New axe guy with questions......

[cosmophonic12]

I want a good first felling axe, what do you recommend in the 40-100 range? Ive been looking at the Kelly Perfect axe..

I like the Dayton, Jersey style pattern. Regarding the axe shape with the grooves (cheeks) make a difference when chopping?

I've been reading on the Coloradowildman and wood trekked blots, great info on them! Much respect!

Thanks!

 

[PayetteRucker]

Basically, you don't want an axe with a perfect wedge shape, or heavily hollow ground from the eye. It will bind like crazy. The cheeks are there to add some meat and prevent binding, though with the development of more efficient head profiles, IE convex grinding, most cheeks have become unnecessary. Personally I like long edges. Some of the Kelly lines have really fantastic Dayton designs. I've been on the hunt for a Demon for a while now... slept through a weeknight ender about a month and a half ago and have been kicking myself ever since-there hasn't been another one up since then. WoodTrekker is a fantastic source on restoring axes and picking the best-suited design for you. He also has a really nice post on cheeks, what they're for, etc.

 

[Operator1975]

Jersey pattern will give you more bit length, while double bit good balance, and dayton a little more weight if needed. Really depends on the user - everyone will like something different. I like a nice 4-5 lb dayton for felling.