Helko Traditional axes

[garry owen]

Received an email from Helko North America today, thought you all might be interested.
Here is the link-http://www.helkonorthamerica.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=99
I like the look of the German style axe.

 

[Alocksly]

Just browsed their site. Looks like solid tools at a decent price. I kinda like the beefy neck and larger eye on their "traditional" line. While it detracts a bit from the aesthetic of the traditional American style felling axe I like my tools a little over built and when I break a handle (so far) it's always been at the neck.

Now their "tomahawk" line definitely has some weird lines to it. I'd like to see the stress tests of the bolt-on bits as well.

edit: after second glancing at the "tomahawk" and "vario" lines I notice that you can't use the "poll" area for pounding. Kinda reduces the usefulness of the tool for me.

from the site: "Note: Do not use retainer cap to strike other objects."

 

[Square_peg]

I've wanted to try some of that Helko stuff. I bet it compares favorably with Stubai's axes and hatchets.

I kinda like the beefy neck and larger eye on their "traditional" line. While it detracts a bit from the aesthetic of the traditional American style felling axe I like my tools a little over built and when I break a handle (so far) it's always been at the neck.

I suspect the larger eyes that are traditional on European axes might be because they traditionally used ash handles, lacking the superior hickory which only grew in N. America. It makes sense with weaker wood to use a slightly larger piece.