Types of axe heads. The designs can vary depending on the intended use.
Types of axe heads 5 and 5 pounds. Dec 8, 2015 · Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, different locations in America began producing various types of heads for felling axes. Axes are of two basic types—single or double bit. The creation of axe patterns (including the Michigan pattern) came in the mid-late 1800s as the American axe industry grew beyond local forges and blacksmiths. Exhibiting At BLADE Show Atlanta - Booth 524. Some are meant to take a pounding but most aren’t. Median Jan 27, 2024 · But don’t worry – there are 6 easy ways to tell which side of the axe head is the top. There are two basic types of axes: single bit and double bits. This example is based on a surviving axe head found on the Isle of Man. Around 1920 axe makers trying to make sense of the over 400 styles of axes came up with a Standard Chart of Axe Patterns reduc For each type of axe there are a wide variety of styles or patterns. Socketed Axe 1000-800 BCE The typical Late Bronze Age axe form is the socketed axe, with a hollow central socket, into which the wooden haft was inserted. to/3A2AHEuNO. The Mammen Axe is an excellent example of this type of axe, as it is well-suited to both throwing and melee combat. This page offers some guidance in helping to identify your iron axe head. This blade is curved and has a gentle flare. 2. 99 What is an axe head? An axe head is the hard, metal section of an axe used for jobs like chopping, splitting, and hammering. There are many different axe heads. Mins. Splitting Axe Head Learn about 13 different types of axe heads and how to use them for chopping, felling, splitting, smoothening and professional purposes. Figure 16—An 18th–century Germanic goose–wing hewing ax. The head has an adze or pick-like back side for digging dirt lines that help stop or slow the spread of fire. In fact, a lot of axes have a soft metal head aside from the bit. Custom build and fit one of our axe heads on a handle yourself. Shingling Hatchet. Type: Authentic Vintage Old Iron Battle Axe Head; Brand: Viking; Value: $1,560 – $1,950; Felling axes are used for cut-down trees, having just one side. Nowadays, axes are used primarily as tools and form three main groups: Forest Axes, Splitting Axes and Log-building Axes. An axe is still an axe even if it is arbitrarily thick and heavy. Later hewing axes, known as American broad axes, had a handle that allowed the head to be taken off and reversed for use by right–handers or left–handers. This pattern is popular and ideal for general jobs that are outdoor based. com is for sale on Above. Jan 7, 2024 · The world of axes is vast and varied, with each type designed to serve a specific purpose. They’re built to slice through the wood. Felling axe – What you typically think of an axe to look like but made in different sizes including small hatchets. D. Nov 5, 2022 · Its most notable antique axe identification feature is an axe head, called a pick, characterized by a slight curve and pointed end. The blades of Type H axes are asymmetrical. Finishing axes have flatter, knife-like edges that give you a cleaner, deeper cut. 09: 06: 24: 06. Fireman’s axe. It is made to deal with heavy-duty jobs. Double-Bit Axe Head: Here are the 7 types of axe heads. Grub Ax. The designs can vary depending on the intended use. Jun 16, 2023 · Types of Steel for Axe Heads Carbon Steel. A dull adze is present on one end of the bar of a fire-fighter tool called the Halligan bar. Swiss Halberd: A type of polearm with an axe head, spike, and spear point, used by Swiss soldiers during the 15th and 16th centuries. The back of the shepherd’s axe head was flat and blunt, sometimes used in the place of a hammer. Types identified include Cargill, Callander, Ulrome, Lissett, Balcarry, Kirkless, and Findowrie. The head of an axe is a sharpened, wedge-shaped piece of steel that is hung on a handle to be used for chopping, cutting, or splitting wood. Michigan. The bottom of the handle slides through the top of the eye while the top of the handle widens to fit snuggly and secure the axe. Authentic Vintage Old Iron Battle Axe Head Viking worth $1560 – $1950. It features a long handle and a sturdy head, similar to the pickaxe, and may be used to make two sorts of tools: Feb 9, 2025 · The axe’s heads were somewhat entirely made of iron, but the handles were constructed of wood. Let’s take a look at the most common types of axes that were used by Vikings and which are popular nowadays in movies and TV shows about them. Read more. Here are some common types of axe heads: 1. Jul 17, 2023 · A grub axe, also known as a mattock or adze, is a specialized type of axe that serves a unique purpose in gardening, landscaping, and forestry work. Let’s explore the different types of throwing axes and the unique design features that made them effective in battle. Handles Visually, you can distinguish a fine-work axe from a rough-work one by the blade. Here are some illustrations showing each part of the axe head. 99 $ 29 . The single bevel variety is excellent for hewing flat planes on a log and other pieces of wood. With the sharp bit and some kinetic energy, the axe is a simple yet effective hand tool. The most accurate way to tell the top of an axe head is to examine the eye. The head is made by folding an iron rod over on itself and welding the two sides together. This type of head pattern has a curved head which is common for felling type of axes and is best used for chopping large trees and dense wood type. Shepherd’s axe heads were sharp on one side, often with a beard to give the blade a little more length. For each of these types of axes there are also many, many patterns. 161; Neck - The older types have a long and wide butt [PETERSEN 1919]. An ice axe usually possesses an adze on its head in order to chop rough steps in ice. Axe Patterns. Dec 22, 2022 · It has a curved head, which is ideal for chopping large trees and dense wood types. Axes came in a variety of sizes and shapes. The blade is duller than that of a felling axe – it doesn’t need to be razor sharp – just get it swinging and let gravity do the hard work. Blade - can be more or less curved outward, more curved out below than above, and even be sloped in relation to the shaft hole section [PETERSEN 1919]. This type of axe was most popular between 900 and 975 AD. Handles, typically made from strong yet lightweight materials like hickory or ash, are designed for comfort and grip, ensuring better control during use: Axe heads feature balanced weight for improved performance. Its blade is sharp enough to cut through wood as well as other materials to break down doors and obstacles. Compare the features, designs and functions of each axe head and find the best one for your job. For an in-depth guide on selecting the best axe for bushcraft and camping, check out the Best Bushcraft Axes article , which can help you choose the perfect Antique Axe Heads – Single and Double Bit. Dayton Axe Head. There are various types of axe heads available, each designed for specific purposes and tasks. INTERTOOL 24-inch Mid-Size Felling Axe - https://amzn. A hardwood handle came with a folded iron and sharpened to a point. Type I is similar to Type H but has generally thicker proportions. Late palstave types tend to have narrow blades. Felling Axe Head. Jan 4, 2024 · Kirkless axes emerge from southeast Scotland, and Findowrie types are predominantly northern; Insights: A plethora of later short-flanged axe types exists, but limited discoveries challenge definitive dating and distribution assessments. The fold is left open and the eye is drifted open with a former. A grub ax, also known as a mattock, is a hand tool used to dig, pry, and cut. Types of Axes. It has a double bevel edge with both sides of the edge being sharpened at an angle. Type of Two-Handed Battle Axe Description; Dane Axe: A long-handled axe with a broad, curved blade, used by the Vikings during the Middle Ages. 4. Oct 4, 2024 · This axe type is mainly used by emergency responders, particularly in fire and forestry situations. OLDZ CRAFTZ-Viking Bearded Axe - Viking Axe Head Custom Forged Carbon Steel hatchets Head Axe Multi Purpose Adult Size Axe Head viking axe head handmade axe head real Price, product page $29. There are many types of axes and This type of head pattern has a slightly flared wedge head. Jul 1, 2020 · A Petersen type "A" axe head with an ash shaft. Dec 11, 2023 · A large-headed type of axe used mostly for hewing or shaping logs. com Marketplace. This bar is a multipurpose tool and it’s particularly used for forcible entry, usually by breaking glass, of a structure. This design allows for easy replacement, portability, and the unique option to have multiple handles for one Jan 7, 2024 · Eye: The hole where the handle fits into the head. A falling ax’s reduced weight head and bent handle aid in this capability. 10. These axes usually have a heavy wedge-shaped head weighing about eight pounds, and it has a sharp edge on one end and a blunt edge on the other. These types of axes are for use on wood. Axes. Double bit axe – There are two cutting edges, and the handle is in Jun 14, 2024 · Small, teardrop shape axe heads with a high-gloss finish & decorative or carved inlays: $800 – 2000: Columbian: Rectangular or Oval axe heads with sharp, round butts and Granite or Basalt blades: $50 – 500: Chinese: Trapezoidal or Triangular axe heads with regional Dragon or mesh carvings and Jade inlays: $30 – 700 Sep 5, 2023 · As a result, felling axes must be comfortable to hold and use. Felling Axe There were a variety of different axe-heads produced at the axe factory. Single-Bit Axe Head: A single-bit axe head has a single cutting edge and is the most common type of axe head. Description: Designed for cutting down trees. Hurlbat: An entirely metal throwing axe sharpened on every auxiliary end to a point or blade, practically guaranteeing some form of damage against its target. At one point there were more than 100 of these axe patterns. Its high carbon content grants it a superior hardness and strength, making it a reliable choice for axes meant for chopping and felling. Oct 10, 2024 · We’ll explore some of the most popular options types of axe heads, highlight some of the most popular options, and share what to consider when choosing the right one for your projects. This could be a small axe head but were more commonly a straight or curved dagger blade. This axe consists of an incredibly long but shallow axe head averaging 2 feet long, and is sharpened to a razor edge across its entire length. VIEW ON AMAZON → The Dayton axe is a heavier type of felling axe that adds more power to each chop. Single-bit axes have one cutting edge opposite a flat face. Hrs. This axe head is an excellent example of the broad axe form, and is rare and significant for the extent and intact state of its scrollwork ornament, richly inlaid in silver wire. The ax is a traditionally American handtool that has been used from Colonial times. Each type serves specific purposes, such as cutting down trees, splitting wood, carving, combat, and woodworking, showcasing their versatility across diverse applications. You can usually tell from the first one or two tips alone. These axes were designed for projectile use, allowing warriors to engage enemies from afar. There are also some less common types of axe, such as the meat cleaver used in the kitchen, the ice pick used in mountain climbing and the fireman’s fire axe. Use a dedicated self-defense tool for that! Now, let’s delve into specific axe types! Tool Axes Forestry Axes. Secs. Sep 7, 2018 · The axe head, often referred to as “the business end” of the axe, functions as a mechanical wedge. Sep 23, 2021 · To learn about the differences and purposes among types of axe heads and axe patterns, continue reading for detailed information on the most common axe types and axe styles. Different head patterns distinguish axes from different regions. Each of these have numerous patterns too. Aug 21, 2022 · Type H axes have larger lower spurs and slender necks. There are numerous variations of head for this weapon, although all contain one to two side blades of some sort. Jul 2, 2019 · Types of Viking Axes. Skip to content The goose–wing handle was offset to the left or right by fitting it into a bent metal tube forged to the bit. Unlike Hudson Bay axe heads, which can weigh up to 2 pounds, Dayton axe heads often weigh between 3. it makes the distinction between splitting axes and splitting mauls clear, which is something that lots of people are confused about. This is a popular axe head pattern that takes the shape of a slightly flared wedge. They were cast in elaborate three-part moulds of stone, bronze or clay. We all find old axe heads when metal detecting. Axe heads with the Dayton design are named after the city of Dayton, Ohio. Ono: a Japanese weapon wielded by sōhei warrior Apr 5, 2024 · Splitting maul axes are a heavy type of axe that is used specifically for splitting wood along the grain. It is versatile and suitable for a wide range of chopping and cutting tasks. It is best used for general chopping. So, let's get started. It is great for general copping duties. 1. Of course, there are many other types of axes besides the well-known felling axe. Days. Jun 17, 2023 · A bardiche is a special type of battle axe, and is more properly described as a polearm. But splitting axes are heavier, with a wedge-like shape and heavy impact. 31. Winzwon 15-Inch Chop Apr 17, 2022 · Type of Axe Heads. Many axe patterns are named for where they were made or predominantly used like the Michigan, Connecticut and Dayton styles. Mar 2, 2021 · The idea of splitting axes (often referred to as splitting mauls) is to split firewood. From the rugged felling axes used by lumberjacks to the precision-crafted carving axes of skilled artisans, axes have played a vital role in shaping human history and continue to be indispensable tools in modern times. When it comes to medieval axe types, throwing axes have a special place in the arsenal of medieval warriors. Shape: Thin and sharp with a gently curved bit, optimized for cutting across wood grain. These axes are typically utilized on all-metal constructions, and people outside the emergency services do not frequently own them. 21. For that reason, I don’t recommend hitting the poll with another hammer unless you know for certain it’s designed to be used in such a way. NO. At Axeman, we offer a wide range of high-quality axe heads to meet the diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts, woodworkers, and professionals. For an in-depth guide on selecting the best axe for bushcraft and camping, check out the Best Bushcraft Axes article , which can help you choose the perfect Oct 23, 2024 · Shepherd’s axes were tall and thin, usually at least 4 feet long. A head pattern is a model for a certain type of axe. Head axe: a type of thin-bladed axe with a distinctive shape specialized for headhunting from the Cordilleran peoples of the Philippines. The Danish Axe is one of the earliest types of battle axe that was used mostly during the Viking Age and the Early Middle While some axes can be used for defending yourself, it’s generally better to stick to their relative specialties. Type: War Axe; Brand: Unknown; Value: $441. A splitting axe is an antithesis to a felling axe, as they come with a wider angle bit and tend to have heavier heads. A single-bit axe has one side for the blade, and the other has a butt, often used for hammering. Strong axes, capable of being thrown or twisted using head-splitting force, were carried by Vikings. This axe head has a straight edge that runs across the top of the blade. Typically, they are used to take a tree and turn it into usable wood. Read more Type I. Michigan Axe: ( Types of Axes ) The Axe Head. New England Axe Head. Mar 11, 2025 · Explore the different types of axes and learn what is a hatchet. The versatility of the axe head is nearly endless. This axe head is named after Dayton, Ohio. [ROESDAHL 1981]:p. While the designs differed from state to state (at one point in the 19th century there were more than 300 different ax head patterns being sold), what they all had in common was that they were shorter and broader than Feb 21, 2023 · This Chinese spear remained popular for over 3,000 years. Head Patterns. Our comprehensive guide covers various axe types, innovative axe designs, and the key differences between an axe and a hatchet—helping you choose a high quality axe for your needs. Dec 15, 2020 · Various types of axes include felling axes, splitting axes, hatchets, tomahawks, carpenter’s axes, forest axes, adzes, and double-bit axes. See there is more to learn! Learn more about the Types of Axes. Types of axes for work A slip-fit axe is a type of axe where the head and the handle fit together without any wedges or mechanisms. Chinese Hook Sword Type H Read more. You’ll encounter two types of broad axes; one with a blade that is single beveled and one with a double bevel. Also called a fire axe, one side of the axe head is a blade, and the other end is a pick-shaped point. Dec 20, 2024 · Axe heads are often shaped to provide balanced weight and effective cutting angles, which aid in both chopping and throwing. bladechasers. Carbon steel is one of the most commonly used types of steel for axe heads. That is why there are many different types of axe heads to choose from. Lead was added to the molten metal, improving metal flow into the mould. Danish Axe. 79 Apr 23, 2025 · Anatomy of an Axe Head. Feb 3, 2021 · Splitting axes are long handled axes with a heavy, wedge-shaped head designed to split logs along the grain with one big swing. These are full-sized felling axes that were (and possibly still are) used to fell hardwood trees for use in construction. Type H axes have larger lower spurs and slender necks. A pick may be attached to a separate head on some crash ax types, while others may have a notch on the blade that can be used to hook onto sheet metal. Jun 21, 2024 · By understanding the different types of axe heads and considering factors such as intended use, weight, balance, material, and blade shape, you can select the perfect axe head for your needs. Moreover, there was a change in the ice axe’s design in 1860. Firemen use the fireman’s axe to smash through windows and doors during fires and other emergencies. Types and Shapes of Axe Heads 1. While there are several different types and styles of axe heads they all have the same basic parts. The form and construction exemplify all the features that define and distinguish this type of axe head. At its core, the head IS the axe. A double-bit axe takes advantage of a blade on each side of the head. This is simpler because it means that you can just call an axe an axe. Specifically designed for digging and cutting through roots and hard soil, the grub axe features a shorter handle and a heavier head compared to other types of axes. Aug 30, 2024 · 1. During this time, the adze was rotated perpendicularly to the shaft. Connecticut Axe. Larger axe makers needed a way to standardize and market their axes, and designed and named their patterns based on what was popular in specific regions. Features: Typically has a symmetrical design and a deep beard for a balanced swing. Axe handles can break and be replaced, but a new axe head is a new axe. . A steel edge is hammer welded between the two iron laps. The eye holes of these weapons are generally smaller than other types. Projecting spurs are a feature of Scandinavian rather than Anglo-Saxon axe heads. The hole in the top of the head will be slightly larger than the bottom of the head. fkvhxx knpduwi njrja ggu nij fdz jwnkv jumdt wgwfcz padpvl