Tips on buying the best axe

Paying for top quality means your axe will have the following features:

• The correct shape of head for the job.
• The steel head will be properly tempered, meaning it can be sharpened effectively but not easily damaged if treated well.
• A wooden handle will have as straight a grain as possible, making it stronger.
• The axe will be properly balanced so you will need less effort to use it.
• The head will be very firmly fixed to the handle, and properly aligned, making it safer and more efficient.

Types of Axe

You may have a picture in your mind's eye of a rugged woodsman carrying his one trusty axe to chop down trees and reduce them to logs or for shaping wood. Of course there are axes which are designed to do a range of jobs and these tend to be a compromise.

Your choice should be the right type for the job and not too light or too heavy so you can use it comfortably.

Fiskars axes are made in Finland and feature a very modern design with modern materials. The hollow handle is made of a composite that is light weight but stronger than steel. The X-Series Splitting Axes also include advanced bevel convex blade geometry.

The head is teflon coated which helps to stop the head getting stuck. These axes have many fans and get excellent five star reviews on sites like Amazon.

Gransfors Bruks axes and hatchets are hand made in a small town in Sweden. The company was rescued from bankruptcy by Gabriel Branby, who turned it into a small scale, high quality manufacturer.

They are a favourite with many experienced exponents of bushcraft. Each axe head is stamped with the initials of the smith who forged it. They have an extremely sharp edge out of the box. These are high quality tools which will last for a lifetime or longer if looked after.

The American company Council Tool has been making a wide range of tools since 1886. Following in the footsteps of Scandinavian axe manufacturers, they decided to bring out a range of high end axes for discerning buyers.

The range is called Velvicut and has received excellent reviews in the more specialised blogs and websites. Amazingly the head has a lifetime warranty. If you are looking for a top qualty axe which is all American made, this range is the one to look at.

Back to Sweden now with the Wetterlings company, started in 1880. As with Gransfors Bruks, the company is owned by Gabriel Branby.

Reviewers talk about the high quality and precision of these axes, even though they may not be as highly finished as some. But then you aren't going to leave it hanging on a wall to look at. Wetterlings axes are amazing value for money.

• Never store your axe wet and oil it to prevent rusting.
• Avoid storing it in a hot place or the handle will dry out; use linseed oil or beeswax if it gets too dry.
• Do not store below zero celsius or the head may become fragile.
• Keep your axe sharp - it is safer to use. Learn how to sharpen an axe properly with a grinding stone.
• Wear safety goggles when chopping wood.
• Protect the axe head with a leather sheath - you can make one yourself.