Types of Axe Heads-Bestaxeguide

Last updated on June 4th, 2020 at 07:45 pm

Axes have improved a lot in terms of their performance and durability, just because of the technology that has evolved a lot over the years.These days we have best axes ever made by Top Brands

As we all know an ax has two basic components head and handle. Handles are often made of wood, fiberglass or steel and the Head with a strong steel material to make it last long and efficient.

Types of Axe heads

The head of an axe has bit or blade at one end and a poll or butt on the other. Some of the heads are a double bit, which means cutting blade on each end of the head. The top corner where the cutting edge starts is called the toe and the bottom part is termed as the heel.

The head has an eye-shaped hole where the handle is mounted to give it a complete shape. Some of the heads are like a hammer at the back end for pounding wooden wedges or tent stakes into the ground.

Head comes with different shapes and sizes depending upon the purpose for which it is made. Ax head are generally made for following functions

• Harvesting the timber
• Splitting wood for firewood
• As a weapon
• For throwing competition
• As a ceremonial symbol

These functions determine the shape of the head and the handle along with the weight and the overall balance of an axe. Axes come in following different styles that define their purpose.

• Felling axe
• Hatchet
• Splitting maul
• Tomahawk
• Double bit axe
• Viking/Danish axe
• Tactical axe/Battleaxes

Felling axe

Felling axe is made for cutting down trees and for chopping big logs. The head of the felling axe is aggressively designed with the sharp blade to bite deep into the wood. Handles are normally long enough to give a comfortable grip with both hands. Balance of the handle has to be great to give easy swing of the arms without getting tired. These days felling axes are efficient enough and you normally don’t need a chainsaw.

Features

The head blade is sharp and thin and handles is at least 2 ft long.

Hatchet

Hatchet is termed as small axes and they are not meant for cutting down big trees. Hatchet can easily be used with a single hand because of its excellent balance and the handle length. Hatchets are considered one of the best camping axe to perform tasks like  kindling and chopping branches for firewood.

These days hatchet is good enough to tackle even small trees along with performing other small tasks like clearing trail, bushcrafts or getting the wood ready for a campfire. Because of their small size they can easily be carried anywhere and get fit in the bag comfortably.

Features

Head is around 1 pound and the handle is around 1 foot long.

Splitting maul

Very much similar in terms of size as compared with the felling axe but it’s used to split wood across the grain rather than cut into it. Splitting mauls do have hammer shape at the back end of the blade for pounding wooden wedges or tent stakes. They are normally bit heavier than felling axes.

Features

The blade is less aggressive as compared to the felling axe and its concave shape. Handle size is around 2ft or more than that. The handle can be made of fiberglass or American hickory wood.

Tomahawk

People have been found using tomahawk for camping like clearing trials and kindling but the fact is that they are more of a throwing axe.The size of the handle is small and with a sharp thin blade, it’s ideal for throwing with accuracy.

Features

Tomahawks have spike at the back of the head that can be very handy. The blade is very thin and sharp to get stuck in the wood while throwing.

The most striking part is the excellent balance of the axe, from head to bottom which makes it ideal to use with one hand without anybody strains.

Double bit axe

As the name suggests it has a sharp cutting blade at both ends of the head. The design not only looks great but it’s very efficient.We have reviewed some best double bit axe in one of our article.

Features

One end of the head is sharper and is used for felling trees and the other end of the head is bit concave and is made for splitting wood into small chunks and finish the job.

These axes are not very common these days but you can get one double bit axe instead of carrying two axes one for felling and other for kindling. They are a bit heavier than the normal axe because of its design.

Viking/Danish axe

These are not normally used for splitting logs or branches but battle re-enactment enthusiasts still buy them. They are called the Dane axe which reflects its popularity amongst the Danish Vikings.

Features

Including the blade Viking axes are huge they can easily be 6 ft in height.  Viking Hats and Boasts sold separately.

Tactical axe

They are referred to as tactical tomahawks mainly used by soldiers, mercenaries, law enforcement operators and security personals.

These are multipurpose tools that can be also be used for chopping wood, bushcraft and can shatter tough car windows or breaking down doors in an emergency.

Battleaxes

Battle axe comes in various sizes some can be used with one hand other are large enough to get a good grip with both hands.

Features

Their head is quite big as compared to the normal axe head to damage opponents in a battlefield.

Their weight may vary from .5 to 3kg and length from 1 to 5 ft. Cleaving weapons that are longer than 5 feet would no longer be called axes, but would fall into the category of polearms. A polearm is defined as a weapon used in close combat where the main part of the weapon is attached to a long shaft.

Throwing axes

Throwing competitions are very famous in many parts of the world. Those who are involved in throwing always look for the best throwing axes.

Features

Throwing axes have a very good balance they should be lightweight and medium-sized that can be used with one hand. Height and length should be according to the standards set by different federations and leagues.

FAQS

What is an AXE head called?

The part of the bit that descends from the rest of the axe head is called the beared. The top-end of the blade called toe and the bottom end is referred to as the heel. The back end of the head is called butt.

Is a hatchet a type of AXE?

Small axes are termed as hatchets, the length is just enough to be used with a single hand. Ideal for camping or throwing

What is a Viking AXE called?

Beard axes and can also be used as a weapon, they are called Dane axe which reflects its popularity amongst the Danish Vikings.

Why are AXE blades curved?

Blades are curved for more penetration flat blades don’t bite deep in the wood. The curved blade also allows the head not to get stuck in the wood which saves your energy and time.

How are AXE heads made?

They are made of solid steel, that is melted and then shaped into the desired design and then the blade is sharpened for cutting advantages.

Is an AXE considered a weapon?

Axes that are made with special specifications and can be used in the battlefield are called battle axes. Normally every axe can be treated as a survival axe or a weapon in an emergency situation.

Where did AXE throwing originate?

Europeans are the one who originated this first throwing axe competition was held in North America.

Is AXE throwing an Olympic sport?

National axe throwing Federation (NATF) is responsible to standardize the competitions held in different countries.