It is important to use an axe that's not too big or too small for the intended user, for reasons of safety and ergonomics.
Because an axe is a lever, the force of the head is magnified by the handle, so the ideal axe for a given user and job will be a combination of head weight and haft length.
Axe User Factors
There are three factors that the user must consider in selecting an axe:
- Size and frame of the user – a taller person may be more comfortable with a longer handle
- Strength – a stronger person may be able to handle a combination of heavier head and longer handle
- Skill – any axe is potentially dangerous, more so in the hands of an unskilled user. While a skilled axeman may adapt to the tool available, for the beginner, careful selection is particularly important.
Weight of the Axe Head
An axe that has too heavy or too light a head will be more work to use, the first because it is uncomfortably heavy and hard to handle, and the second because more swing effort will be required to drive the axe into the work. Both conditions are unsafe and will increase the risk of harm to the user.
- A light camping hatchet (tomahawk) head might be up to 1.5 lbs (300 to 700 g).
- A typical forest axe (felling axe) is 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 lbs (1.1 kg to 1.6 kg).
- A splitting axe is in the same range or a little heavier, up to 4-1/2 lbs (2 kg)
- A splitting maul might be 5 to 8 lbs (2.5 kg to 3.5 kg).
In the first image, head weights left to right: 3 lb (1.5 kg) Firestone; 2 1/4 lb (1 kg) Collins; 1.5 lb (0.5 kg) Wetterling; 11 oz (300 g) Gransfors mini.
Length of the Axe Handle
Axes come in a range of haft lengths for each type, and within that range the user will find one that "feels right". This can sometimes be determined before purchase but unfortunately may only come with experience after actual use of the tool.
- A hatchet may range from 8" (200 mm) to 14" (400 mm),
- A forest axe (felling axe or cutting axe) might range from 28" to 36" (700 mm to 900 mm)
- A "full axe" is considered to have a 36" (900 mm) haft
- A typical utility or camping axe will be 20" to 24" (500 to 600 mm).
- A Boy's axe or 3/4 axe is typically 28" (3/4 of 36" is 27" or about 700 mm); many find that this makes a good camp axe.
- The Scout axe or 1/2 axe is typically 18" or 20" (450 to 500 mm) in haft length with a head weight of 1.25 to 1.5 lbs.
In the second image, handle length left to right: 36" (90 cm) Firestone; 28" (70 cm) Collins; 20" (50 cm) Wetterling; 10" (25 cm) Gransfors mini.
There are those who argue that a longer handle puts the head (and the strike zone) further from the body, an important safety consideration. However, a handle that is too long takes excessive effort to wield. Not only will this be tiring, it will be dangerous in the hands of a small or unskilled user with insufficient strength (who will choke up on the handle, compounding the danger). A handle that is too short cannot apply sufficient force (again, tiring the user by requiring repeated blows to accomplish the job) and may strike at an awkward angle.
While the effect of a heavy head can be reduced by a shorter handle, and a lighter head given more power by a longer handle, these are compromises and do not represent the best solution.
There may also be carrying considerations. "Walking along poor trails or without a trail - a full size axe has to be carried by hand as it snags everything if strapped to a pack, and sticking up above head height," comments survivalist Jim "Jimbo" Aston (personal communication, 2009.04.16). Backpacking or canoeing may dictate a shorter, lighter axe, for example, than one packed on a horse or carried in the camper or trailer as a utility camp axe.
For most efficient cutting and greatest safety, choose an axe that is right for the job, with a head weight and handle length that suits the strength, frame, and skill of the user.
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Thomas Alan Gray - Tom has been writing for over 30 years; curiosity leads him to dig into a wide variety of topics.
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