1844 Helko Werk Germany Traditional Hessen Woodworker Axe – Made in Germany Hand Forged Felling Axe and Cutting Axe, Forest Axe for Felling Tree – Head 2-3/4 lbs, Handle 28 in. (Hessen) #13563

I love reading reviews. Thank you for all the people who use products and then post reviews. It really helped me pick a good one from the many options out there. I knew there were lots of mass market options more budget friendly, but having no experience and particular skills and having a decent amount of wood to work through, I wanted something that would last. I also wanted something that wouldn’t be likely to injure me due to being to heavy for me to handle or having too much handle reverb. This axe seemed like the happy solution. Hand forged head, well crafted beautiful wood grain handle with a 25” length from the axe head, to hold up for many years. On the smaller side (I am 5’2” female with much smaller hands than most men). Total weight with blade protection on 4LBS 10oz very wieldable. The handle is a little large for me, with gloves I usually find some soreness in my hands after a 60-90 minute chopping session, but I chalk that up as much to learning a new skill as the handle size which seems fairly comfortable and functional. I always wear goat skin gloves and have hand no blistering issues. I purchased from the same company Helko Werk their kit for upkeep on your axe head (the axe does come with some head oil). The additional kit comes with a two sided grind stone and additional head oil. I end each chop session with a blade care session. Before my first use I also applied 3 coats of raw Linseed oil to seal the wood and will continue to apply additional coats as needed. I saw some reviews mention the blade not being at all sharp on arrival, mine was fairly sharp, I probably could have used it out of the box, but it was a bit sticky probably from old head oil so I gave it a grind session before the first use. All in all, I am very pleased with this axe. The head seems very secure. I look forward to continuing to hone my aim and skill. Of note I have only been using this axe to chop kindling sized pieces from a huge brush pile, horizontally so far, so I am not able or skilled enough to review a vertical chop on larger diameter pieces yet (working up to that). The blade is fully able to chop through pieces 1-2” in diameter and wedge itself in the block beneath, due to my lack of skill more often, I need more chops then more skilled persons would to get through the 3-4” diameter branches. It’s a learning process. I very much enjoy using this blade and hope it will serve me for many years to come. The head seems very solid. I had also purchased the additional leather guard for the handle, but since it would impair the way my glove slides down the handle on swings, I haven’t used it yet. I may apply it one I approach vertical chopping (I purchased it chiefly to protect on over chops).