Anyone use a ox head

B

benchmadebob

Joined
May 12, 2008
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Axe lik the heads availible at bencbackwoods.com im think of getting the smaller head for a pack axe with a 18 inch handle. Has anyone used a oxhead axe and how are they?
 
As in Iltis Oxhead? They make good axes but QC can be spotty...if it is just the bit you should be fine but if you get one already mounted on a handle you're best off to pick through a few to get the best one. I have seen a fair number with pretty mediocre alignment issues.

But they do make good bits and if you can hand pick one I would say go for it for sure.
 
I was lucky enough to find one in the bush and it has been the best axe I have ever owned. I sharpened it once and have only had to hone it a handful of times after 5 years of use. Finding a replacement handle is a problem, i usually end up going to the local hardware store and sanding theirs down to fit.
 
I wish I could find more axes locally. Al we have are Collins axes and tru temper stuff.

No fiskars or gerbers even.
 
I have what I think is their general purpose bush ax, a little large, but beautiful. feels very solid, sharpened up very nicely. I'd recommend for sure. as for any wood handled ax, care must be taken. the fit of mine is ok, but tight, so I don't care much
 
I have three oxheads, I have the large felling ax, and also the both heads from bens back woods. The felling ax is nicley made and does a good job on soft woods, I sanded the laqured handle down and Linseed oiled it, and it only took a small ammount of sharpening to get it in working order. I hung 1.3 and 1.8 LB heads on 28" boys ax handles, and they both finished out at about 26". After sharpening and testing them I could not be any more pleased. The 1.8 pounder holds its own against my re ground snow and nealley hudson bay ax, and my granfors brucks forest ax. The itlis have thin bits and they cut very well. joe
 
I wrote a review on the felling axe and posted it here. Do a search under my name for iltis and you'll find it.
 
I've got 3 Iltis oxheads.These are different from the ones sold by Ben's & are very common in Canada,used by line cutters,stakers etc in the bush.Pretty much the standard.Steel is excellent but handles are often poor.With their very thin bits they will go thru some fairly good sized stuff with one swing.
 
So would most folks who have used several axes say that the 1.3 lb Oxhead at Ben's would hold its own against a comparably sized GB, Wetterling, or S&N?

I'm considering getting that one now too, or saving for a GB SFA.
 
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