Chopping Axe Recommendation

[beezaur]

Hi Guys,

I was wondering if you could recommend an axe for me.

I am basically a casual axe user, and new to the finer points of axe use, but I do get a lot of enjoyment from using a good tool. I would like to get a nice chopping axe.

I am 6'-1" and wear XL-tall shirts, if build makes much difference. I live on a large rural place in Washington State. Mostly I do general cleanup work on trees that come down in the wind or get washed into the brush during floods. Most things I get the axe for are 2" to 18". Currently I am working through an old oak that blew down, but I get fir trees too.

I have been looking at a Fiskars Pro Chopping Axe ( http://www.fiskars.com/US/Garden/Product+Detail?contentId=85475 ), not so much for the price but rather for the handle durability. I have the splitting version and like it. As a kid in high school my favorite axe was a double-bit axe that was probably a bit short although good for limbing, handle length around 26". Unless it is completely unadvisable, I would prefer a synthetic handle over wood. I tend to break things and, as I said, I am mostly a casual user. Having to soak the thing for a few hours before use is a real pain.

Also, what is a good sharpener that I can carry with me when I am out working?

Thanks for any input.

Scott

 

[hicomp2]

I wouldn't soak a wood handle in water, unless I was back in the woods with no other option. Use Linseed oil. The Water tends to dry out and make the wood weaker in the long run. I ruined several good Ash handles my Grandfather had built years ago for his axes (now mine) by soaking in water. Every one broke right where the head met the handle. Had I used Linseed, I'm guessing those handles may have been around for many more years to come. I would get a round stone for field sharpening.

 

[Ravaillac]

The Fiskars axe seems good for what you plan to do.
Synthetic handles are OK for all utility purpose.
Fiskars axe are flat ground: sort of scandi bevel.


Traditionnal tools for sharpening axe heads are file and "puck" axe-stone, but conventionnal stones can be used in the same way. I use Fallkniven DC4 for my knives and fiskars sport axe. Maybe it would be a bit small for a larger axe.