Whether you are a professional woodturner or just a weekend woodturner, having the best axe to buy is critical to your success. An axe handle is important for safety as well as turning. If you plan on doing long distance projects or chopping large blocks, you’ll find it very helpful to have a solid, heavy duty handle that will hold up to the strain. You should also consider the size of the head stock, which will determine the length of the handle and how much you have to carry in the backpack. Here are a few features to look for when shopping for an axe.
![Gerber Gear 17.5-Inch Freescape Hatchet [31-002536]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21BkHcFYRRL._SL160_.jpg)
The best axe for beginners is the Diamond crappie chivere. It has a tapered handle that is perfect for chopping smaller branches and twigs. You can also find this type of axe in a folding design that will save you space. It is one of the lightest axes on the market with a weight of only 5.9 ounces. This is a great investment because these axes are much easier to use in wet or muddy conditions than some of the heavier models.
The best axes for beginners are those made by Woods and bring their blade for use in both wet and dry conditions. Some of these include the Spyder fixed blade, Wusthof Classic wooden axe, and the Hitachi premium brand split wood. Each of these offer different attributes and you can choose between the various models, as you become more experienced with your turnings. All of these offer great control and are very reliable in both wet and dry conditions.
Another consideration when shopping for the best axe to buy is the product dimension. Different brands are manufactured in different dimensions. The best axes will fit your hand perfectly and be balanced when you use it. Look at the product dimension to be sure that the handle is the right length for your dominant hand. It’s often difficult to make the right decision when purchasing a new wooden carving tool handle because you want the handle to feel comfortable.
If you are trying to decide between two similar models, consider the product dimension. For example, if the handle is made from five and a half inches of oak wood, but it only measures four and a half inches, then the handle made from five and a half inches of oak wood is obviously going to be more durable. It will last longer, but it may be heavier.
If you are looking for a good general purpose hand-forged camping axe that you can bring into the woods, you should consider the general use models. These are usually made from alloy steel for the best durability and strength. Some of the best axes for this purpose include: The Stihl Wilderness series, the Planer Pro Series, and the Spirit of the North series. These models are generally designed for light, moderate to long range chopping in brushy areas or for cutting trees.
There are several other models to consider, but these are the most popular for their features. One thing to remember is that the best axes are sold with a fixed wooden handle. If you plan on changing your handles often, you might want to consider one of the convertible types, which are available on the market today. By changing out the handle, you can have a new look, but your old set-up will still work. If you are buying an antique style wooden axe, the best thing to do is to find an experienced dealer who can give you advice on the best type of handle for your particular product.
If you are looking for a general-purpose hard-hitting hacking tool, you might consider a compound maul or a combination maul and hammer. A compound or hammer axe is usually held in one hand and has a large, heavy cutting surface on the other. This style is ideally suited to splitting wood and chopping firewood, and it is the tool of choice for many gardeners and contractors. The best models will have a full-length, strong handle that is balanced at the end so that it remains comfortable while you are using it. These models should also be equipped with a locking blade, as well as a strong and durable saw blade.
