Hatchets & Axes

Axes in Various Variants for Outdoor Use

Whether camping, hiking, or on a military mission, practical tools like the axe should not be overlooked as they are essential in emergency situations.

An Axe is Suitable for Various Applications

An axe consists of a shaft and a head, which is broad on one side and sharp and pointed on the other. The sharp side is excellent for splitting wood. An axe is indispensable for splitting firewood collected for a fire into smaller pieces. Moreover, axes are used in outdoor operations to clear dense undergrowth for passage or to trim branches obstructing the way.
Axes are available for purchase in various sizes. Models designed for outdoor use are lightweight with a small, handy shaft. They can be securely attached to an outdoor backpack.

An Axe Should Be Made of Hard Materials and Equipped with a Safety Sheath

Axes are tools that can be dangerous to handle and should therefore be used with special care. It is important that axes meet certain safety requirements. The shaft must be sturdy and not break during use. Additionally, it is crucial that the head is securely attached to the shaft. ASMC offers axes that meet these safety standards and are excellent for outdoor use. These tools can be taken on missions or hikes and are also important camping aids in various situations. They are ideal for clearing paths or constructing forts. There are also special folding or collapsible variants that automatically protect the blade when folded, reducing equipment bulk. For any axe that is frequently transported, a sheath made of hard plastic should be included. It is specifically designed for each axe and features a closure to prevent slipping off the blade.

Expert Tip: Securing a Loose Axe Head Properly

Since loose handles are not only uncomfortable during work and prevent precise work but can also be extremely dangerous, it is crucial to ensure that the head is securely seated on the handle. The worst-case scenario would be the head flying off during a swing. To reattach a loose head, you can either wedge it with a larger wedge than the old one or insert an additional wedge into the wood afterwards. The metal wedge should be driven in at a 60 to 90-degree angle.

Questions: Axes

- What are the exact names of the individual parts of an axe?

Aside from the blade and the handle called the grip, there are several technical terms for the remaining components of an axe. The flat sides of the blade are called cheeks, the reinforced part attached to the handle is the head, and the hole through which the handle or shaft passes and is usually secured with a spread-metal is called the eye. The end of the handle is the butt.

- What other names are there for axes?

Axes are also called hatchets or cleavers. Unfortunately, the synonym axe is not entirely correct because axes are usually smaller and can be used single-handedly, whereas an axe is generally designed for two-handed use due to its longer shaft.

- How can you recognize a good axe?

Since the 1930s, axes have been tested "inside and out" (especially for forestry) by the Testing and Testing Institute for Tools in Remscheid and received the so-called Dreipilz (three mushroom) symbol.

- What precautions should be observed?

It is recommended to wear sturdy work gloves when handling axes. Likewise, to prevent potentially splintering parts from causing harm, wearing safety goggles or even a helmet with a visor is recommended. If possible, steel-toed shoes should also be worn. Axes should always be carried correctly during or after use, ideally between cheek and head. This is where the least can happen. By the way, axes should never be thrown.

- How to properly use an axe?

To achieve the highest efficiency with simultaneous safety and best usability, never strike wood vertically with an axe. It is recommended to wedge it sideways.

How to properly care for an axe?

The handle, usually made of wood, should be treated occasionally with wood preservative to prolong its life and protect it from weather exposure. This is especially important when carrying the axe externally on a backpack.
Also, the blade should be regularly cleaned with steel wool to remove (flight) rust relatively well. After cleaning, it should be oiled and stored in a dry place. Additionally, the so-called burrs that often occur when using axes for non-wood purposes (e.g., using the butt as a hammer substitute for pounding pegs while camping) should be filed straight occasionally, as they otherwise only pose unnecessary injury risks or can damage equipment.