Carpenter axe?

[McCarthy]

I'm looking into both the Wetterlings Carpenter axe with a 19 5/8 inch handle and a 4 inch cutting edge, the head weighs 2.2 pounds. and the Wetterlings large hunting/bushcraft axe with a 18 3/4 inch handle and a 3 1/4 cutting edge, the head weighs 1.54 pounds. I want to use this axe out in the woods. i like the looks of the carpenters axe but i don't know how well it will perform. which would u recommend? thanks

 

[Carolina River Rat]

Can't tell you anything about the Wetterlings Carpenter specifically, because I don't have one, but the pattern itself is quite useful. It chops well, and choking up allows for detail work with your hand right behind the edge. There are better axes for splitting, but it will still do the job.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

If you want to do mostly chores involving wood, the carpenter's axe will probably have the advantage being a little longer, and heavier.

 

[McCarthy]

thanks guys

 

[woodsroamer]

I own both axes plus several other Wetterlings and it depends on what kind of work you will do. If all you intend doing is basic camp work (cutting fire wood etc.) then the camp ax is probably better. It's a bit lighter to carry and that comes in handy if you backpack. I wouldn't recommend the carpenter's ax for camping because of its weight. I use that ax when woodcarving, especially when I need to remove a lot of wood quickly. It is not, however, a dedicated carving ax. The carpenter's ax is a more specialized tool and I use it much less than other basic axes like the camper's ax or the small forest-type axes. Hope this information helped.

 

[mollyhatchet]

The carpenter's axe is more likely to stick when splitting wood because of the thin head.