race axes

J

jnanson

Joined
Feb 2, 2007
Messages
369
Where do you go to see full race lumber jack style of axes? Would they be good for just chopping or are they too specialized?
 
I ordered mine from tuatahi http://www.tuatahiaxes.com/
It certainly is possible to use them for chores, but these are mighty heavy axes for ordinary jobs so I doubt most people would want to. Their saws are awesome as well.
 
Wow thanks for that link, I've often wondered about that stuff... do you know how heavy they are? I couldn't find the mass... but I did find prices, bit of an eye opener!
 
Well, I think their work axes are about 5 1/2 pounds,as opposed to a conventional axe that probably ranges from 3 to 4 pounds. But it can go higher to 7 1/2 pounds or more. These companies, and there are others, cater to custom orders and can shape it the way you want and get you the weight you need for the particular use, and the particular wood.
Handles can be had in a great variety of wood and even carbon fiber.
Expensive suckers, though. If you don't really know what you want or need, (and how could you really know if you aren't that experienced) you might look for a used or cheaper axe ( tat are expensive) and 5-6 pounds is quite an axe to use for chores or excercise.
But I'm no competitive chopper and I'll bet we have a few around here somewhere. Enjoy!
 
ah think I found one that weighs 5.4 lbs for the head, that would be a workout felling trees with that!
 
The bits on race axes range in the 4-5lb size, 4 1/2lbs benig the most popular modern size, add another pound and half for the handle. Most racing axes are tuned for the type of wood they'll be used for, etc.... So make sure to buy a general or practice type grind, as the wrong grind will chip out.

I've heard good things about Bailey's Chinese practice axe, anyone here play with one? The biggest gripe on them is that the handles suck.
 
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