If you are doing such an act then it is advised that you use much more caution as you are dealing with heavier and more dangerous materials. However if we go to a store or a lumber mill to find pieces that suit us we will be well on our way to creating our own handle and throwing in Axe Throwing Competitions. From a full-length axe that’ll make quick work of cordwood to a simple hatchet that you can stash in your backpack. Oil finishes can also be blended with various additives to create different finishes. Some of the more common additives are pine tar, turpentine, and beeswax. Pine tar serves as protection against mildew, acts to aid grip and adds a nice dark color. Finally, beeswax creates a shiny surface finish that fills the pores of the wood. While it adds slightly more water resistance the wax has to be scraped off before more oil can be applied. Otherwise, there will be very little penetration of the newly applied oil. The size of the targets and the distance of the target may vary according to the availability of the resources.
More so, Mahogany is more brittle than Ash or Hickory. As a result, it will splinter, shatter, and break much easier than other wood types. This fact will increase user fatigue and make it even more prone to cracking and snapping due to the shock impact. More so, Yellow Birch is popular because it absorbs shock well. In fact, Yellow Birch is one of the more shock-absorbent woods, although Hickory is still more absorbent. The main downside of Ash is that it is not as durable as Hickory or Oak. As a result, it will not last as long as the other two wood types, especially if it is left outdoors.
As Fiskars is responsible for making one of the best budget-friendly felling axes around, it should come as no surprise that they’re equally well-versed when it comes to splitting axes. In fact, their Super Splitting Axe features some of the same features that make their felling axe so superb — pared, of course, into a splitting-friendly format. That includes hardened forged steel for the head, a synthetic FiberComp handle, and the brand’s unmistakable minimalist styling. Plus its textured grip, short throat, and “fawn’s foot” knob provides a firm, non-slip grip, even with wet gloves. The Head of the axe is very special as it is made of high-quality grade A carbon steel and on top of that it’s drop forged and treated with heat. The cutting edges are durable enough to provide the power to cut deep into the wood without sticking. The balance is the key for any wood splitting axe and with this head, you will certainly feel comfortable to swing it repeatedly. Grain orientation was found perfect which shows the quality of wood used for the handle. 26 inch long handle with slight curves gives you better grip and balance for speed and power striking.
This is mounted on a Tennessee Hickory handle and has been perfectly balanced for steady swings. A composite handle gives you a durable and stable tool. Our axes with composite handles are fitted with a reinforced PA shaft and a non-stick coating for reduced friction. The SOG Base Camp is another tough, single-piece axe that boasts a sleek finish, rubber grip and a decent flat head for knocking in tent pegs and stakes or any other bashing needs. At over 2lbs in weight and 16” long, however, this isn’t the most portable axe in our review. It also falls a little short of other one-piece or heavyweight competitors the Gerber Pack Hatchet, Estwing Sportsman and Husqvarna hatchet in terms of practicality. First of all, it arrives fairly blunt and will require some sharpening before cutting through even small branches efficiently. The blade and bit are also fairly shallow, meaning that, despite its size, the SOG struggles to make its way through larger chunks of wood. It could, moreover, double up as pretty handy tomahawk…winner! A superb option for backpacking and overnight hiking trips.
But, a good-looking handle does not guarantee quality. So, always stay away from the cheap ones and the axes with handles being heavily stained or painted. The blade is made with Swedish steel and the handle is hickory wood. Both a steel wedge and a wooden wedge has been used to keep the head in place. Also, doing your finish in this way will really seal up the handle well. If you live in an area that gets high humidity, this is a life saver in terms of mildew buildup. Since BLO can be considered food for mildew, sealing it with a coat of beeswax helps the longevity of your axe handles.
More so, Oak is one of the most durable woods available. It has a high density, which allows the wood to be strong and absorb some of the shock. These facts allow Oak to last for many years and minimize user fatigue.
In hand, you can see the taper on the back of the handle for extra safety when you swing. Husqvarna has always been the top brand of outdoor gear and garage tool I prior to choosing from. Flaxseed oil is linseed oil processed without solvents or chemicals. It takes longer to cure than boiled linseed oil but I feel better about handling it. I also feel like with the slower curing time you get better absorption into the wood. Thanks for clearing up a few questions with this great article.
Undoubtedly, you’ll find what you’re looking for on our guide to the best tactical tomahawks. Modeled after the famed “Seagrave Axe” carried by Los Angeles City Firemen in the early 1900s. Definitely, a healthy and enjoyable activity if you have the best ax to split wood. The reason for this is that firewood is typically sold by the cord or fractions of a cord, an amount of wood that measures 4 feet high by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long. Importantly we have focused on the fact that you get the best quality axe without putting any burden on your pocket. 10 pounds of weight, but it’s evenly distributed from head to bottom makes it comfortable to use.
And for other striking tools, you’ll find fiberglass sledgehammer and pick handles too. For more information, check out our guide to striking tools or visit your local Ace. A bit on the bigger side of the spectrum when compared to other tactical tomahawks, the Gerber Downrange makes up for its size by being exceedingly multifunctional. It’s also made in the USA, comes with a MOLLE-compatible sheath, and boasts a durable Cerakote coating on all exposed metal. The cream of the crop when it comes to splitting axes, the Gränsfors Bruk Splitting Maul is a hefty, handsome two-handed outdoor tool if there ever was one. That’s backed by a composition of hand-forged steel and American hickory, as well as a 20-year warranty — which is still long enough to make the purchase worth it.