Which Axe is Right for You?

On the surface, an axe is one of the most basic tools out there with just an axe head on a handle. But how much do you know about the different types under the axe umbrella?

Axes have been used for centuries for everything from ceremonial symbols to harvesting wood and the first stone-age hand axe has since spawned a variety of different types with purposes ranging from weaponry to tools to ceremony.

The first axes known to exist were used without handles with handled, or hafted, axes showing up around 6000 BC. Axes soon became more ornate and have been known to show up throughout folklore for their supposed ability to protect buildings from lightning.

If the folklore and battle axe elements speak to you, check out the Kit Rae Black Legion Battle Axe. This axe is straight from Kit Rae’s Swords of the Ancients collection and looks ready for any mythical battle. This 35” axe has two 15” stainless steel blades with two-tone finish. The great thing about pieces from Kit Rae are they include an original art print depicting the axe in an epic scene and a certificate of authenticity.

However, if fantasy isn’t quite your style, we will jump back into reality with more traditional axes. A traditional axe is meant to be held with two hands and used for chopping wood. Our Viking Replica Bushcraft Axe is 29” overall, showcasing the two-handed handle length. The rough-hewn carbon steel axe head is 6 3/4" wide with a 6” edge. It’s an effective tool to have and the wooden handle is ergonomically curved for easy use.

Axes are also used in the firefighting field and one axe in this style is the Black Legion Firefighter Long Axe. It’s built for tough tasks with its rubberized handle and 5” blade. Again, showcasing the two-handed handle, this axe is 28” overall.

Light weight alternatives that only require one hand for use include the hatchet and hand axe.

Hatchets tend to have a blade on one side of the head and a hammerhead on the other side, as opposed to a hand axe which has the same style head as a traditional axe.

A great example of a useful outdoor hatchet is the Black Legion Camping Hatchet. It has a 4” carbon steel blade side and a blunt hammer side, serving dual purposes for camping. Using a fiberglass handle with rubberized grip will keep the tool from slipping when in use.

Another type of single hand axe is the tomahawk which was created by the Algonquian people and served as a weapon and tool for many Native Americans. It differs from an axe with its thinner blade and round eye. The eye is the portion of the head that the handle is inserted into.

The “tomahawk’s poll” was created on the side opposite the blade which would consist of either a hammer, spike, or pipe. These pipe tomahawks were used for trade or diplomatic gifts.

An example of the pipe tomahawk can be found in our Southwestern Tomahawk Peace Pipe. It is a working pipe replica that can be used for performances or it can be used as a beautiful Native American display piece. The wooden handle is engraved with a turquoise Southwestern design and has feathers and beaded leather thong accents.

There’s also the Chief’s Ceremonial Tomahawk Pipe. It also has a usable pipe bowl on one side with a 3” stainless steel axe blade on the other. The natural wood handle has a faux leather and fur grip and is accented by metal studs and a feather.

Tomahawks are still used today and can prove useful in many outdoor scenarios.

A modern take on the tomahawk can be seen in the M48 Rainbow Tactical Tomahawk. It’s a tactical take on the traditional tomahawk with an 8” rainbow finish head with a blade on one side and a piercing spike on the other.

Want to see more? BudK has a full section dedicated to axes and tomahawks.