Cleavers: features and differences from a regular axe. Characteristics, types, recommendations for selection + review of modern models

Updated: 02/21/2021 13:18:56

Expert: Andrey Nikolaevich Kuznetsov

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Despite the increase in the number of gasified settlements, firewood is in steady demand among Russian residents. Not all homeowners use them as their primary fuel. But for a fireplace, bathhouse and barbecue, dry wood is an indispensable source of fire and hot coals. When preparing firewood, a cleaver becomes a reliable assistant. This is a type of ax that is distinguished by a long handle, heavy weight and a special blade shape. To split a log with one swing, impact force is important. At the same time, the tool must be reliable and durable. Russian stores offer a wide range of domestic and foreign models. They differ in price, design and quality of materials. Recommendations from our experts will help potential buyers choose an effective and durable cleaver for preparing firewood.

Difference from a regular ax

A splitting ax is much more convenient for chopping wood. It has a long handle (the so-called ax handle), the heavy blade is wedge-shaped, and its heavy weight and special shape promise to never get stuck in a wooden block.

The cleaver may look like a large hammer or sledgehammer with a pointed side, or it will be lighter and have protrusions-ears on both sides. Most often, the ax handle is made from birch, elm or maple wood.

What else can you use to chop wood?

Manual wood splitter KOLUNDROV “Standard”

The closed ring shape serves to hold the deck. How it works: insert the log into the ring on the piercing edge and hit it on top with a sledgehammer. This is a very safe device that will protect you from injury. It is also a plus that the split logs do not scatter to the sides.

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Types of cleavers and their brief characteristics

Before you start work, you need to study all the options for axes and choose the most comfortable one. Firewood splitters can be of two types: mechanical and manual. It is better to use such a manual device only when you do not chop wood all the time, but only sometimes, rarely.

Handling a heavy tool is quite difficult and can even cause damage, so for continuous work, choose a mechanical cleaver. It can be of any size and weight and can handle any load. With such a device you will spend less energy, as you will need less dexterity and physical strength. Take what you like.

Scope of application

The scope of application of the device is clear from their name. They are used where it is necessary to chop firewood.

Simple mechanical devices are used to store fuel at a summer cottage or in a small house.

If the need for firewood is higher, for example, it requires providing:

• a large house for the whole season;
• commercial bath;
• kebab shop

you will need a more powerful device.

Organizations supplying firewood to order will need a powerful unit with multi-ton hydraulics, the ability to choose the direction of laying and replaceable blades. Sometimes log splitters are built into large wood harvesting complexes, where they work in a line immediately after the cross-cut saws.

Mechanical splitting axes

Naturally, these devices are easier to work with. You can be offered two types of mechanical cleavers. The first is screw, the most common. Its main part is a steel cone with large threads.

Read here: Which file to choose: classification, types and rating of the best models

Thanks to the rotating element, this thread seems to dig and go deep into the wood and easily splits it, even if the firewood is quite large.

The second option is hydraulic. It has more performance than the first one, but it is very difficult to make yourself. This cleaver instantly breaks the wood into the required sizes. It can run on electricity or gasoline, depending on the manufacturer, but it will cost more.

Editor's Choice

Axe-sledgehammer GARDENA 1600S (from 3439 rubles)

GARDENA sledgehammer axe.
Photo: Yandex.market.ru This small ax is designed for preparing firewood. The ax blade with a special coating provides less friction and easier splitting of wood. The blade geometry is specially designed for splitting medium-sized logs. The manufacturer notes that the fiberglass-reinforced ax handle makes this model lightweight and reliable. A stainless steel guard protects the ax handle in case of a miss. The balance point located close to the ax blade ensures perfect balance and weight distribution. The combination of an optimized blade shape and a lightweight ax concentrates power at the moment of splitting, ensuring ease of work. The sledge hammer also allows you to drive in felling wedges easily and effectively.

Characteristics:

There is an anti-friction coating

Quality, convenience

Hollow handle

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2. Tesla A-01 set (from 1689 rubles)

Tesla A-01 set. Photo: Yandex.market.ru

The Tesla company (no relation to the American one) presents the Tesla A-01 axe. It is more suitable for those who love tourist outings. The handle here is made of fiberglass. Steel grade 3CR13, there is protection against corrosion of the blade. It’s convenient that the model comes in a case; the kit includes a flint, a clip for wearing on a belt, and a hand saw. What else does an avid traveler need?

Characteristics

Set - flint, belt clip, hand saw, case. There is an anti-friction coating

Compact, functionality

Steel quality

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Carpenter's ax FISKARS X10 (from 2950 rubles)

Carpenter's ax FISKARS X10.
Photo: yandex.market.ru The universal ax X10 is suitable for carpentry and joinery work. A great tool for any yard task and small construction projects around the house. It will also be useful in a summer cottage, where it will do an excellent job with firewood. With its help you can cut logs, bushes and small trees. The hardened steel blade has high strength and long service life. The anti-friction coating prevents the formation of corrosion. The sharpening angle of the cutting edge is 30°.

Characteristics

There is an anti-friction coating and a cover.

Sharp, comfortable handle

The blade bends

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What other axes are worth paying attention to?

Carpenter's ax Archimedes 90466 (from 452 rubles)

Carpenter's ax Archimedes 90466. Photo: yandex.market.ru
A simple and inexpensive model. You shouldn’t expect anything supernatural from this ax, but it will perform its functions. This is a practical and durable tool, indispensable in a country house or country house. Used for cutting wooden pieces. The specially shaped ax handle creates a comfortable grip.

Characteristics

Type - carpenter's axe; handle length - 360 mm; butt weight - 0.6 kg; Handle material: wood.

Price, weight

The handle is wobbly

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Cleaver PATRIOT PA 711 (from 2253 rubles)

Splitting ax PATRIOT PA 711. Photo: Yandex.market.ru
This splitting ax is designed for preparing firewood. The ax blade with a special coating provides less friction and easier splitting of wood. The blade geometry is specially designed for splitting medium-sized logs. The model is made in China. According to user reviews, working with such an ax is easy and convenient.

Characteristics:

There is an anti-friction coating; case.

Comfortable, fits well

Scores appear on the blade over time

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Carpenter's ax Park AXE8PR (from 639 rubles)

Carpenter's ax Park AXE8PR.
Photo: yandex.market.ru According to the manufacturer, the compact and convenient Park Premium AXE8PR ax will become a reliable assistant in your garden. Ergonomic fiberglass handle reinforced with plastic. An insert made of thermoplastic wear-resistant rubber prevents your hands from slipping during operation and provides a comfortable grip on the tool. The rounded blade is long, so that in addition to the chopping blow, there is also a cutting component. The price of the model is incredible.

Characteristics:

Price, compactness

Quality

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7.Carpenter’s ax Vira 900113 (from 989 rubles)

Carpenter's ax Vira 900113. Photo: Yandex.market.ru
The manufacturer describes that this ax is intended for chopping, splitting firewood, and primary wood processing. The working part of the tool is tightly connected to the handle and feels like its extension - it is almost impossible to separate them. The cutting edge of the ax is resistant to destruction, so it does not have to be sharpened often. The ax is sharpened at an angle of 40°, thanks to which the blade penetrates deep enough into the wood, while remaining sharp longer. The handle is made of fiberglass, so it is very durable, but lightweight. Fiberglass is able to absorb transmitted shocks, which ensures more comfortable and safe use of the tool. The ax meets the requirements of the German industrial quality standard Geprüfte Sicherheit (GS) and the requirements of the British Standards Institute BSI.

Characteristics:

Sharp, balanced

Equipment

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8.Carpenter’s ax Hammerflex 236-004 (from 541 rubles)

Carpenter's ax Hammerflex 236-004.
Photo: Yandex.market.ru A budget model that has good characteristics. The universal ax Hammer Flex 236-004 has a small size, which allows you to take it on a hike. It can be used to cut branches, bushes and small trees. He won’t get lost at the dacha either. The hardened steel blade has high strength and long service life, and the fiberglass handle with a rubberized coating ensures a reliable grip and ease of use. The blade and the ax are balanced, which ensures easy and safe operation.

Characteristics:

Convenience, price

Quality

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Carpenter's ax matrix 21647 (from 609 rubles)

Carpenter's ax matrix 21647. Photo: Yandex.market.ru
Another affordable and interesting option. The ax is made by free forging from 60G steel. According to the manufacturer, the fiberglass rubber-coated ax handle has high mechanical strength, is resistant to aggressive environments and perfectly absorbs vibrations that occur during chopping without transmitting them to the hand.

Characteristics:

Price, convenience

Soft metal

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Axe-sledgehammer Husqvarna Universal Ax A1400 (from 4190 rubles)

Husqvarna Universal Ax A1400 sledge hammer.
Photo: Yandex.market.ru This is not the cheapest and most versatile ax designed for various works with wood. The ax blade with a special coating provides less friction and easier splitting of wood. The blade geometry is specially designed for working with wood. A stainless steel guard protects the ax handle in case of a miss. The fiberglass reinforced ax handle makes the entire ax lightweight and durable. The combination of optimized blade shape and lightness concentrates power at the moment of splitting, ensuring ease of work. The sledgehammer function allows you to drive in felling wedges easily and efficiently.

Characteristics:

Comfortable, fits well

The price for an ax is huge

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Choosing a hand cleaver

And yet many people wonder: how to choose a cleaver? How can you be confident in your choice and not regret it in the future? The following nuances will help you with this. Look at the cutting part - the best are forged, cast, and steel is well heat-treated.

Do you want to determine metal quality? Click on it with your finger. The sound after the click should become clear, but if it is dull, firmly move on. If you are a beginner, take a cleaver with a wooden handle, and if you are already experienced, take a look at the sample with a fiberglass axe. It is stronger and more durable.

The length and shape of the handle is at your discretion, rely on the sensations when you hold the ax in your hands and swing, because you will have to swing more than once. And it is also worth considering that it is better to give preference to Finnish, Russian, German and Swedish companies for the production of cleavers.

Be careful not to fall for a fake. If splitting firewood is at a high level, then buy strong devices from the best companies, and for home purposes, simple splitting splitters made by yourself are also suitable.

Precautionary measures

When preparing firewood, it is imperative to observe safety measures, regardless of how this work will be carried out: with a cleaver or an electric or mechanical wood splitter.

You must always be on guard, as during the work, chips fly in different directions, the trajectory of which is unpredictable. Therefore, the area for chopping wood must be suitable, that is, at a distance from people and animals.

A cleaver (like an ax) is a dangerous tool, and one wrong move can result in injury. The correctly selected tool and the rules for its use significantly affect human safety.

Particular attention should be paid to the deck on which the firewood will be split, as well as to the lump that will split. It should not be larger in diameter than the block, and its height should be slightly above the knee. If you install the block incorrectly, it will be quite problematic to deliver the right and strong blow that will split it.

Before starting work, you need to think about your protection and wear goggles and gloves. Safety glasses will help prevent splinters and wood dust from getting into your eyes, and gloves will give you a better grip on the handle. If you follow all safety rules, this activity will become easy and even fun. Firewood will split easily and correctly.

Homemade cleavers

Due to the simple designs, you can make axes with your own hands. Why do it, you ask, when you can buy it? It's more economical.

It will be more profitable to make this instrument from available means than to spend a lot of money on its purchase, especially when your finances are not that big.

General information about the design

The butt (one side of the head) has a flat shape. The second, wedge-shaped, made at an angle of 40° - 50°. The weight can reach 5 kg, which ensures the splitting of even large logs. The principle of operation is not based on cutting through wood fibers, but on the separation of the latter. The dimensions of the ax (length, thickness) are determined by the size of its head. It is important to understand that the geometry of the ax directly affects the efficiency of using the product. A heavy head paired with a long straight ax allows the maximum impact force to be concentrated in a small area.

Blade

The blade of this product does not require sharp sharpening. There are eared and wedge-shaped versions of cleavers on the market. The first, in terms of ease of use, is significantly inferior to the second. The presence of “ears” on the sides of the head leads to it getting stuck in the block upon impact. And it is extremely difficult to remove the head after this. Manufacturers offering such models cite the fact that they are designed to work exclusively with dry wood, which can be easily split with such heads. Users most often use them specifically for chopping wet wood. Hence the problems. The piercing edge of the head is rounded or has a straight shape. the latter are best used for chopping large dry logs. Rounded ones cope better with wet and resinous wood. Sharpening angles vary. Optimal, 40°. Such sharpening ensures optimal entry of the head into the wood. This increases the chance of cutting a piece of wood with the first blow. But a large sharpening becomes dull very quickly. For small chocks it is not important at all (up to 120 mm).

Heads are produced using various technologies:

• stamping - medium carbon steel is used as raw material.

This element most often weighs more than 2.5 kg. The center of gravity is located in the head. This allows you to conveniently split large sized logs.

• Casting - the blade is made of hardened steel, the size of the head is smaller than the stamped one. There are round and straight versions. cast cleavers. Visually, they look more like actual axes.

Handle

Classic material, wooden ax handle. They have been used, are being used and will be used. Unlike a metal handle, wood can absorb vibrations and shock loads. Such axes are easy to produce and quite cheap. Therefore, the cost of goods falls. Among the disadvantages, it is necessary to point out that such a handle can split if the cleaver is used incorrectly. Pay attention to the type of wood from which the ax handle is made. The most popular for Russian models are handles made of ash or birch (due to their durability). The shaft, made of elm and bird cherry, has proven itself well. Foreign premium models have an ax handle made of hickory or jatoba. A handle made of oak or acacia “dries out your hands.” Upon impact, it begins to oscillate perpendicular to the plane of the palms. An alternative to wood is fiberglass. This is a composite with excellent strength characteristics. There are versions with a rubberized handle, which are very convenient to use. Composite materials are lightweight, which makes it possible to shift the center of mass of the tool towards the head. For heavy versions, this is the most optimal solution.

Exotic

Recently, lever axes with a shifted center of gravity have appeared on the market and are gaining popularity. The Finnish company LEVERAXE is considered the flagship. The manufacturer promises that with one movement the cleaver splits the block of wood and, turning, disconnects the broken part.

Before going to the store, check out the market assortment and user reviews about a specific model. Assess the frequency and intensity of tool use. Consider whether you need a designer device. Considering all of the above, you can choose an inexpensive functional model that will not let you down when working with any material.

Taiga

And if you want practicality, then taiga, with a medium handle. It chops and chops, and it’s convenient to carry logs and hang them on branches. I myself prefer the last option, but I plan to make it myself.

Wood splitter with washing machine engine

I haven't used it, but it looks like a device of very questionable effectiveness. Each small block of wood, instead of being quickly baled with a cleaver and cleanly split, must be placed on this thing for a long and tedious time and split at both ends and several sides, and then still broken off by hand. And all this while bending over: your back will go on strike on the second day.

Rating of the best models

Let's take a short review of the most popular models, among which there are samples from American, German and Russian manufacturers.

Matrix splitting ax weighing 3 kg with a fiberglass handle. The product is made of steel grade 66G, hardness coefficient - 50 HRc. To accurately and efficiently split even massive pieces of wood, the head is equipped with a small anvil at the rear. The fiberglass handle is made of the most modern material and never gets wet, cracks or swells.

• The Great Divider cleaver weighs 4 kg with a fiberglass handle. The tool is made of steel grade 65G, hardness coefficient – ​​55 HRc. This device can split any fragments; the ax handle is made of fiberglass material, can withstand significant loads and protects from unnecessary vibration.
• The Russian-made Whirlwind cleaver weighs 3 kg. It has a wooden ax handle covered with a layer of damping rubber. Length reaches 80 cm.

• The German cleaver Stihl 8812008 (weight – 3 kg, length of the ax – 80 cm) is also very popular now. There are rubberized pads. The model weighs little and is effective in preparing firewood.
• One of the oldest companies producing axes and cleavers is Fiskars. The company appeared in the 17th century in Sweden. Cleavers from Fiskars are a combination of modern design, durability, comfortable handle grip and especially durable steel. During operation, a well-thought-out design guarantees a harmonious combination of impact power and ease of operation. The softening elements on the ax are made of modern FiberComp material. This innovative fiberglass is stronger than Damascus steel and lightweight. All elements of the product are not subject to corrosion or rust. The most popular model is Fiskars X17.

How to choose the right tool

Before purchasing a cleaver ax, it is important not to make the wrong choice. Next, we will consider several important factors that will help you determine the most suitable parameters for you personally:

Do not overestimate your physical capabilities; the correct cleaver should not be too heavy, as you will need to perform many swings while working. But a tool that is too miniature will not give the desired effect; such models are only capable of splitting small lumps. Think about what kind of logs you are going to cut with it and select the dimensions and weight of the ax based on this.

Execution of the wood splitter handle. The most suitable material is elm or maple wood. If there are none, a birch handle will do. The type of wood affects the service life of the cleaver and wear resistance.

Now on the market there are cleavers with metal or plastic handles that arrived from abroad. However, practice has shown that they are much less suitable for our conditions and simply get stuck in large logs. The length of the handle is also important, because... too short or unreasonably long will simply be inconvenient.

If you have to systematically deal with firewood, it is better to have several axes for different sizes of logs. Larger and smaller.

Now let's look at the types of wood splitters based on their operating technique.

Manufacturing Instructions

And when you finally decide, a new question will arise: how to make a hand cleaver? It's not particularly difficult to make. Make the handle bent and the cross-section ovoid. Harvesting wood for the handle should begin in the fall, so that it dries out over the winter and does not crack.

In the meantime, it’s drying, it’s time to create a template from cardboard. Draw a large handle shape and then transfer it to the workpiece - this will make the ax handle more accurate. Hew a piece of wood parallel to the grain, and the place inserted into the eye should be wider than the middle. Trace the drawing, leaving gaps.

Insert the upper part into the eyelet, remove unnecessary parts. Before cutting out the handle, make longitudinal cuts not reaching 5 mm from the handle. Make transitions and corners using a rasp. Bring the finished workpiece to a smooth state.

Now you need a splitting part for the axe. It is impossible to make it, so when purchasing, look for the GOST marking, a cone-shaped hole for the ax handle and a perfect blade without flaws. And you can start assembling. Cut the upper part of the ax lengthwise and crosswise.

Next you will need five cut out pieces of wood. Wrap the top of the handle with gauze soaked in resin to make it easier to fit into the hole in the blade and use a hammer to drive it in. Hammer the cut five pieces into the cutouts made at the top. When the product dries a little, cut out the interfering parts and remove the gauze.

And the final touch is a properly sharpened blade. After all the work, you should have a neat hatchet, ready for work. In the photo, a homemade cleaver will look just like a purchased one.

Safety precautions when chopping wood

When splitting firewood, it is necessary to take some precautions, regardless of how the work is done: using a manual splitter or using an electric wood splitter for these purposes.

You should always remember that during the chopping process, sharp and large chips can fly in different directions along an unpredictable trajectory. For this reason, you should choose the most suitable area where you will not disturb anyone - away from where children play or where pets are located.

Both a cleaver and an ax cannot be called safe tools, and even one awkward movement can lead to serious injury. The correctly selected tool and method of performing work have a significant impact on safety.

Safety precautions when chopping wood - use gloves and glasses

The closest attention should be paid to choosing a deck suitable for chopping. Its width should exceed the diameter of the widest chock, and its height should be slightly above the knee. If the deck is not installed correctly, it will be difficult to deliver a blow strong enough to split the log.

It is recommended to wear gloves and safety glasses before starting work.

. Gloves are needed to prevent the ax from slipping out of your hands, so that the cleaver does not fly far and hit your dear neighbor in the back. Glasses are necessary to protect your eyes from small chips getting into them. Of course, you don’t have to wear glasses if you plan to get into the role of a one-eyed pirate as naturally as possible.

The log should be placed on the side of the log farthest from you. This is necessary so that if you miss, the cleaver will stick into the block and not into your knee.

In order for the process of collecting firewood to be as successful as possible, it is necessary not only to purchase a good cleaver, but also to perform the work correctly and, most importantly, safely.

Video on the topic:

What it is?

There is a widespread misconception that a cleaver and an ax are the same tool. In fact, this is not entirely true.

A cleaver is one of the many types of axes. The main difference is that trees are cut down with an ax, and a cleaver is used to split firewood; they use it to split huge trunks into small, easy-to-handle logs

.

In addition to the functional purpose, there are also external differences. The ax blade is well sharpened, it is light and thin, with small, even graceful, curly curves. The axes are distinguished by their massive and voluminous design, weigh up to 3 kg and have a blade mounted on a long axe.

For both types of tools, their use and characteristics are clear and self-explanatory. To cut down trees, you need to repeatedly hit the trunk with a light ax, holding the tool at arm's length at a slight angle. With a cleaver, work follows a different principle: the impact should cause the log to split into several small pieces. Thus, when working with an ax, the sharpness of the tool is important, and when working with a cleaver, the force of impact is important.

Impact force is important when working with a cleaver