Guides

Insights into axe designs and features, historical research, and other useful facts about axes and outdoor tools.

The Anatomy of an Axe

The Anatomy of an Axe

ByJim Bell UpdatedApril 23, 2025

120+ Axe Types: Encyclopedia of Axes

120+ Axe Types: Encyclopedia of Axes

ByJim Bell UpdatedApril 25, 2025

The Michigan Pattern Axe: Design, Use & History

The Michigan Pattern Axe: Design, Use & History

ByJim Bell UpdatedJuly 7, 2024

a mix of splitting axes and felling axes side-by-side

Axes & Hatchet Reviews | Guides

Felling Axe vs Splitting Axe: Understand the Differences

ByJim Bell UpdatedFebruary 4, 2024

Yankee vs Montreal Axes: What’s the Difference?

Yankee vs Montreal Axes: What’s the Difference?

ByJim Bell UpdatedApril 25, 2025

Straight vs Curved Axe Handles: Which is Best?

Guides | Axe Use

Straight vs Curved Axe Handles: Which is Best?

ByJim Bell UpdatedMay 1, 2024

Axe head being forged

How Axe Heads are Made: Traditional and Modern Methods

ByJim Bell UpdatedFebruary 17, 2024

How to Carry Your Axe Properly: Dos and Don’ts

Axe Use | Guides

How to Carry Your Axe Properly: Dos and Don’ts

ByJim Bell UpdatedApril 25, 2025

US forest serviceman using pulaski

The Pulaski Tool: What to Know & How They are Used

ByJim Bell UpdatedSeptember 1, 2024

What makes a hatchet or axe good for throwing.

Axes & Hatchet Reviews | Guides

What makes a hatchet or axe good for throwing.

ByJim Bell UpdatedFebruary 18, 2024

The 3 Simple Machines in an Axe (+ bonus answer)

The 3 Simple Machines in an Axe (+ bonus answer)

ByJim Bell UpdatedFebruary 5, 2024

What Makes An Axe Good For Splitting Wood (Sizes and Shapes)

Axes & Hatchet Reviews | Guides

What Makes An Axe Good For Splitting Wood (Sizes and Shapes)

ByJim Bell UpdatedJanuary 27, 2024

3 Reasons Axes Have Notches (with pics & diagrams)

3 Reasons Axes Have Notches (with pics & diagrams)

ByJim Bell UpdatedJanuary 27, 2024

How Thick Should An Axe Handle Be? Answered.

Axe Craft | Guides

How Thick Should An Axe Handle Be? Answered.

ByJim Bell UpdatedFebruary 4, 2024

6 Ways To Tell The Top Of An Axe Head

Axe Craft | Guides

6 Ways To Tell The Top Of An Axe Head

ByJim Bell UpdatedJanuary 27, 2024

Can a Machete Chop Wood?

Guides | Axe Use

Can a Machete Chop Wood?

ByJim Bell UpdatedFebruary 17, 2024

Is There a Good Canadian Axe? – Here Are Your Options

Axes & Hatchet Reviews | Guides

Is There a Good Canadian Axe? – Here Are Your Options

ByJim Bell UpdatedJanuary 27, 2024

How Axe Heads Stay On (Illustrated)

Axe Craft | Guides

How Axe Heads Stay On (Illustrated)

ByJim Bell UpdatedFebruary 11, 2024

Curved axe blade

Why Axes Have Curved Blades – Illustrated

ByJim Bell UpdatedFebruary 5, 2024

9 Best Ways To Find Vintage Axes (with tips)

Axe Craft | Guides

9 Best Ways To Find Vintage Axes (with tips)

ByJim Bell UpdatedFebruary 4, 2024