Woox Forte Axe Initial Review

[EngrSorenson]

Hey folks- just got a Woox Forte as a birthday present recently and I figured I should give a review now that I’ve finally got an item that’s been on my wish list for almost 1 1/2 years. It’s designed by our very own FortyTwoBlades and made under the Woox brand name. The head is made in Italy by Prandi and the hickory handle made in the USA.

This model is the 28” version (as opposed to the initial release 22” version) with the Baryonyx special sharpening service. (He refines the factory edge, not uncommon to need to do.)

This axe looks like it belongs in a Bat-belt and ready to fight crime. Every feature seems like it has a purpose and I really like the very wedge-like blade geometry.

There are things that I don’t care for, so let’s get that out of the way.

I don’t really care for the Woox branding. There’s a “social media” style branding that just seems a little cheesy, garish or unnecessary. It’s not an axe design that is easily mistaken for another brand’s and personally I’d prefer that the axe be plain and generate its own recognition. The “WOOX” in the handle is actually laser etched in there which I notice when my hand runs over it. It’s not a big deal, but it’s definitely not a value-added feature. I do kind of like the painted handle though- it somehow adds a pleasing aesthetic.

By virtue of having a slip fit haft, the palm swell is narrow and I found that my left hand held the haft more comfortably slightly in front of the palm swell. Honestly the swell could be bigger and fit through the axe eye. Initially handling the palm swell made it seem like it was going to be much more uncomfortable in use than it actually was. The truth is that I didn’t even notice it when I was using the axe.

The handle sits high out the top of the head, probably more than necessary, and the edges could use a chamfer. I accidentally put a ding in the corner of the handle edge by hitting it against a log on the follow-through while splitting. It doesn’t impact the axe’s integrity at all, and if I sat down with a rasp or file I would really fine-tune it.

More review to follow shortly in additional posts.

 

[EngrSorenson]

Now I want to mention some of the great features that I really love about this axe.

This is perhaps the most well balanced axe I’ve used. my accuracy out of the gate was surprising- something which I attribute to the balance of the axe. My swing felt natural and hit placement was second nature. The center of gravity feels like it’s just in front of the haft and right under the head. It’s as nimble as a 3 lb axe gets.

The geometry of the cheeks and edge is surprisingly effective. While chopping a relatively green, frozen red maple log I noticed I was getting deeper penetration than I would expect with my high center line Craftsman, while not getting stuck as my 28” hafted Flying Fox is prone to do. This axe makes chips effortlessly.

Time stamps from the above picture chopping set start at 17:23 and end at 17:27. It took 4 minutes and I wasn’t even focused.

Let’s talk about the poll- it’s large and in charge. Obviously it helps to balance the axe, but it came in handy to free up that frozen log from the ground. The thick eye walls and hardened poll make me comfortable using it a little aggressively, too. That’s not a typical feature in an axe, and one I like to have even though I won’t ever use it to its fullest potential (probably).

 

[EngrSorenson]

This axe can split. I’m a cautious splitter, so my first whack didn’t have the gusto that it should have, but I was delighted to hear that satisfying “pop”. The bevels in the cheeks reduce surface area contact and the high centerline ridged between the bevels is a very effective wedge. Should have busted this long in one go, but a second well placed hit separated it-no problem. After that I got a little splitting-happy and I’m surprised I didn’t turn it into kindling.

With the rain, temperatures approaching the twenties, and a wife making dinner, I called it an evening on testing. I hope to get back out there today and get some more time in on it.

The edge has an ever so slight roll in it- barely detectable. I was chopping frozen wood and most of my axes that get the FortyTwoBlades treatment benefit from a small micro bevel anyway. The axe is 1060 steel and I’ve had tremendous luck with axes in that steel in the past.

One more test I would like to do would be to fashion a make shift handle for it with nothing but the axe head, knife and a tree limb. Something that cannot be overlooked is that theoretically I can replace a busted handle with minimal tools. Where a traditional wedge fitment usually takes me forever to drill out for removal, this handle can be pounded out. This might be the ideal camp axe, from that perspective. I’ll be sure to follow up if I get around to testing that.

The rub for most people would be the price at the $130-160 range; we’re spoiled by the Council Tool sport utility line of axes. I think what it comes down to are the unique features of this axe and how those features come together in an efficient package. The balance, the bevels, the slip fit handle and the hardened poll are easily worth the investment in my opinion. The performance that I’ve seen so far speaks for itself.

Finally I do want to mention that I find this unique axe to be something truly exciting to own. Benjamin designed something truly unique, but not just for the sake of being different. It’s a very practical tool designed by a very practical Mainer.

I rate it 9/10 initially: Woox! Stop branding everything like that!

 

[DocJD]

The rub for most people would be the price at the $130-160 range

Ay...there's the rub !

Otherwise looks really good , especially for splitting .

 

[herisson]

Ay...there's the rub !

Otherwise looks really good , especially for splitting .

Well, you must consider you get basically three tools in one : a cutting axe, a splitting axe and a hammer. More : you can remove the head, store it in your backpack and use the shaft to push brambles and thorns out of your way. The only limitation I see to this axe is the "jack of all trades" stuff (it's good at everything but excels at none). Hey, if you want or need excellence, you're welcome to schlepp around three different tools ! I admit this Forte is a bit heavy to carry all day round on your belt, but if you don't know the possible work ahead, it's definitely the way to go. When I consider what I've spent on some knives just out of a hot desire, I'd say this Forte is a smoking deal !

 

[herisson]

This axe can split. I’m a cautious splitter, so my first whack didn’t have the gusto that it should have, but I was delighted to hear that satisfying “pop”. The bevels in the cheeks reduce surface area contact and the high centerline ridged between the bevels is a very effective wedge. Should have busted this long in one go, but a second well placed hit separated it-no problem. After that I got a little splitting-happy and I’m surprised I didn’t turn it into kindling.

With the rain, temperatures approaching the twenties, and a wife making dinner, I called it an evening on testing. I hope to get back out there today and get some more time in on it.

The edge has an ever so slight roll in it- barely detectable. I was chopping frozen wood and most of my axes that get the FortyTwoBlades treatment benefit from a small micro bevel anyway. The axe is 1060 steel and I’ve had tremendous luck with axes in that steel in the past.

One more test I would like to do would be to fashion a make shift handle for it with nothing but the axe head, knife and a tree limb. Something that cannot be overlooked is that theoretically I can replace a busted handle with minimal tools. Where a traditional wedge fitment usually takes me forever to drill out for removal, this handle can be pounded out. This might be the ideal camp axe, from that perspective. I’ll be sure to follow up if I get around to testing that.

The rub for most people would be the price at the $130-160 range; we’re spoiled by the Council Tool sport utility line of axes. I think what it comes down to are the unique features of this axe and how those features come together in an efficient package. The balance, the bevels, the slip fit handle and the hardened poll are easily worth the investment in my opinion. The performance that I’ve seen so far speaks for itself.

Finally I do want to mention that I find this unique axe to be something truly exciting to own. Benjamin designed something truly unique, but not just for the sake of being different. It’s a very practical tool designed by a very practical Mainer.

I rate it 9/10 initially: Woox! Stop branding everything like that!

@ EngrSorenson
Engr, thanks for the exhaustive review. It conforts some random cuts I made with this axe and I was impressed. I have yet to put it really through its paces. In the meantime, my take is the 22" handle is great because it allows backpack or even belt carry without disassembling the axe. And you still get a satisfying "ooomph" when hitting hard. Though, given the weight of the head, I'd probably choose the 28" handle for a sedentary use.

 

[jfk1110]

Great review!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!!!! It is a pretty good looking axe!

 

[herisson]

"The handle sits high out the top of the head, probably more than necessary" : Right ! To the point that I cannot close the sheath over my Forte's head... However, I think the handle will work its way in over time and at some time it will be flush (and my sheath will fit !!!). Remember this is a conical fit, it works itself out with use. And as this axe is ready for rather harder use than the average camp hatchet, I believe the day may come.

 

[EngrSorenson]

The only limitation I see to this axe is the "jack of all trades" stuff (it's good at everything but excels at none).

honestly my limited experience seems to indicate that, at least compared to my other axes, it has no real weaknesses. I was concerned that the slip fit come at a trade off in performance due to the increased width, but honestly it’s just a solid axe in its own right.

When I consider what I've spent on some knives just out of a hot desire, I'd say this Forte is a smoking deal !

That’s just the thing; it’s really a deal for people in our hobby. People who don’t use axes often will surely scoff at the price. Someone who’s suffered a broken handle in the woods probably wouldn’t!

 

[herisson]

I definitely appreciate the "3 tools in 1" capability, while still being carryable (if you consider 64 oz to be carryable, of course. On foot !). This alone makes it worth the price. Now, I consider that if they would let go the flashy branding (on head and shaft) and the paint on the handle and even that black coating on the head (what for ?), the price could sink a bit and the Forte would be a terrific contender to many camp axes and hatchets. Of course, it's a real axe : just for the fun I weighed the Forte (63,85 oz / 1810 gr) and my Condor double bit Saddle Hatchet (not sure of the name, it's a split / cut double bit, and discontinued anyway) which weighs in at 32,8 oz / 930 gr ! Handles are the same length. At almost double the weight, no wonder the Forte takes it all. It's not that much more energy consuming either because you can use the weight to do most of the work. With the Condor I need to hit hard to get a similar result.

 

[shinyedges]

I want one!

 

[EngrSorenson]

I want one!

I’m happy to hear that! I hope that it gets enough attention that there could be variations, or at the very least interest and money for more axe innovation.

 

[Bigfattyt]

Thanks for the review!!

I really liked the look of this axe when it was first announced, and I still and want one!!

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Great review! As a note, I agree about the top of the handle needing a chamfer (they didn't ask for my approval of the final handle before producing the run--they just copied the sketches to the best of their ability and got to makin' 'em) and future production runs will have a chamfer on the top edge, a small flat on the end of the handle to facilitate knocking it loose for handle-swapping, the hook of the grip will be deepened a little, and (hopefully) the swell made just a touch thicker.

As far as the sheaths go, the straps are just in need of a little stretch, much like one does with a balloon before blowing it up. Once you do that it fits dandy, in my experience. That being said, I didn't design the sheath for it, and plan on coming up with an improved version to pitch to them instead.

Woox's parent company is an old Italian advanced wood products manufacturer and were used to having folks come to them with wooden part designs and being like "make this" and they'd do the job and be done, so they're still cutting their teeth on learning the ins and outs of having their own in-house designs. It's been an honor working with them and helping them figure these things out!

 

[EngrSorenson]

Great review! As a note, I agree about the top of the handle needing a chamfer (they didn't ask for my approval of the final handle before producing the run--they just copied the sketches to the best of their ability and got to makin' 'em) and future production runs will have a chamfer on the top edge, a small flat on the end of the handle to facilitate knocking it loose for handle-swapping, the hook of the grip will be deepened a little, and (hopefully) the swell made just a touch thicker.

As far as the sheaths go, the straps are just in need of a little stretch, much like one does with a balloon before blowing it up. Once you do that it fits dandy, in my experience. That being said, I didn't design the sheath for it, and plan on coming up with an improved version to pitch to them instead.

Woox's parent company is an old Italian advanced wood products manufacturer and were used to having folks come to them with wooden part designs and being like "make this" and they'd do the job and be done, so they're still cutting their teeth on learning the ins and outs of having their own in-house designs. It's been an honor working with them and helping them figure these things out!

Well great job designing this axe. Anyone who's designed anything knows how important iteration is, and yet the changes you'd make are small beans compared to the features it offers as is.
I sincerely hope you're proud of this. If someone was to ask me to make a new design of an axe while maintaining it's practical application I wouldn't even know where to start.
I'm going camping at the end of April and I can hardly wait to start processing all kinds of fire wood with this tool.

it's probably not practical considering the number of hatchets out there, but I'd love to see if you could make a hatchet based on this design.

 

[FSA]

I've been on a axe/tomahawk kick lately - mostly looking, but I picked up a Council Tools Boys Axe and have been having fun splitting firewood with it.

I'll be taking a serious look at the Woox axe. It looks great.

 

[greatscoot]

EngrSorenson How do you feel this would perform with the 22" handle? I'm sue that you would feel the weight of this more on a shorter handle.

 

[EngrSorenson]

EngrSorenson How do you feel this would perform with the 22" handle? I'm sue that you would feel the weight of this more on a shorter handle.

In short, (no pun intended) my general experience is that the shorter the handle, the less mechanical advantage the head has on you, so the lighter and more nimble it feels.
The 28" handle makes this thing perform as a legitimate axe. I can take full swings with it and do a lot of work.
The 22" inch handle would appeal to me, too, but it'd be like a gargantuan hatchet. In my mind 22" might be a great option for someone who wants to keep an axe behind the seat of his truck, or spends a lot of time camping and has to hike out for it.

When a 22" replacement haft becomes available I'm going to buy one, and thanks to the slip fit, give it try.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

The replacement handles are available now, we just haven't gotten them up on the website yet, and apparently neither has WOOX. In the next runs of handles they make they intend to implement some of the alterations I've requested such as the chamfer to the top of the handle, and a small flat on the butt end of the handle to make knocking them out a little easier. The hook of the swell should be a little deeper as well.