An ax for all occasions | TOP 10 Best: Rating + Reviews

Top 23 Rating of the best cleavers for chopping wood. In this article we will tell you which cleaver is best to buy for preparing firewood. In the rating of the best cleavers for chopping wood, we selected the best cleavers based on user reviews and expert opinion.

Choosing a cleaver for chopping wood is a responsible matter. A correctly selected cleaver is the key to high labor productivity, healthy back and joints. A high-quality ax will serve you for many years and will delight you with its perfection.

To light a stove or fireplace in a house, you need a lot of wood to heat a bathhouse. In the process of evolution and development, people realized that an ordinary ax was not quite up to the task, and improved it, turning it into a powerful tool called a cleaver.

The ax for splitting firewood was equipped with a long, straight handle and a wedge-shaped, heavy, slightly sharpened head. When hitting a wooden piece with the required force, the cleaver quickly splits the logs.

What types of cleavers are there for preparing firewood and how to choose the right cleaver among the variety presented, we will look into the details further.

Ax rating

Manufacturers produce forged and stamped products, tools for chopping wood and carpentry. To compile the review, the VyborExperta.ru team selected products from popular brands, famous factories and new brands on the market. Testing was carried out, the performance characteristics and properties of the materials used in manufacturing were studied. Reviews from users, professional carpenters, tourists and hunters were taken into account.

When compiling the rating, special attention was paid to the following operating parameters:

• The shape of the blade changes depending on its purpose;
• Blade material – carbon, alloy, tool steel is used, differing in its characteristics;
• Handle - made of different materials, which affects the price, ease of use and service life;
• Weight – affects the level of effort that will have to be expended during work;
• Size – a large hatchet is a hindrance on a camping trip; small ones find it difficult to chop wood;
• Safety – a sharpened blade can cause injury; the presence of a cover and its quality are an important selection parameter.

Not all the tools met the requirements of our experts. Blades made of raw metal, a dried handle, chips and cracks in the handle - such axes were excluded from our rating.

The best wood splitters

Options for choosing a good cleaver

There are simply no universal tips and recipes on how to choose the best cleaver for chopping wood. The choice of tool depends on several important factors, individual for any person:

• weight;
• handle length and material;
• blade shapes.

Mass of the cleaver

Weight is perhaps the most controversial characteristic of a cleaver. If you look from one side, the heavier the cleaver, the easier it is to split thick logs. If you choose a light tool for the job, you will have to apply several blows, while using a heavy cleaver allows you to complete the job with one blow.

Traditional cleaver

At the same time, it is necessary to remember that collecting firewood is a rather lengthy and energy-intensive process; not everyone can swing a heavy tool for several hours. Therefore, it is better to select a cleaver in accordance with your physical capabilities.

Often, finding the ideal ratio can only be done through trial and error. If you are choosing an instrument for yourself, there is no need to rush into purchasing; it is better to take a closer look at the model you like, hold it in your hands, try to make a few strokes and evaluate the sensations.

The correct cleaver for a person with average physical capabilities should have a mass of 2-2.5 kg. A heavier instrument should be preferred by people with great physical strength and considerable size.

It is more convenient to split small logs with a light cleaver, but difficulties may arise with medium-sized logs.

Blade shape

In most cases, which cleaver is suitable for preparing firewood can be determined by the shape of the blade. There are two versions available:

• wedge-shaped;
• the so-called “eared ones”.

The latter species appeared relatively recently and has earned conflicting reviews from woodcutters.

Eared splitting ax

Many experienced hewers confirm that such a tool often not only fails to split the wood, but gets stuck in it firmly and for a long time.

Based on this, it would seem that we can conclude that wedge-shaped axes are beyond competition. But it is not so! blades, the instructions include a small disclaimer: such a tool should only be used when working with dry wood.

At home or in the country, most often they chop firewood from raw, freshly cut wood, for which, undoubtedly, it is better to choose a cleaver with a wedge-shaped blade.

Handle material and length

Not so long ago there was no alternative to wooden handles for cleavers.

Since time immemorial, both an ax for chopping wood and a cleaver have been made with handles made of wood, which has a unique ability to dampen shock vibrations. It is impossible not to note the prevalence of such material and its low cost, which is of decisive importance for many.

The only, but very significant, disadvantage of wooden handles is that they can split when used by an inexperienced woodcutter. And the point here is not at all in the strength of the material or defects in manufacturing - the striking technique is of primary importance.

Relatively recently, an excellent replacement for wood was introduced - the composite material fiberglass. Despite its lightness, this material is an order of magnitude superior to wood in strength and is slightly inferior to metal in this indicator. The vibration-damping properties of fiberglass are also very high, and therefore working with such a handle is pleasant and convenient. And if you consider that, thanks to the low density, the handles can be made to any length without significantly weighing down the tool, then it is better to prefer a cleaver with a fiberglass axe.

A splitting ax with a long fiberglass handle

The force of a cleaver's blow directly depends on the length of the axe's handle - the longer the lever, the greater the force developed with its help. But to maximize the potential of the tool, you need to learn how to use it correctly. In other words, using a long ax will be effective only when an experienced person works with the cleaver. For a beginner, too large a cleaver will most likely become a burden.

So, how to choose the right cleaver?

First of all, the weight of the tool should be selected depending on the physical development of the person who will use it.

Before purchasing, you should consider whether you will have to split dry or wet firewood and, accordingly, give preference to wedge-shaped or “eared” blades.

No less important selection criteria are the length and material of the handle. In this case, the determining factor is the woodcutter’s experience and financial capabilities. A wooden ax is not the most practical, but it is a cheap option. It is better to choose a fiberglass handle, which, although it will cost more, will last much longer.

The best splitting axes

It is better to chop wood with a tool with a narrow but thick blade. When you hit a log with such an ax, the tree cracks along the fibers. This reduces the amount of physical effort that has to be spent on hard housework. With a good swing, you can split a log with the first blow. A long handle is better for this. Manufacturers took into account the specifics of the work and developed an ax for chopping wood, which in common parlance was called a “cleaver.”

Fiskars X17

The oldest manufacturing company in Finland has developed a cleaver that meets the most stringent requirements. The convex shape of the wedge helps to effectively split logs and quickly pull the blade out of the log. The production uses high-quality carbon steel, which is characterized by high strength and corrosion resistance. Double hardening helps to withstand maximum loads. An anti-friction coating provides additional protection against corrosion.

The handle is made of patented FiberComp material, which is lightweight, durable and wear-resistant. The hook-shaped handle profile provides a comfortable grip and reduces physical strain during prolonged work. The blade is firmly fixed to the handle and will not fall off when swinging. Users note high efficiency when working with raw firewood.

Advantages:

• Excellent balance between blade and axe;
• Plastic case for storage and carrying;
• Comfortable handle length;
• Copes well with 20-25 cm logs;
• High quality sharpening.

Flaws:

• Overcharge.

The Finnish Fiskars splitting ax is easy to use due to the SoftGrip structure of the handle. The palm is non-slip, and good shock absorption properties reduce shock loading, providing comfort and high performance.

Patriot PA 711

For a cleaver designed for intensive work, a blade made of forged steel with double hardening was chosen. High-precision grinding and a sharpening angle of 35 degrees ensure high labor productivity when using the tool. The expanding shape of the wedge ensures that the user can easily remove the ax from a damp log. A patented Teflon-based coating will also help with this.

The American firewood splitting ax attracts professionals with its X-Rigid fastening system, which guarantees reliable fixation of the blade to the handles. Anti-stall protection has a positive impact on safety and eliminates the need for maintenance. The handle is made of impact-resistant fiberglass reinforced plastic. The curved profile is convenient for a confident grip and provides a high speed of smell.

Advantages:

• Plastic case;
• Rubberized handle;
• Well balanced;
• Light weight;
• Easily handles logs up to 30 cm in diameter.

Flaws:

• The decorative paintwork will peel off quickly.

DDE Dynamic AX9 (649-370)

The compact cleaver weighs only 0.68 kg, which makes it a good choice not only for working in the country or in the garden, but also for hiking. The steel blade is coated with an anti-friction coating, guaranteeing high corrosion resistance. The butt is well pressed, this ensures the required safety and no loss of time on regular maintenance.

The short handle is made of durable polyamide reinforced with fiberglass. The rubberized coating helps to confidently fix the ax in your hands during a strong swing. Despite its small size, the manufacturer managed to give the handle an ergonomic shape that prevents the palm from slipping during intensive work.

Advantages:

• Good weight distribution;
• Low price;
• High-quality sharpening;
• Protective carrying case;
• Versatility.

Flaws:

• It is inconvenient to chop large logs.

Main characteristics

The cleaver is not an ax in the full sense, but it is directly related to it.

A hand tool has an ax handle on which a wedge-shaped working part (head) is mounted without sharp sharpening.

The cleaver is designed for a single blow, after which the log will split into pieces.

What is important here is not the sharpening of the blade, but the force of the blow.

Externally, the cleaver resembles more a sledgehammer than a classic axe.

One side of the head is flat (butt), and the opposite is wedge-shaped, made in the form of a double-sided cut at an angle of 40 - 50 degrees.

The weight of the cleaver reaches 5 kg, which allows it to cope even with large logs.

The meaning of this design lies not in cutting through the wood fibers, but in their delamination.

The thickness and length of the ax depends, first of all, on the size of the cleaver's head.

At the same time, the size of the handle directly affects the efficiency of work, since a long ax paired with a heavy head concentrates a decent impact force on a small area.

Blade

As already mentioned, the blade of the cleaver does not have a sharp edge.

Depending on the shape, wedge-shaped (wedge-shaped) and eared options are distinguished.

The second type, as the summer residents themselves note, is much inferior to the wedge-shaped ax in terms of ease of use.

It is noted that the head, due to the presence of “ears” set apart, often gets stuck in logs, after which it is difficult to remove.

The manufacturers themselves respond to this claim by saying that this design is designed to work with dry wood.

In reality, the owners of a private house use a tool to split raw, recently cut trunks, which is incorrect.

The piercing edge can be straight or rounded.

The first version of the cleaver is suitable for working with large dry logs.

The rounded blade has a larger size, which allows it to cope with resinous and damp wood.

The cleaver's head is made using the following methods:

• Stamping

Medium carbon steel is used.

In most cases, stamped cleavers weigh more than 2.5 kg, and their center of gravity is concentrated in the head. This allows you to use such a tool for working with large logs.

• Casting

The blade is made of hardened steel and is usually smaller in size compared to the option mentioned above.

They come in both straight and rounded.

Cast axes are more reminiscent of an axe.

Handle

The wooden ax handle is a classic.

It has always been used and will remain relevant for decades to come.

Unlike metal, wood has the beneficial property of absorbing shock and vibration.

In addition, wooden handles are relatively cheap and easy to manufacture.

All this affects the cost of the instrument for the better.

However, among the disadvantages it is worth noting the fact that the ax handle, if the technique of working with the cleaver is incorrect, splits.

An alternative to wood is fiberglass, a composite material with good strength properties.

Some models are produced with a rubberized handle, thereby increasing ease of use.

At the same time, it is lightweight, which allows you to shift the center of gravity of the instrument towards the head.

Fiberglass handle is a suitable solution for heavy cleavers.

The best carpenter's axes

Carpenters use axes to remove bark, trim, remove defects, and make grooves. A special feature of the tool is its small size and semicircular cutting edge. Most manufacturers offer models with forged steel blades. Durable metal is easy to sharpen well and copes well with hardwood. The VyborExpert.ru team tested 7 tools and chose carpenter axes that truly meet the requirements of professionals and are designed for intensive daily work.

Husqvarna 5769264-01

A lightweight ax designed for carpentry and chopping wood. Its small size and thick leather cover make it easy to carry in a backpack. User reviews of the universal ax note the high quality of the Swedish steel from which the blade is made. Factory sharpening does not require modification; the tool can easily cope with hardwood.

The butt is securely connected to the ax handle using two wedges made of wood and steel. The handle is made of American walnut, which is highly durable and resistant to vibration loads. The tool fits comfortably in the hand thanks to the classic handle shape, which allows you to work at any angle. The handle does not slip and provides a confident grip.

Advantages:

• Durable blade;
• A light weight;
• Reliable grip when working with gardening gloves;
• Well balanced;
• There are no geometric defects along the axis.

Flaws:

• Overcharge.

Gardena 1400A (8716-48)

The special treatment of the blade makes it easy to work with wood: the applied coating reduces friction. The considerable weight of the butt of 1 kg makes the hard work of processing hard wood simple. The shape of the blade helps concentrate the impact force at the splitting point. The model can be used in the workshop and for felling small trees. The sledgehammer ax is used to hammer in felling wedges.

The handle is made of durable fiberglass reinforced plastic. A special stainless steel cover protects the handle from damage if the user misses the log while chopping. Rubberized pads provide a secure grip.

Advantages:

• Original design;
• Availability of a carrying and safety case with a comfortable handle;
• Manufacturer's warranty 25 years;
• High-quality sharpening;
• Versatility.

Flaws:

• Overcharge;
• Straight handle profile.

Structure and varieties of cleaver

The design of the ax and cleaver is not difficult at all. They consist of a handle or ax and a “head”.

The ax handle is made from soft and flexible types of wood: ash, birch, elm or maple. Less commonly, handles are made of oak, which inexperienced woodcutters consider better due to the greater hardness of the wood. However, this characteristic of an oak handle is more a minus than a plus - the ax handle quickly fails due to the lack of vibration damping from impact.

The cleaver looks more like a sledgehammer, with one side sharpened, called the blade. The opposite, blunt side is called the butt. The mass of the head is 3-5 kg, its blade is usually sharpened at an angle of 40-50°. Thanks to this sharpening angle, the log is split into pieces suitable for burning.

Axes are divided into many types:

• universal carpentry;
• for lumberjacks;
• blacksmiths;
• carpentry;
• firefighters;
• butcher's

Types of axes

Also, cleavers have some differences among themselves. They are divided into two main types:

• heavy, resembling a sledgehammer;
• the same heavy, but pointed cleaver.

There is another method of classifying cleavers, according to which the tool is:

• forged;
• cast.

There is no fundamental difference when working with different types of cleavers; this factor does not have a special impact on the quality of firewood. Much more important is the structure of the instrument itself.

The best all-purpose axes

Light weight, shortened handle - a tool with these characteristics can be taken on a hike or put in the trunk of a car. The flared shape of the blade makes the tool convenient for processing large diameter logs. It can be used to drive felling wedges and nails. In skillful hands, this is a reliable carpenter's tool.

Bison 20643-06

Made from hardened tool steel and has a one-piece forged design. This allows you to forget about the butt flying off the axe. High quality metal guarantees a long service life. The one-piece design will not allow the handle to break during intensive work. The handle is rubberized, non-slip, and provides a strong grip. The comfortable profile fits any palm size.

The handle length is 40 cm - the tool easily fits in a travel backpack. A leather cover is provided to protect against accidental cuts. The blade has a universal sharpening, the ax can be used for chopping firewood and trimming a trunk. The model easily copes with thick branches.

Advantages:

• Modern design;
• Low price;
• Good balance;
• Long service life.

Flaws:

• Not suitable for hard wood.

Verto 05G201

The model attracted attention with its rigid landing of the butt, which did not fly off the ax during the most intense work. User reviews indicate that the blade remains stably in place even after several years of use. The cutting tool is made of carbon steel. A special coating additionally protects against corrosion.

The handle is made of lightweight and durable fiberglass. The ergonomic shape of the handle reduces physical fatigue during prolonged work. The rubberized and textured surface makes for a secure grip even in wet weather. The handle has a hole for a wrist loop.

Advantages:

• Copes well with branches and tree growth;
• Light weight;
• Proper weight distribution;
• Long service life;
• Attractive price.

Flaws:

• To cut logs, you will need to fine-tune the sharpening.

Light cleaver (up to 1.5 kg)

The lightweight tool is characterized by a weight of up to 1.5 kg and a shortened handle, no more than 60 cm long. This cleaver is designed for chopping standard logs; it is not suitable for working with large diameter logs and durable wood species.

Cleaver with wooden handle

For the ax of the cleaver, manufacturers use especially strong and durable wood species. But even such a handle can crack and split if improperly used, stored and overloaded. With the correct, proven striking technique and competent operation, the tool is characterized by reliability and a long service life.

The best tourist axes

On a hiking trip, every gram of cargo plays a role; car tourists are well aware of the problem of a lack of usable space in the trunk. For these reasons, the classic camping ax is light in weight and small in size. The compact blade copes well with cutting branches and young trees. With this tool you can prepare firewood for a fire, pitch a tent or build a canopy.

Stayer 2064-06

The ax is made of tool steel, resistant to corrosion and characterized by high strength characteristics. The blade has additional hardening and does not dull. The handle is made of reinforced fiberglass, which helps reduce the weight of the tool. The total length is only 250 mm, the tool can be carried in a backpack, on a belt, it does not take up much space in the trunk.

The comfortable shape of the handle is designed for users with any palm width. The rubberized handle makes the grip secure even when used in the rain. The hole in the handle can be used to install a loop that is worn around the wrist.

Advantages:

• Thoughtful ergonomics;
• Good sharpening for cutting branches;
• Protective cover on the blade;
• Low price;
• Can be used as a hammer.

Flaws:

• To cut logs, you need to improve sharpening.

Kraftool 20645-06

The solid forged ax is made of tool steel, resistant to corrosion. With a length of 36 cm, it weighs less than a kilogram. It copes well with thick branches thanks to its sharp sharpening. The design forgets to forget about the need for periodic repair of the butt. There is no need to insert wedges into a dry handle.

The handle is rubberized and does not slip when used in the rain. The three-component handle with thoughtful ergonomics reduces fatigue during prolonged work. The flat head turns the lightweight ax into a reliable hammer that can be used to hammer into tent wedges.

Advantages:

• Good balance;
• Additional hardening of the blade;
• Protective case;
• Long service life.

Flaws:

• Overcharge;
• No lanyard hole.

Brief overview of imported cleavers

Let's consider foreign-made dimensional models, the quality of which is at a normal level:

• A hand-made Swedish-made cleaver-sledge hammer from Wetterlings weighs 2.5 kg without a handle and a kilogram more with a handle, the length of which is 81 cm. The handle is made of American walnut wood - hickory. The ax handle is impregnated with wax and flax oil. The cleaver is equipped with a leather case. The blade is long and narrow. Working with such a tool differs from cutting firewood with a Soviet-style cleaver. The product is convenient to use, reliable and durable.
• Finland is considered to be the manufacturing country of the Firskas X17 and X27 models, but the enterprises of this company are also located in Hungary, China, and Italy. Without the handle, the X27 weighs 1.8 kg, and with the handle - 2.6 kg. This weight is not enough to work with large logs. The length of the ax handle is 91.5 cm. The ax handle is made of fiberglass and cannot be replaced. The case for this tool is made of polymer materials. In terms of quality characteristics, Firskas cleavers are often not far from Chinese products.
• “Husquarna” Sledge Ax is a Swedish cleaver-sledgehammer, very similar in appearance and quality to the Wetterlings products described above. Its weight without a handle is 2.6 kg, and with an ax - 3.2 kg. The length of the handle is 82 cm, the material is impregnated with linseed oil and hickory wax. The product is sold in a leather case. Husquarna may cost slightly less than Wetterlings.

The best ax 3 in 1

Engineering does not stand still; for this reason, a modern tool does not look like a stone ax. One of the main requirements of our time is versatility. This became the reason for the appearance of axes with additional functionality. Minor changes to the main structural elements turn the faithful assistant of a lumberjack or carpenter into a hammer, sledgehammer, or nail puller.

Tesla 3 in 1, 600716

The size and weight of the tool makes it a good choice for backpacking. With a length of 355 mm, the total weight is only 860 g. The reason is the handle made of reinforced fiberglass, which is highly durable. The tool steel blade has a universal shape, which is convenient not only for chopping branches, but also for splitting small logs and hewing boards.

The handle has a traditional straight shape and an anti-slip coating. The manufacturer abandoned the complex profile for one reason: the cavity of the handle is used to store auxiliary tools. The case contains a hand saw with double-sided sharpening and a flint intended for starting a fire. To this feature it is worth adding the ability to use the back side of the butt as a hammer and hammer in staples, tent stakes, and nails.

Advantages:

• The handle softens recoil upon impact;
• Carrying case included;
• Low price;
• Good quality steel;
• An easy-to-use hacksaw.

Flaws:

• The hacksaw is tightly fixed in the magazine - difficult to get out.

Useful tips

1. From the beginning, the logs are cut, it is worth considering the length of the logs, they must fit into the stove (the length is 20% less than the firebox).
2. For sawing and chopping logs, choose a spacious place where there are no people.
3. Do not place the deck on the ground, this will dampen the force of the blow and it will spring back.
4. Try to place the block on the far edge of the block; if you miss, do not harm yourself. The blade will stick into the deck or go into the ground.
5. When hitting, plant your feet wide, with your knees slightly bent to maintain balance.
6. Hold the cleaver by the bottom of the handle, this will give a stronger blow, the movement should be inertial, and the blow should be from the shoulder.
7. If the handle of the cleaver is made of wood and falls off, stuff it well and place it in water overnight (the wood will swell and this will last for some time).
8. If a cleaver (axe) gets stuck in a log, turn it over and hit the butt on the block; if the wood is large, then you need to take a sledgehammer and hit the butt.
9. If the log is large, look to see if there are cracks on the surface and chop along them, or trim it along the radius. Don't cut at the branches.
10. To prevent logs from flying apart when chopping, place them in a car tire.
11. The block for the chock should be of a larger diameter.

You must understand that freshly cut logs are difficult to chop; they need to dry out a little.

Fiskars or Homemade splitting ax. Choosing a tool #GardeningExpert

How to choose an ax

Working with hand tools requires physical effort. A correctly chosen ax will ensure optimal labor productivity and will not cause premature fatigue. Manufacturers offer different types of products that differ in their purpose. Good reviews for universal axes; this tool will take its rightful place in a summer resident’s arsenal. To solve important tasks, you need to choose a tool based on the shape of the blade, ergonomics of the handle, weight and safety during operation.

View

Developers take into account the scope of application and offer products aimed at performing specific functions. It’s easy to chop wood with a cleaver, but the long handle will get in the way when hewing boards and forming locks in a log. Carpenters can use their own tools to split the logs, but with a log 30 cm in diameter it is better to use a specialized tool.

You can take a carpenter's ax on a hike, but it is better to choose a special model for tourists. With similar dimensions, it will weigh less, and the sharpening is more suitable for chopping wood. For those who have a summer house, who like to go hiking and work in a home workshop, universal models are more suitable. Engineers have found a reasonable compromise, and manufacturers are producing axes that can easily cope with various tasks.

Blade

Blades made of tool or high-carbon steel are preferred. This metal is durable, holds an edge for a long time, and is resistant to corrosion. Blades of different shapes are suitable for different purposes. It is easier to chop branches in the forest for a fire and split wood if the cutting part resembles a rectangle in profile. At the same time, a blade with a thickening towards the handle is more suitable for chopping logs.

For carpentry work, a model with a blade extended towards the cutting edge is more suitable. The trapezoidal shape is convenient for complex manipulations and allows you to process a large volume of wood. At a construction site, it is better to use a universal tool, in which the blade not only cuts, but also acts as a nail puller, and the butt acts as a small sledgehammer.

Handle material

A classic ax with a wooden handle is the most common type of tool in its class. Unfortunately, there are often products that do not take into account the requirements for the handle. The grain of the handle should not run perpendicular to the length. Preference is given to wood with good shock-absorbing properties. The wooden handle does not slip and provides a good grip.

Among modern materials, fabric glass has good practical characteristics. Fiberglass reinforcement provides high strength and resistance to vibration loads. Impact-resistant plastic can withstand dynamic impact, but without fiberglass reinforcement this material will not last long.

Weight

Weight matters: it’s easier to chop wood with a heavy ax, but working with such a tool for a long time is difficult. On a hiking trip, the weight of equipment affects your physical condition. Manufacturers take all this into account: the heaviest tools are cleavers, carpenter's axes are lighter. For tourists, they offer models with short handles and small blades.

Safety

For protection from accidental cuts and comfortable carrying, special covers are provided. The components are made of elastic plastic or thick leather. Plastic casings have a low price, but have a short service life.

A secure grip will prevent accidental slipping; for this reason, manufacturers produce tools with rubberized handles. Difficult terrain and profile provide good grip.

How to properly store a cleaver

Storing a cleaver is no different from storing an ordinary axe.

Branded models are paired with plastic or leather cases, which allows you not only to store, but also to safely transport the instrument in a car or even public transport.

The metal part is coated with lubricant to prevent rust formation.

A tool with a large head can be safely coated with a thin layer of automotive oil.

For branded expensive models, a special lubricant for the ax is sold.

Tools with a wooden ax should not be stored in direct sunlight.

It is also not recommended to work in temperatures below -20.

It is best to store axes in rooms with average humidity.

Which ax is better

The ideal ax for all occasions has not been invented, but the low price allows you to purchase a couple of models for different purposes. For those who do not often use the tool, we have developed universal modifications that will easily help solve the tasks. In order not to have to deal with regular repairs, sharpening, and straightening, we recommend taking the advice of our experts and choosing the best model in your category:

• Fiskars X17 is a cleaver that will help you quickly chop firewood for a solid fuel boiler or sauna;
• Husqvarna 5769264-01 – indispensable when performing carpentry work;
• Bison 20643-06 - an inexpensive universal model for owners of country houses;
• Kraftool 20645-06 is a faithful companion for a fan of outdoor activities;
• Tesla 3 in 1, 600716 is the best choice for a summer resident.

What should be the most versatile tool? Only axes made of high-quality steel and a reliable handle can receive the title of best in their class.

Scope of application of cleavers

The devices are used quite widely and are designed for chopping wood. Often they will be needed when fuel is being prepared for the cold season for a summer cottage or a small country house.

For larger quantities of fuel required and the following cases:

• Heating of houses throughout the whole season;
• Bath heating;
• Providing heat for kebab establishments;

You will need to choose a more productive tool.

How to chop wood correctly

Many have seen in movies or in villages how a person chops firewood. However, if someone who has never picked up an ax himself knows how to do this, he is unlikely to be able to answer correctly.

Meanwhile, there is nothing complicated about this:

• Remember that when chopping wood, quite large and sharp chips can fly. Therefore, try to choose a place on the site where they will not disturb anyone or threaten anyone’s safety.
• Place the widest and hardest stump you can find in the chosen location.

  Know that it must necessarily exceed in width everything that you are going to chop into small firewood. It should be just below your knee height so that the impact on the log is strong enough.

• Wear gloves and safety glasses. Some people prefer to do without this, but do you really want the ax handle to suddenly slip out of your hands during a swing and fly into your neighbor’s back? Or do you dream that some particularly fast chip will fly right into your eye and join you forever in the pirate community? No? In this case, you should not neglect safety measures.
• Place the block that is supposed to be cut and install it on the side of the stump that is further from the same. This is done for safety reasons: in case of a miss, the ax will meet not your knee, but the block stump.
• Take the cleaver in both hands, squeeze it tightly and swing it, throwing it over your head. Then sharply lower the cleaver with its tip onto the frame of the deck.

Ready! Now you can safely boast that you know how to chop wood.

Nuances and rules of use

Experienced wood splitters have formulated a number of recommendations to facilitate the use of splitting axes:

• it is necessary to prick on a flat, dry and non-slippery area;
• the largest log with even cuts should be used as a stand for logs;
• In summer and autumn, it is better to let freshly cut timber dry in logs;
• In winter it is better to let the logs freeze.
• It is better not to try to split very large logs in half, but to chop them from the edges;
• if there is a crack in the block, you need to hit it with a cleaver;
• a knotty log is tedious to split between the knots;

If the ax gets stuck in a block of wood, you need to swing it along with the block of wood, turn it over while moving so that the butt of the cleaver hits the stand.

Kinds

Modern technologies and materials make it possible to improve the traditional cleaver design. Nowadays, different types of cleavers have appeared, among which are the following:

• with an offset center;
• manual cone;
• rack and spacer;
• heavy forged;
• with electric or gasoline engine (automatic).

Modern developments are working well for the Finnish company Vipukirves, which offers a wide variety of models that have a “floating” center of gravity.

Let's look at several types of cleavers that are especially popular.

Screw splitter

It has become widespread among farmers; making such a tool yourself is not very difficult. To make a screw cleaver with an electric drive, you will need:

• an engine with a power of at least 1.8 kW;
• roller with mounted bearing;
• pulley;
• threaded cone;
• metal sheet 5 mm thick;
• corners "4";
• pipes 40 mm;
• bearing.

If you set the engine to 450 rpm, then there will be no need to mount a pulley, then the cone can simply be attached to the shaft. The optimal choice is therefore a speed of 400 per minute. The cone can be ordered from a turner or turned out yourself according to a pre-drawn drawing. The material from which the cleaver is made is steel with a high carbon content. The thread should be in increments of 7 mm, and the turns can reach 2 millimeters. The pulleys are machined from ordinary steel. The size of the groove is determined by the parameters of the pulley.

To assemble a cleaver that works on the screw principle, you must first make a base, place a plate under the tabletop on which the engine will be supported, and on it, in turn, the shaft. You can also attach the cone and pulley, and then install and tension the belt. After this, you can move on to tests.

Hydraulic wood splitter

Has good power and performance. The stationary tool is massive, works using a cylinder in which the operating pressure is provided by a pump

It is placed on the same shaft with an electric motor; it is also important to take into account that the unit can be placed even at the other end of the room (not necessarily on the frame). The connection can be made using special hoses

After the drawings have been selected and the necessary components have been purchased, you should think about how to make the shape of the cleaver. Welding from metal is the simplest solution. The sizes can be any. Here the power of the cylinder is of decisive importance. It should be enough to split massive wooden ingots that are fairly saturated with moisture. This material has the highest viscosity coefficient and is especially difficult to work with.

Cleaver in the form of a cross

The mold is mounted on the frame so that the transverse axis coincides with the shaft, which is attached to the hydraulic cylinder, connecting to the pump using hoses.