Helko Pioneer-axe selection

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DanDanthedirtyoldman

Joined
Mar 18, 2014
Messages
71
I'm in the market for a good "boys axe" style axe for portability and versatility. After doing much research on here and elsewhere I have found basically no info on the Helko traditional Pioneer getting used. Does anybody have one of these that they put to work? If not this perhaps others in the traditional line, I have seen woodtrekkers review of the hatchet but that seems about it. I like the aesthetic and from what I can tell in pictures it is not as flat cheeked as its Swedish neighbors. check out helkonorthamerica. I think it is a beautiful looking piece and have heard lots of good things about their products but am inclined to go american made if the quality is right.

I have been competing on that auction site to build my own but as I am a total novice on hanging heads it will be a bit of a project, I do feel capable particularly with the wealth of knowledge and advice available here. There is also a production run of the Forest Service axe by Council Tool being sold for a similar price on omahaknife. They used the velvicut handle to improve the quality there and the implication is the heads made for FS have a better/more consistent heat treat and quality control, which addresses most people main gripe with CT.

That auction site seems to be seeing prices closer to the true value of a quality vintage head lately, while I will always be on the lookout locally, a quality axe that comes brand new for <$100 seems like a worthy option. Would love to hear some more opinions on my thought process or axes you like to fit this particular need. As well as the helko pioneer or Council tools FS boys axe.
 
Like you said, not much info on how those Helkos stack up. Some details can't be seen just by looking at that online photo. It seems like they're trying to compete with the Swedish axes on looks and allure:

"Each piece is handcrafted by Helko&#8217;s Master Smiths with over 170 years of expertise. Once the smith is satisfied with his work, the Helko crown logo is hammered into the head. No supplementary work, such as grinding, buffing, or painting is performed, thereby allowing each blade to proudly display its forging marks. As no two pieces are exactly alike, each axe is truly unique..." --from Helko's site

The FSS axe (with Velvicut handle) can be ordered with a sheath and the "high-grading" option (for grain alignment and wood color), for about the same (or a little less) than the cost of the Helko. Sounds like the makings of a good review comparing the two axes (with emphasis on performance, hopefully),
 
Steve Tall said:
Like you said, not much info on how those Helkos stack up. Some details can't be seen just by looking at that online photo. It seems like they're trying to compete with the Swedish axes on looks and allure:

"Each piece is handcrafted by Helko’s Master Smiths with over 170 years of expertise. Once the smith is satisfied with his work, the Helko crown logo is hammered into the head. No supplementary work, such as grinding, buffing, or painting is performed, thereby allowing each blade to proudly display its forging marks. As no two pieces are exactly alike, each axe is truly unique..." --from Helko's site

The FSS axe (with Velvicut handle) can be ordered with a sheath and the "high-grading" option (for grain alignment and wood color), for about the same (or a little less) than the cost of the Helko. Sounds like the makings of a good review comparing the two axes (with emphasis on performance, hopefully),
Click to expand...

I think that is what is going to happen, just ordered the FSS axe with my personal handle grade specs. 90 bucks with the basic rather than velvicut sheath. I think I will order them both, test 'em and probably gift one.

I'll see if I can build a good review but I am only a moderately experienced axe user. Lots of splitting and chainsaw use on the farm but am interested in making the lifestyle shift to using quality axes more. plus I will make up the time it takes to use an axe out in the woods with less prep/re-fueling/sharpening (I think) not to mention the lighter load, I bet the horses will appreciate it too :D. Don't know if I'll ever be able to give up the chainsaw for making rounds though...
 
According to Helko, "All products are made in Germany. Manufactured from German C45 high grade carbon steel (53-56 HRC)."

.45% carbon is a little low but with a good heat treat can make a quality axe. This steel compares with what Council offers on their basic line of axes. However the stated RC for the Helko axes is better and exactly where you want them to be.

Their 'Ranger' line are their American styled axes and they look pretty good as far as geometry. I don't see as much of a high centerline as I would like. But that's the case on the new Councils as well. Their Tasmania Timber Sport Axe looks interesting - kind of like a Connecticut pattern axe but again a little thin in the cheeks.

If I were in the market for a new boys axe I'd most likely order from Omaha Knife.
 
Square_peg said:
According to Helko, "All products are made in Germany. Manufactured from German C45 high grade carbon steel (53-56 HRC)."

.45% carbon is a little low but with a good heat treat can make a quality axe. This steel compares with what Council offers on their basic line of axes. However the stated RC for the Helko axes is better and exactly where you want them to be.

Their 'Ranger' line are their American styled axes and they look pretty good as far as geometry. I don't see as much of a high centerline as I would like. But that's the case on the new Councils as well. Their Tasmania Timber Sport Axe looks interesting - kind of like a Connecticut pattern axe but again a little thin in the cheeks.

If I were in the market for a new boys axe I'd most likely order from Omaha Knife.
Click to expand...

Thanks I appreciate your advice. I have seen this concept of high centerline mentioned before and wasn't exactly sure what it meant. did a little search and this blog post from a few years back does a great job of explaining if if any other beginners are confused about this term and didn't want to ask. http://axeconnected.blogspot.com/2011/05/notes-on-ax-head-geometry-part-2-of.html
 
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