Total length
Length is one of the main parameters that determine the specialization of the tool.
A large length is typical for models designed for rough work in large volumes, where significant effort is required — for example, in cleavers (see "Type"), this indicator can reach a metre. Small tools, in turn, are intended either for precision carpentry or for tourist use, where the tool has to be carried around and its compactness is no less important than functionality.
The smallest modern hatchets have a length of about 200 mm, often they are multifunctional tools with wrenches, sling cutters and other special devices made in the form of curly slots. The length of a tourist tool is usually about 300 mm, universal carpentry axes are about 500 – 600 mm, and most cleavers have a length of 600 mm or more.
It is worth considering that in this paragraph the length of the handle itself may also come across, when the manufacturer himself does not give clear explanations of exactly what length is indicated in the specifications. However, this value often differs by only a few cm.
Axe weight
The total weight of the ax, for models with wooden handles — with a complete handle.
The optimal weight depends on the type (see above) and specialization of the tool. So, general purpose axes (carpentry) weigh about 0.8 – 1.5 kg; such products are able to provide sufficient inertia for impact and at the same time do not require significant effort. At the same time, lighter tools are intended for precise work, heavier ones for rough work. Cleavers and similar "generalists" are by definition massive, most often from 2 kg or more, and in the most "large-caliber" models, the weight can be about 4.5 – 5 kg. Here it is worth proceeding from the thickness and hardness of the wood that is planned to be chopped:
a heavy cleaver can easily cope even with large logs, however, it will take a lot of effort for such work. In tourist axes and tomahawks, in turn, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of transportation: for constant carrying with you, it is better to take a lighter tool, and if the tool is bought for trips to nature by car, you can choose a heavier model.
More features
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Hammer. Allows you to use utility or camping axes for hammering nails, pegs when pitching a tent, chipping bricks, and so on. Cleavers — for hitting with a mallet, hammer or other log on the butt in case of jamming of the ax in the log. It is worth considering that the above actions are highly not recommended for classic butts, as this is fraught with loosening of the wedge in the ax handle, which can be traumatic in the future. On axes with plastic and fibreglass handles, manufacturers even leave a reminder that when hitting the butt during operation, the ax loses its warranty.
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Pika (slander). The pick, which is a sharp tip, is a multifunctional device that allows you to use the tool not only for cutting, but also for more precise work, for example, punching holes, crushing wood, etc. Additionally, axes with a pick can be used when climbing snow-covered, icy peaks . Among similar axes there are many collectible replicas that copy ancient weapons.
