Types of axes

The axe has a long and storied past, having been utilized for various purposes throughout history, encompassing tree felling, animal hunting, and combat. In contemporary times, it is primarily associated with outdoor activities like camping or yard work. However, the evolution of technology has greatly influenced the design and functionality of this age-old tool, leading to vast improvements in its performance and longevity. As a result, the modern axe is highly efficient, secure, and dependable, making it a ubiquitous presence in households worldwide.

Types of axes and their purpose

There exists a wide array of axe types. They are categorized based on the shape and style of the head, the length of the handle, and the material it is made from. In reality, there are numerous variations, but the head shape remains one of the most crucial distinguishing factors. Depending on this characteristic, an axe can be classified as a cutting axe, a felling axe, a meat axe, a single-bladed axe, a double-bladed axe, and more. In this discussion, we will explore the primary types of axes, as well as some specialized varieties that are not intended for regular household use.

Common

This encompasses the ones that are discoverable, albeit not present in every abode, but rather frequently encountered.

Column

Typically utilized for felling timber, this tool possesses a substantial and weighty head featuring a comparably slender edge situated at the extremity of a concave wedge. Its purpose is to slice through the wood in alignment with the grain, unlike typical machetes. With column axes, the blade should penetrate the wood in a linear trajectory, while the broader section drives into it and splits it open.

Tree Feller

A specialized instrument utilized for tree felling. It possesses an elongated and broad cutting surface (exceeding 11.5 cm), a finely honed blade angle, and a curved configuration. This particular shape renders it well-suited for severing recently resinous timber, such as spruce or pine. Moreover, the weighty head and extended handle bestow substantial force upon the axe. Importantly, it is worth mentioning that it is rather heavy, which enhances the impact force.

When it comes to meat, a key tool for chopping and cutting carcasses is a specialized axe. This type of axe is designed with a wider blade, which allows for a greater amount of meat to be captured during the cutting process. Weight-wise, this tool can range from 3 kg and up.

One of the most crucial skills for a butcher is the ability to cleanly chop tubular bones. A skilled butcher is able to make precise cuts without creating any splintering or unevenness. The secret to achieving such precision lies in using a high-quality axe and delivering a well-placed blow.

Carpenter’s axe

Compact in size, the carpenter’s axe is specifically designed for wood chopping tasks. It features a small finger notch that enhances precision in carpentry work. Additionally, the opposite end of the axe is made of hardened material, serving as a hammer. More advanced versions of this tool also include a built-in nail puller bracket, enabling craftsmen to perform multiple tasks seamlessly without the need to switch tools.

For optimal performance, the blade of the axe should be sharpened at a 35-degree angle to avoid binding in the wood.

Firefighter’s Harness

The cutting edge of the blade is reminiscent of the classic design, however, the opposite side is honed to resemble a pickaxe. Additionally, the axe heads are often brightly painted to ensure easy visibility during times of crisis.

Firefighter Assault

This axe is specifically designed for firefighting work and meets the unique requirements of fire departments. It features a wood handle and a heavy steel head. The axe is equipped with both a wide wedge and a narrow pointed wedge, allowing for versatile use. It can be used for cutting and chopping wood, breaking doors, serving as a breakaway hook, and lifting pavements and manholes.

Ice axe

This tool is designed to break ice and remove ice buildup on sidewalks. It consists of a metal tube welded to the back side, providing a sturdy structure. The ice axe also serves as a climbing tool, featuring a cleaver blade and a pick on the head. It has a long wooden handle with a spike at the end, which can be used to break through ice and provide support on icy surfaces.

Roofing tools

are professional tools that are commonly used by roofers. While they may not be as popular as they once were due to modern inventions, many craftsmen still prefer using these traditional tools. They are versatile and convenient, especially when working on a roof where carrying multiple tools can be challenging. Roofing tools typically have two heads on opposite sides of the handle. One head features a sharp blade for cutting shingles, while the other head functions as a hammer for driving nails when attaching them to the roof. In some cases, the head of the tool is magnetized, allowing for easy placement of fasteners without requiring manual holding. Instead, the fasteners can be fixed to the front of the hammer and inserted as needed. Additionally, roofing tools may include an extra feature in the form of a knot on the side of the sharp blade.

Teslo

A Teslo is a tool used in woodworking that has a curved blade set at a right angle to the handle. It is commonly used for sanding or carving in manual woodworking and is a versatile tool that can replace a hoe in farming and gardening.

Touring

Touring is a type of lightweight and compact axe. It features a blade with semi-circular edges, which allows for easy transportation in a backpack. The design of the tool is often attractive, and it typically comes with a sheath. One notable advantage is that the blade is extremely sharp, making the axe useful as a knife as well.

This makes it a great option for hiking, as it can be used to chop firewood, small trees, and remove branches. It is also useful for clearing areas of bushes and limbs.

Kitchen

The kitchen gadget is essential for cooking. This hatchet is a reliable tool for effortlessly and efficiently slicing through large quantities of meat, as well as finely mincing bones for soup or broth. The design, dimensions, and blade type ensure a smooth and comfortable cutting experience when working with vegetables, meat, and other ingredients.

Specialty

Refers to a very specific purpose. Typically, these are tools that are not suitable for every task but are acquired for specific objectives.

Carpenter’s

Similar to a carpenter’s axe, but smaller and lighter in weight. The blade is straight. It is used for smoothing out edges.

Valashka

The Valashka is a unique instrument that also doubles as a cane and even a light weapon. With its historical and cultural significance, it holds a symbolic value and is often seen being used as a prop in traditional dances like the odzemok. Crafted with a long and straight wooden shaft, this lightweight instrument is typically adorned with a metal butt and measures just over 1 meter in length. The grip section usually boasts an intricately engraved design. Interestingly, in certain regions, the Valashka is still utilized by shepherds to this day.

Tsalda

An iron tool in a compact size, featuring a sickle-shaped blade, primarily designed for the purpose of clearing shrubs from land.

Borodoid

A type of battle axe characterized by its large size, having a wide and elongated blade along with a long handle. The sharp edge of the blade is curved in a saber-like manner, also referred to as a beard.

Ancient

Primitive humans acquired the knowledge of axe-making around a million years ago, rather than the previously estimated five hundred thousand years. Naturally, over time, this tool underwent improvements and modernization, however, certain variations of it have long been obsolete.

Berdysh

A battle axe on a lengthened shaft (known as a ratovishchet), featuring an elongated blade with a distinctly curved crescent shape. This weapon was employed by the Russian infantry during the XV-XVII centuries, and for the Streltsy troops, it served not only as a supplementary weapon, but also as a support and a stand during the usage of heavy wick guns. This cold weapon possesses immense penetrating power and, when wielded skillfully, can inflict severe, often lethal, wounds upon the enemy.

Boarding

Used to be a regular practice during the era of the sailing navy. It was specifically designed for military sailors and pirates during boarding operations. This weapon was equipped with a lengthy handle, which could measure up to 1 meter long, and was strengthened with metal plates known as langets. Typically, it had a hook at the tip, which was used as a lash. Occasionally, the blade would also be located there.

Rock

An ancient manual implement, primarily constructed from rock materials such as flint, rhyolite, quartzite, and other sizable stones.

Celtic axe

Resembling a conventional axe, but without a groove, the Celtic axe was inserted at a right angle to the handle, rather than parallel to it. In its early use during the Neolithic period, it was primarily designed for felling trees and working with wood. Typically made from granite or other durable stones, the Celtic axe was meticulously polished to achieve a flawless shine.

Chakan

The Chakan is a type of axe that features an elongated blade in the shape of a hammer. Not only were these axes used for combat, but they also acted as a useful counterweight to the blade, enhancing the accuracy of strikes.

Claw

Similar to the pickaxe, the claw is a slender and elongated blade that has the ability to easily penetrate armor thanks to its limited striking surface.

The Tomahawk is a traditional axe that was once used as a tool and weapon by certain Indigenous American tribes.

Unlike other axes, the Tomahawk does not have a set weight, as it can be made from extremely light materials, with varying sizes for the grip and blade. Although it is not intended for chopping trees or firewood, but instead originated as a weapon of combat.

Beheading became more common in Europe during the second half of the Middle Ages, with the executioner’s axe gradually replacing the sword as the preferred tool for this gruesome task. The last recorded use of an executioner’s axe in Sweden was in 1900, when the murderer John Philip Nordlund was executed by the national executioner Albert Gustav Dahlmann at Vesteros County prison on December 10th. After this, the guillotine became the preferred method of execution in Sweden.

Francisca

The Francisca was primarily utilized as a handheld weapon for close-quarters combat, requiring a firm grip. Its distinctive shape indicates its purpose as an effective throwing weapon. With proper technique, it performs multiple rotations in the air before the axe blade strikes its intended target.