Which one to get?

Barbarossa

Barbarossa

Joined
Nov 14, 2007
Messages
701
I am going to go the non-traditional route and not get a GB's I am going to get either one of these.
http://www.traditionalwoodworker.co...Germany-by-Iltis-Oxhead/productinfo/598-1402/

http://www.traditionalwoodworker.co...ber-Classic-by-Mueller/productinfo/367-90812/

or buy the Helko axe, Yankee Pattern or a 3lb Helko axe blade head and handle to my liking from here and put it on myself. Does anyone know what their prices are since they don't say?
www.helko.de/products.php?PID=4
Does anyone know what the German DIN standard 7294B/7287 is exactly? What is it's Rockwell hardness?

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of any of these three products that would be helpful in my decision? Thanks.
 
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Your first two links are dead because the url is cut off... went through trouble of searching the site looking for the ones that matched the url path.

These are them correct?

28" Iltis Oxhead Forest Axe (german):
http://www.traditionalwoodworker.co...Germany-by-Iltis-Oxhead/productinfo/598-1402/


27.5" Mueller Forest Axe (austrian):
http://www.traditionalwoodworker.co...ber-Classic-by-Mueller/productinfo/367-90812/

I've heard good things about oxhead but have never heard anything about Mueller or Helko - maybe someone here will know more. IMO, at the cost presented ($130-145), I'd MUCH rather go with a Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe at $120... The product quality is known (down to the hrc of the blade) and GB is considered by many to be the current epitome of manufactured axes for a reason.

I'd give Oxhead a try but I can't justify the cost and simply can't stand painted/varnished handles - especially when it's done in such a way that covers up the grain pattern.
 
Killa concept hanks for the info and for fixing the links. I don't know why they didn't copy right.
 
GB make good axes but I rather have a Iltis or Council. I have a Stihl which is made by Iltis and it is one of my favorite. My Council is a much heavier model and it is perfect for very tough work. I have used GB, bought one a couple years ago but it was replaced by my Stihl. Me personally I would pick the Iltis Oxhead. I would also look at Council they have a very good selection to choose from.
 
I just received the Mueller Biber Classic this past Christmas. Taking it out for a test drive this weekend. Not impressed with the handle fit or grain - will post pics soon. The edge is sharp but not nearly as sharp as my GB SFA out of the box.
 
I also just remembered something I was going to add to my original comment. Regarding the DIN standards you inquired about, I can't find those specific ones but I'm pretty sure it's the German equivalent of ANSI Standards... with ANSI standards regarding axes, they say the bit should be "Rc 45-60, at least ½ inch back from the cutting edge." Obviously, that's a pretty big range so meeting ANSI standards is not difficult... I'd assume DIN standards for axes is similar, so you shouldn't really give it much heed.

Really, one should be more interested in whether the company sets its own internal standards - like for example, Council Tool has internal standards of "Rc 48-55 and target 1-1/4 inches from the cutting edge" which is pretty good. As the best example for axes, Gransfors Bruks' standards is a very specific bit hardness of Rc 57 instead of simply giving a range.
 
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Barbarossa said:
I am going to go the non-traditional route and not get a GB's I am going to get either one of these.
http://www.traditionalwoodworker.co...Germany-by-Iltis-Oxhead/productinfo/598-1402/

http://www.traditionalwoodworker.co...ber-Classic-by-Mueller/productinfo/367-90812/

or buy the Helko axe, Yankee Pattern or a 3lb Helko axe blade head and handle to my liking from here and put it on myself. Does anyone know what their prices are since they don't say?
www.helko.de/products.php?PID=4
Does anyone know what the German DIN standard 7294B/7287 is exactly? What is it's Rockwell hardness?

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of any of these three products that would be helpful in my decision? Thanks.
Click to expand...

The first link there seems to be a no brainer to me. If I were buying a axe that is surely the one I would pick for myself.
 
Barbarossa said:
I am going to go the non-traditional route and not get a GB's I am going to get either one of these.
http://www.traditionalwoodworker.co...Germany-by-Iltis-Oxhead/productinfo/598-1402/

http://www.traditionalwoodworker.co...ber-Classic-by-Mueller/productinfo/367-90812/

or buy the Helko axe, Yankee Pattern or a 3lb Helko axe blade head and handle to my liking from here and put it on myself. Does anyone know what their prices are since they don't say?
www.helko.de/products.php?PID=4
Does anyone know what the German DIN standard 7294B/7287 is exactly? What is it's Rockwell hardness?

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of any of these three products that would be helpful in my decision? Thanks.
Click to expand...


Barbarossa,
helko North America's website says that the Rockwell hardness of the helko axes is between 47-56 HRC up to 30 millimeters from the cutting edge, while the eye is generally left unhardened to prevent cracks in the steel. During the manufacturing process, the axe heads are hardened and cooled down in an oil bath prior to being heated to about 400° Celsius. This relieves strain on the surface of the steel after hardening, and provides the correct level of hardness.
 
I have a Helko Tomahawk (2300g) and a Vario 2000 (2300g). They are both very high quality pieces and have served me well!
 
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