Splitting/Chopping Tool Review Thread

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This may be a review thread; the actual review to follow... but I've been waiting for this axe for a long time now. Every time it became available, I must've been preoccupied with something else. However, the time has finally come. Presenting, the 2 kg/4.4 lb Basque felling axe:

mA47VDb.jpg


This is a unique axe in many ways, chiefly due to the fact that it is hung like a mattocks with a friction fit - there is no wedge. Also, there is no poll, and haft is much shorter than I'm used to for an axe of this weight (4.4 lb / 2 kg). Just look at those cheeks!

GgtKnA9.jpg


The handle is short, and thin towards the bottom with little palm swell. The overall length is about 26":

W7zIAe1.jpg


Handle is made from Beech, and arrived with very acceptable grain orientation:

hQtNq15.jpg


Fit and finish is nice, a little rough around the wood fit, and the bottom of the steel has some harsh grind marks that contrast from the fine factory polish, probably from production fitting, but otherwise it looks nice. It's a tool, not a sports car - I intend to abuse this.

6o1VmX0.jpg


Here it is after removing the labels, sanding the wood with 120 grit paper, then adding a light coat of BLO - and cleaning off the head from oil and adhesive:

LPq0Xvy.jpg


Looking forward to throwing this into some wood - will report back - have a handful of axes to review in the field. Thanks for looking!
 
This may be a review thread; the actual review to follow... but I've been waiting for this axe for a long time now. Every time it became available, I must've been preoccupied with something else. However, the time has finally come. Presenting, the 2 kg/4.4 lb Basque felling axe:

mA47VDb.jpg


This is a unique axe in many ways, chiefly due to the fact that it is hung like a mattocks with a friction fit - there is no wedge. Also, there is no poll, and haft is much shorter than I'm used to for an axe of this weight (4.4 lb / 2 kg). Just look at those cheeks!

GgtKnA9.jpg


The handle is short, and thin towards the bottom with little palm swell. The overall length is about 26":

W7zIAe1.jpg


Handle is made from Beech, and arrived with very acceptable grain orientation:

hQtNq15.jpg


Fit and finish is nice, a little rough around the wood fit, and the bottom of the steel has some harsh grind marks that contrast from the fine factory polish, probably from production fitting, but otherwise it looks nice. It's a tool, not a sports car - I intend to abuse this.

6o1VmX0.jpg


Here it is after removing the labels, sanding the wood with 120 grit paper, then adding a light coat of BLO - and cleaning off the head from oil and adhesive:

LPq0Xvy.jpg


Looking forward to throwing this into some wood - will report back - have a handful of axes to review in the field. Thanks for looking!

Bring It.
 
Headlamp!

I suppose, but I'd rather do it in the light of day so I can really see what I'm doing.

How does that hold in place with the slip fit? Is there a pin or something?

Friction fit, like a mattocks or pick axe. No pin, and it's on there pretty good. Tried to pull it off but gave up.

Slipped on from the bottom, handle head expanding cone shape, like a pickaxe handle I guess?

You are correct, good sir.
 
Still a few light factory grinding marks on the Husqvarna (top), but its looking much better. It was nothing but heavy grind marks when I received it.View attachment 618849

Nice! Looks good. I hone up to 1000 grit stones then buff with with a cloth polishing wheel and compound on my bench grinder to strop and polish to a mirror finish.
 
:bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown:

And I thought I was doing good with 320 grit lol

That's still plenty good. Remember, I'm also a hobbyist, so sharpening, like restorations provide me solace and mental stimulation.

For a new or re-worked edge it's: Bastard Mill File, 280, 400, 600, 1000 grit stones, then strop.
 

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