Hatchets & Axes

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Axes in various variations for outdoor use

Whether you are camping, hiking or on a military mission, you should not do without practical tools such as an axe, as it is an important aid in emergency situations.

A hatchet is suitable for a variety of applications

An axe consists of a shaft and a head that is wide on one side and sharp and pointed on the other. The pointed side is very suitable for cutting wood. An axe is used when wood has been collected for a fire and needs to be cut into small pieces. It is indispensable for this. In addition, the axe is used in outdoor operations to clear thick undergrowth for a passage or to shorten branches that are in the way.
Axes are available in different sizes. Models designed for outdoor use are relatively light and have a small and handy shaft. They can be securely attached to the outside of an outdoor backpack.

The axe should be made of hard materials and equipped with a safety sheath

Axes are among the tools that can be dangerous to handle and should therefore be used with particular caution. In this context, it is important that the axes meet certain safety requirements. The shaft must be stable and must not break during use. It is also important that the head is securely attached to the shaft. ASMC offers axes that meet these safety standards and are ideal for outdoor use. The tools can be taken on a mission or a hike, but are also an important aid in various situations when camping. These tools are ideal for cutting a path or building a fort. There are also special folding or collapsible versions that are automatically protected when folded up and the blade is no longer exposed. They also take up less space in the equipment. Otherwise, every axe that is transported frequently should have a sheath, which is usually made of hard plastic. It is specially adapted for the respective axe and has a lock so that the sheath cannot slip off the blade.

Expert tip: How to properly reattach a wobbly iron

Since wobbly handles are not only uncomfortable when working and prevent precise work, but can also be extremely dangerous, it is important to always ensure that the iron is firmly seated on the handle. The worst case scenario would be that the iron could be thrown away when you swing it. To re-secure a loose iron, you can either re-wedge it with a larger wedge than the old one or drive an additional wedge into the wood afterwards. The metal wedge should be driven in at an angle of 60 to 90°.

Questions: Axes

What are the exact names of the individual parts of an axe?

In addition to the blade and the handle, known as the shaft, there are a number of technical terms for the remaining components of an axe. The flat sides of the blade are called cheeks, the reinforced part attached to the shaft is the head and the neck. The hole through which the handle or shaft is pushed and usually secured at the top with a metal expansion piece is called the eye. The end of the handle is the pommel.

What other names are there for axes?

Hatchets are also called axes or hoes. Unfortunately, the synonym axe is not entirely correct, because hatchets are usually smaller and can be used one-handed, whereas an axe is usually designed for two-handed use, as it also has a longer shaft.

How do you recognize a good axe?

Since the 1930s, axes have been thoroughly tested by the Remscheid Research and Testing Institute for Tools (especially for forestry) and receive the so-called three-mushroom symbol.

What precautions should be taken?

It is recommended to wear sturdy work gloves when handling the axe. It is also advisable to wear safety goggles or a helmet with a visor to avoid the risk of splintering parts. If possible, steel-capped shoes should also be worn. Axes should always be carried correctly during or after use, between the cheek and the head. This is the least likely to happen. By the way, axes should of course never be thrown.

How do you use a hatchet or axe correctly?

To achieve the best possible efficiency while ensuring safety and best usability, you should never hit wood vertically. We recommend wedging sideways:

How do you properly care for an axe?

The shaft, which is usually made of wood, should be treated with a wood preservative from time to time so that it lasts longer and is not exposed to the elements as much. This can of course happen especially if you carry the axe on the outside of your backpack.
The blade should also be cleaned regularly with steel wool. This is a relatively easy way to remove rust. It should then be oiled and stored as dry as possible. The so-called burrs that often appear when axes are used for non-wooden tasks (e.g. using the neck as a hammer replacement for hammering in tent pegs when camping) should also be straightened out with a file from time to time, as they can otherwise only provide unnecessary opportunities for injury or damage the equipment.