for both chopping and splitting wood. The angle of the blade makes it easier to control, making it ideal for beginners. This type of axe can also be used to cut branches, chop logs, trim trees, and more. [1]
Carpenter’s Axe
Carpenter’s axes are used for a variety of cutting, shaping, and splitting tasks. They are usually smaller than felling axes, but have larger heads to handle bigger pieces of wood. Carpenter’s axe heads come in three main types:
- Single Bevel Axes – A single bevel axe has one sharpened side and one flat side. This makes them excellent for precision cutting, such as for dovetail joints and other woodworking tasks.
- Double Bevel Axes – As the name suggests, double bevel axes have two sharpened sides to make cutting on both sides of a piece of wood easier. They are also commonly used for chopping small logs into firewood.
- Broad Axe – Broad axes have a wide, flat blade that is used for hewing logs into rough shapes and making joints. They also excel at trimming away excess wood or material on large projects. [1]
Shingling Hatchet
The shingling hatchet is a type of axe head typically used for the installation and repair of roof shingles. It has a curved blade with an ergonomic handle that makes it easier to maneuver when working on angled surfaces. The blade has two different edges – one for cutting nails and the other for trimming wood. For maximum performance, use a sharpening stone to keep your shingling hatchet blade sharp. [1]
Hewing Axe
Hewing axe heads are made of one single piece of heavy metal and are designed for shaping logs into beams, planks, and other timber components. This type of axe head has a wide, straight cutting edge with relatively little curvature. Hewing axes come in various sizes to meet the needs of different woodworking projects. [1]
Crash Axe
Crash axe heads are the most common type of axe head and have a single, sharpened beveled edge on one side and an ax blade with a curved or convex cutting edge. The backside is left unsharpened for balance when thrown or used as a hammer. Crash axe heads are usually made from high-carbon steel and can have either a natural or painted finish. They are often found in survival kits, firefighting equipment, and camping gear.
These types of axe heads are very versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks such as splitting logs, chopping down trees, and even self-defense. The sharpened single edge makes it easier to control the power when striking an object and is less likely. [1]
Adze
Adze axe heads are a type of axe head with a curved blade that is used for trimming, smoothing and shaping wood. Adzes come in various sizes and shapes, making them suitable for both smaller and larger carpentry projects. The adze axe head has an arched blade that enables the user to make fine cuts against the grain of the wood. The most common type of adze is the flat-blade adze, which is typically used for carving out hollows and grooves in wood. Adzes are also great tools for splitting thicker pieces of timber into thinner planks. [1]
Tactical Axe
Tactical axe heads are those designed mainly for combat. They are much heavier than other types of axe head and feature thicker blades that can penetrate armor and heavy materials. The handle on a tactical axe head is typically very long, allowing the wielder to get extra leverage when striking their target. The weight of these axes also makes them ideal for throwing at targets from a distance and penetrating armor or other defensive materials.
Some tactical axe heads come with different blade types, such as a curved blade or a hammer head. This allows the user to customize their axe depending on what type of target they are up against. The handle is usually covered in a thick rubber grip for better control and comfort during use. [1]
Viking Axe
Viking axe heads were made from iron or steel with the intention of being used as a tool and weapon. They typically feature a long, thin blade that is curved at the end to create a hook-like shape. The blade is usually wide enough to be effective for cutting but not so sharp that it would injure its user. Viking axes usually featured a thick handle, which was sometimes made from wood but more often crafted from iron or steel. The handle provided balance and leverage when swinging the axe.
Viking axes were useful for cutting down trees, splitting logs, and even as a weapon in battle. They were also used to craft items such as furniture and tools. Viking axes are still beloved by many today for their unique look and history. If you’re looking for an axe with historical significance, the Viking axe is a great choice. [1]
Throwing Axe
Throwing axe heads are one of the most popular types of axes for those looking to use them in a competitive environment. Throwing axe heads usually have an aerodynamic shape, with a thinner blade that is designed to be thrown accurately. The blades may also have grooves or dimples on them to further enhance their throwing capability. As the name suggests, these are usually used in axe throwing competitions. [1]
Tomahawk
The tomahawk is a type of axe head traditionally associated with the Native American culture. The tomahawk’s design allows it to be used for chopping, piercing and throwing. It typically has a long wooden handle with a sharp steel blade at one end, and often decorated with feathers or colorful beads.
Splitting Maul
A splitting maul is a type of axe specially designed for chopping and splitting logs. It usually has a heavy, tapered blade with a wide, flat cutting edge that goes all the way through the handle. The head is typically made from high-grade steel and features a large poll (or top) with long, curved claws that help secure it in place while splitting. The handle has a straight, ergonomic design that provides maximum power and control over the whole motion. Splitting mauls are great tools for anyone who needs to quickly and easily split logs into firewood. [1]
Splitting Axe
A splitting axe is designed for splitting wood in two with a single blow. It has a long, slim handle and a heavy, wedge-shaped head that’s kept sharp on both sides for maximum efficiency. When swinging this type of axe it’s important to keep the head flush against the grain of the wood to get an even split. [1]
Miner’s Axe
Miner’s Axes are the most common type of axe head found on the market today. These axes are typically designed for general-purpose use and feature a flat blade, which is suitable for chopping wood. The design is simple yet effective and allows you to get your tasks done quickly and with minimal effort.
The handle of a miner’s axe is usually made from hardwood, although some models feature an ergonomic handle for improved comfort and control. They are also designed to be lightweight, making them easy to carry around with you while working. [1]
Shepherd’s Axe
The Shepherd’s Axe, also known as the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe, is a classic design that has been around for centuries. It has a relatively small head and short handle, making it perfect for smaller jobs such as carving and whittling or breaking up logs into kindling. It’s great for all sorts of bushcraft tasks and it is possible to sharpen the edge of a Shepherd’s Axe on a stone.
The axe head is made from high-grade Swedish steel, making it strong and durable. The handle is usually made from hickory or ash, providing a good grip even when wet. As well as being lightweight and easy to carry in your backpack, the Shepherd’s Axe is also great for limbing trees and doing fine carving work. [1]
Axe Parts and Terms
Before we dive into the types of axe heads, let’s get familiar with some key parts and terms related to axes.
The handle is the most obvious part of an axe and it comes in different materials such as wood, metal or plastic. The length and weight of a handle will vary depending on the type of axe head attached to the end.
The head is the business end of an axe that does all the chopping and cutting work. It typically consists of two parts – the “bit” (the sharpened steel edge) and the “poll” (the blunt side). The bit should always be kept sharp in order to make clean cuts, while the poll can be used for splitting, pounding, and other non-cutting tasks.
The eye is the hole at the center of an axe head where you attach a handle. It’s important that the handle fits securely into this opening so it won’t come off during use.
The “beard” is the downward curving bit of metal near the poll. It’s designed to help you get a better grip on the axe when using it and also adds weight which helps with the momentum of swing. [1]
FAQ
What are axe heads?
Axe heads are the blade-like metal components of an axe that are attached to the handle. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, which allow for different uses depending on the task at hand.
What are the different types of axe edges?
Axe edges can come in two varieties: single-bit and double-bit. Single-bit has a single edge, while double-bit has two edges that are spaced apart from each other.
What is a Finnish axe?
A Finnish axe is a type of single-bit axe that has a narrow, curved cutting edge and a wide forward sweep. This design gives it exceptional chopping and slicing power, making it ideal for felling trees and other heavy-duty woodworking tasks.
What are tomahawk axes?
Tomahawk axes are lightweight, single-bit axes with a short handle and a sharpened, curved blade. They are typically used for throwing, hammering, wedging and chopping.
What are Viking axes called?
Viking axes are typically referred to as bearded axes due to their long, curved cutting edges. The handle of a Viking axe can be short or full-length, depending on the task at hand.
Is a tomahawk a T Bone?
No, a tomahawk is not the same as a T bone. Tomahawks are single-bit axes with a curved blade and short handle, while T bones are double-bit axes with two parallel cutting edges.
Why do Vikings use axes?
Vikings used axes for a variety of tasks, including felling trees and chopping wood. They were also used in battle as a weapon, thanks to their sharp edges and strong construction.
Useful Video: Axe Types
Conclusion
At the end of the day different types of axe heads serve purposes. While hatchets great for chopping small pieces of wood or clearing out plants, felling axes are much better suited to chopping down large trees. On the other hand, splitting mauls are designed specifically for splitting logs along its grain lines. When buying an axe head, it’s important to consider the specific task at hand, as well your own strength and abilities. Taking these factors into consideration will help you choose the right type of axe head for the job.
We hope this article has helped you understand what types of axe heads are available and how they differ from each other. With a better understanding of these tools, you can make an informed decision and purchase the best axe head for your needs. Good luck!
References
- https://www.awesomeaxes.com/types-of-axes-and-axe-heads/
