A felling axe isn’t just any tool you’d find in the shed; it’s a professional axe designed for folks who like to work in the woods the old-fashioned way. Felling axes, unlike conventional axes, have a long broad edge – often 11 cm or longer – which makes them perfect for chopping very massive trees. Furthermore, these quality felling axe are forged with a curved bit, making them ideal for making fresh cuts in sticky woods like spruce or pine. We’ve compiled a terrific list to assist you in your search for the best felling axe.
Table of Contents
1844 Helko Werk Germany Classic Forester
- Handmade in Germany: The Forester is a highly capable, full-size general purpose axe. Its 3 ½ pound head...
- C50 High Carbon Steel: 53-56 HRC - Helko Werk axe heads are open-face drop forged individually by hand...
- Grade A American Hickory Handle: Linseed Oil Finish, 150 Grit Sanded Sustainably sourced grade A American...
Helko Werk is a well-known axe brands with a strong track record of accomplishment. The Helsper Tool Factory was founded in 1844. Helko Werk is a Wuppertal-based German company that handcrafts forestry implements from the highest-quality materials to make razor sharp axe.
The “Germany Classic Forester” is a gadget that is quite similar to the Hults Bruk felling axe we just looked at in terms of design, length, and weight. Drop forged with C50 high carbon steel and hung with American hickory, this one is just as nice. The handle designs is 32 inches long, which is a good size for most people. The head weighs 3.5 pounds, while the whole weight is 5.5 pounds. The head is made of polished steel, and it also comes with a lovely sheath. Some of the specifications are listed below.
Classic, traditional, and vario 2000 are three distinct Helko Werk axe lines. This one is from their “Classic” range, however they also make various axes for felling. One of their best designs is the Germany Classic Forester, which is ideal for almost everyone. With a Rockwell Hardness of 53-56, you may sharpen the cutting edge to a razor’s edge and keep it for a long time.
Hultafors / Hults Bruk Qvarfot Felling Axe
- Hultafors / Hults Bruk Qvarfot Felling Axe
- Country : Germany
- Hultafors Qvarfot - Felling Axe (premium)
Comparable to other elite businesses like Gransfors Bruk, Helko Werk, and Hults Bruk is the name Hultafors. Their axes are hand-forged from Swedish steel using conventional techniques, like this felling axe.
This axe was constructed with attention to detail. The American hickory handles are hand-selected for the proper grain orientation and given a linseed oil treatment before being sold. One of the most popular treatments for wooden tool handles is linseed oil. It penetrates the wood, shielding it from the weather and leaving behind a smooth, velvety surface.
Gransfors Bruks American Felling Axe 31
- Length with handle: 90 cm with curved handle (35.5”)
- Weight: 2,2 kg (4.8 lb)
- Sheath in vegetable-tanned leather
Gränsfors Bruks American Felling Axe is the ultimate felling axe. The axe handles has a stunning cutting edge of 4.5 inches with an 11.5cm head larger than the Gransforce. It is refined from hardened steel that is hand forged, which makes the edges sharper. With a total weight of 5.3 pounds, the head is fairly light 3.3 pounds, which means anyone can handle this axe (as long as they are trained) for cutting down trees.
Additionally, the multipurpose axe head is designed with a sharp curve to cut large wood and manipulate large trees with wide arches of long handles with sufficient force. Their fiberglass handle are the best manufactured cutting devices available today. Particular attention is paid to the development process; From head to toe handles in fake American hiccups and even vegetables mixed with tanned skin.
Gränsfors Bruks American Felling Axe is one of the Best Felling Axes 2023
1844 Helko Werk Germany Classic Expedition
- Handmade in Germany: The Expedition is as big as they come, and is the workhorse of the Classic line....
- C50 High Carbon Steel: 53-56 HRC - Helko Werk axe heads are open-face drop forged individually by hand...
- Grade A American Hickory Handle: Linseed Oil Finish, 150 GRIT SANDED Sustainably sourced grade A American...
Helko Werk started in 1844 as the Helsper Equipment Factory and is a German brand. This fell axe has a 35 inch length from the stock of the handle to the high-quality C50 carbon steel head. The head itself is hot-folded then it is pressed by the machine until its wide and refined cutting edge is obtained, the oiled hickory handle with the chain is made by hand in Switzerland, which explains its tradition is traditionally long.
The total weight of this felling ax is 6.5 pounds. This hickory handle felling axe is fine for professionals but not so much for beginners. Weight of 4.5 pounds is only in the head with high resistance. The goal of this open mouth, heat treatment and oil-extinguishing design is to create the best tree felling axe. This has a with an impressive 53-56hrc on the Rockwell hardness scale. Overall, this axe is professionally made and ergonomically balanced; It is the choice to clean your property and get fuel for heating your home.
The high carbon C50 was forged from steel and being suspended in the American Hickory. Length ofhandle is 32 inches, which is perfect. The head weighs 3.5.5 pounds and the total weight is .5.5 pounds. The head is made of polished steel.
1844 Helko Werk Germany Classic Expedition is one of the Best Felling Axe 2023
Hults Bruk Kalix Felling Axe
- Overall Weight: 3.6 pounds
- Head Weight: 2.25 pounds
- Handle Length: 28 inches
The Hults Bruk Kalix felling axe is a wonderful instrument, but it might use a little more quality control before it’s shipped out. Overall, the build quality is quite good, with a head made of solid Swedish steel and a handle made of American hickory. It’s well-made, but it’s best for cutting down small to medium-sized trees. The massive trees would be left to something with a somewhat higher build quality.
That isn’t to say that the quality axe isn’t well-made in any way. It features a 28-inch handle and weighs 3.6 pounds altogether. For a beautiful appearance and a good feel in your hands, the head is clear lacquered, and the shaft is treated with linseed oil.
However, the head isn’t secured as well as we’d want. It’s actually a tad sloppy. The camping axe didn’t appear to loosen up with use, but a sloppy head isn’t reassuring. When the blade arrived, it was similarly dull, so we had to take the time to sharpen it. That isn’t a major deal, but we usually anticipate a gadget like this to be ready to use when it arrives.
Husqvarna 576926201 26 in. Traditional Multi-Purpose Wooden Handle Axe
- Multi-purpose axe is a single-bit axe in traditional style
- Versatile Wood Chopping Axe: This single-bit wood axe in traditional style is ideal for homeowner and...
- High-Quality Materials: The axe head is attached to the hickory shaft using both a wooden and steel wedge...
Husqvarna 26-inch curved handles. As the name implies, it is intended to be used as a versatile axe. The length of its handle is equal to the length of an average person’s arm, making it a practical axe for cutting, shaping and splitting wood.
We found the axe to be light enough to carry all day as its head weighs less than 2 pounds. The head of the axe may be as sharp as a razor but it will not come with the ideal sharpness from the beginning. However, the amazing thing about Husqvarna’s head is that it can prolong the sharpness and sharpness after it has been sharpened. We took 20 minutes to sharpen the head and of course we did some testing. After cutting 20 on a dead oak tree, it was still sharp, which is one of the reasons we offer the product.
As for its blade mask, the Husqvarna 26-inch one has one that is made with premium soft leather sheath. It’s a bit big but it does its job well. From the package, all the axe needed is a few drops of boiled linseed oil for the handle. If you want a sharp axe, you can sharpen the head using a Lansky washer.
Snow and Nealley 3.5 lbs. Single Bit Axe
- Overall Length:30.00" - Head Width:7.50"
- Head Material:Carbon Steel - Finish:Black - Cutting Edge:4.375"
- Handle Material:Hickory - Weight:5 lbs. 2.00 oz.
True, most high-quality felling axes are out of reach for most people. That isn’t to say that you have to spend a lot of money to have a good tool. Every rule has its exceptions. This Snow and Neally single bit axe, we believe, is an exception to the rule and one of the greatest felling axes for the money.
The first thing we should say is that this is a stunning tool. When it comes to looks, this axe is on pace with goods that cost twice as much. The grain in the handle is all aligned correctly, and the head and handle finishes are both smooth and beautiful. This axe has a hickory handle, like many others, but it’s lacquered rather than oil-finished. Fortunately, the lacquer has been applied properly.
We discovered that each stroke with this axe has lots of power. It has a 3.5-pound head and a 30-inch overall length. Although it could have taken a little longer, we nevertheless gained significant leverage and were able to fell large trees with little effort. However, because the blade was dull when it arrived, we had to sharpen it first.
Hults Bruk Torneo Compact Felling Axe
- Overall Weight: 2.86 pounds
- Handle Length: 26 inches
- Head: Solid Swedish steel
Hults Bruk Torneo Compact Felling Axe is a company with a long and rich history. One particular thing about this axe is the overall length. The whole axe is like a 26-inch long-handled 26-inch versatile wooden axe. It is shorter than most slaughterhouses; But it’s not really a big deal because it’s a cut axe designed to cut small to medium trees.
The blade of the Hults Bruk Torneo Compact Felling Axe is made in Sweden. It has been building a factory head since 1697. The other head is also hit multiple times. It compresses the steel, which increases its density. As a result, the blade is very durable. The handle of the Hults Bruk Torneoo is made from American Hickory. Therefore, you can expect it for a very long time, especially when treated with linseed oil. The Hults Bruk Torneo is also provided with a protective leather athlete. The sheets are decorated with some distinctive Swedish elements.
What really brings this Hults Bruk Torneo is great value for money. When you look at the cost, it’s average. However, the build quality is higher in the high end. Also, the company behind it has a long history, so with proper care you can make this axe last longer than a lifetime. What we are trying to say is that the Hults Bruk Torneo is good enough to inherit the axe but it does not come with an expensive price.
Council Tool Velvicut American Felling Axe
- Overall weight: 5.60 lbs.
- Head weight: 4 lbs.
- 5160 American Steel
It’s from the Council Tool brand, which is based in the United States. Because their products are frequently cheap and produced with substandard materials, they rarely reach my top rankings. This isn’t the case. Council Tool is stepping up their game by releasing a new “Velvicut” set of premium tools.
You can tell the guys at Council Tool put a lot of effort into their Velvicut axes. Consider the American felling axe, for example. At slightly over 5 pounds, the total weight is ideal. The head is made of 5160 high carbon steel, which is superb for holding a sharp edge and weighs roughly 4 lbs. Council Tool adopted the popular Dayton head pattern and left the handle unfinished, which is where they win over the hearts of those who have spent some time around axes.
Features to consider when buying the best felling axes buying guide
The features below are what you see listed in the graphic above. The following headings deal with each of these essential features and give examples of axes that best represent “head weight,” “shape,” and even “materials.”
Head
The head you choose depends on a mix of materials and personal preferences. The tops that use carbon steel designs should be sharper, lighter but more expensive. Thin cutting edges will use carbon aloe. However hardened steel – such as Swedish steel, 1045 aloe or perhaps 4140 – when heat treated, can be adequately bent and sharpened at a sharp edge and can cut a tree straight with it wide and deep cut. Some of the best-headed axes on our list are the American Falling axe Gransforce Brooks, the 1844 Helco Work Classic Expedition, and the 1844 Helco Work Hunterland.
Single bit and double bit
The only requirement of a double drill bit is when you want to save one side of your axe for heavy cutting and hard cutting which will contaminate it, while the other side of your axe remains sharp for thin cutting and splitting. Wood. Double bit axes tend to be heavier, except for the light helco work Hinterland of 1844.
A bit is an axe with a cutting blade, while a double bit has two blades. If you are wondering why the hack requires two bits on one of your axes. Double bit axes are still useful and useful today, but they are not as widely used as they were a hundred years ago.
Before chainsaws, double-bit axes were a luxury for loggers. Having two blades instead of one does not mean that they have to carry two axes. You’re wondering, “What exactly is a double bit axe for?” Okay, let me give you two examples
First, having two pieces means you can use one direction to remove the bark from the tree, which often contains a good amount of dirt. Dirt will quickly dull your blade. Dedicated to throwing the tree on one side, you can use the other end to cut down the tree.
Second, you may have a logging axe on one side and a “branch” axe on the other. Cut a tree on one side and remove the tree branches on the other. Having a double bit allows you to keep two angles; One on one side. This affects how the axe is cut and determines the purpose of the blade.
Weight
An axe does not have to be unusually heavy to work well. A good cut depends more on the axis of your axe head, the curve of the axle handle, and the speed / accuracy of your swing. However, depending on the weight you carry yourself, you can choose a lighter axe than a more substantial version.
Handle material
All the axes in our list are made from the best American hiccups and this is because the axes of fall should only use hiccups in their design. Hickory wooden handle is the best type of axe handle. It absorbs the shock of better than others. This means you can take long, massive swings without worrying that your shot will break or damage the grip.
Handle length
You do not have to choose the longest handle for maximum power. Smaller handles are recommended.
Handle size
The knockout axes of a single jaw may have straight handles but the desired shape of the handle is curved as it gives a more natural feel and makes the swing easier. However, for the double bit axis, you will usually see the handle straight, making it easier to rotate the chamber between the two bits.
Varnish
If you plan to cut down trees regularly, you may feel blisters and realize that as they call, your hands will become tighter and your grip/swing will be tighter. Varnish should be sanded, as it makes the handle slippery and the axe will fly out of your hand when cutting. There is a difference between the finish applied to the axe than any varnish and rest assured that none of our products have colored handles.
Sheath
It is a good idea to cover it with leather, it not only keeps your axe sharp and protected from the elements, but the skin does not cut easily when adjusting the axe and the axe itself will not cut you.
Materials and production
The tools on this page have wooden or composite (fiberglass) handles. Wood is the best as it is easy to replace if you break it. It’s great to look at and it’s also comfortable. Combined handles are strong and comfortable, but they cannot be replaced if they are broken.
Another element we need to look at is the steel used to make the head. Since we are talking about cut axes, the shaft or cutting edge in the drill bit is quite important. This determines how sharp the blade can be and how long it can hold the edge. This affects the quality of the cut and how often the blade is sharpened.
Ultimately, the method of making it affects the price and cutting power. You’ll see me mention “involved” several times throughout this article. Drop Forge refers to hammering and a method of shaping steel. In most cases, a blacksmith puts the head of the axe under a mechanical hammer and uses the metal to hit the shape or with a hammer. It is still considered a hand-forged tool. On the other hand, some are entirely machine-made, with more imperfections.
Price
Last and certainly not the price. Coincidentally, all of the factors mentioned earlier affect prices; Length, weight, materials, how it is made, and whether it is a single or double bit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Felling Axe?
Often referred to as a “forest axe,” a falling axe is a tool used to cut down trees and remove branches. Their design goes back more than in the 15th century – although current versions use more leveling materials and fine scientific design. These axes are designed to cut the wood grain finely so as not to damage or distort the results and thus, they are not intended to split the wood, but to throw the tree. A decent cut axe will have a very thin edge that is sharp and embedded in a very densely soaked head near the back.
How do you properly fell a tree with a felling axe?
First, examine your axe and learn how to use it. You may never develop appropriate form until you understand why a tool is constructed a certain way and how that design affects chopping down a tree. Felling axes have a low cutting edge and a rounded blade, which makes it easier to chop against the grain of a tree rather than with it.
With this understanding, it should be self-evident that cuts and swings to a tree should be made sideways — just make sure your first cut is at a 45-degree angle on the side you want the tree to fall. Continuing your cuts, you’ll make close to 45 degree swings each time, with each chop going in the opposite direction of the previous one until you’re about 1/3 of the way through the tree.
How to extend the life of a felling axe?
For a longer lifespan and truly best use, consider only axes with hickory handles. Hiccups resist and absorb stroke shocks better than other types of wood, and with a protective finish, hiccups become more durable. Periodically apply during your finishing and general maintenance of your equipment, using only teak oil coatings or other boiled oils (such as linseed oil). Remember, do not use crude oils as these will not dry out and will create a sticky resin in your axe; Boiled oils dry out and harden anyway, and do just that to protect your grip from the ingredients.
Tips for sharpening a felling axe
Based on the worn edge and side of your axe – for example, if you run your finger over the edge and feel a nick or burn – you need to file it to maintain its shape, then sharpen with a stone. The classification is simple. For best results, when filing, move your axe backward (this will create and flatten the edge) and periodically flip the axe when using a sharp stone (this will give both sides a much sharper edge). Minor damage is best treated with a thick wall stone, and never machined or too soft. Finally, if you have it in your hand, place your axe against the skin after moving away from your edge.
How to choose the right handle length for a felling axe
Make sure the handle length is comfortable and easy to handle while axes with long handles can provide more power movement with more speed. Choosing an axe that gives you a balance between precision and strong hooves – perhaps with a medium or small handle – will make the job more efficient and productive. A standard Swedish axe – which sets the standard for almost all fall axes – is much taller for many men, standing 36 inches high from the bottom button to the top edge. For your needs, you will consider axes well in the 26 to 31 inch handle range.