Scoring System: Axes

SCORING SYSTEM: AXE

The axe is a difficult tool to make a constant scoring system. The idea only works if the categories are vague and fairly fluid. 

There are four main types of axes I will likely review, based on a quick look around my stock.

Felling Axes - Axes for cutting down mid to large sized trees. Example - the Gransfors Bruks American Felling Axe

Splitting axes - Axes with heavy and steeply angles heads for splitting wood with the grain Example - the Fiskars X25 Splitting Axe

Forest Axes - Mid to short length do-all axes. Packable or wearable by sheath, but with more size and functionality than the hatchet. Example - the Wetterlings Hunters Axe

Hatchets - Small hand axes designed for one handed swings and smaller tasks. Generally fall under an overall length of 14 inches. Example: The Estwing Sportsmans Hatchet.

To find common ground that all of these tools is difficult. The categories give me wriggle room, tailoring each review for the purpose the axe entails. A splitting axe won't lost points it it is rubbish for cutting down trees. 

Here are the proposed categories, each being worth a maximum of 5 points, for a total of 20:

Blade 

This will look at how well the blade is formed and most importantly, how well it is designed for completing it selected task. I will give a brief descriptor of what I expect from the axe and then assign a score with this in mind. Factory edge does not fall into this category. Axes are constantly being re-sharpened and often an axe that ships dull still ends up chivying a high score.This will be examined in a later category. This is about the blades shape, profile and effectiveness at its purpose. Steel quality will make up at least a point of this. Catastrophic and constant steel failure may well grind this score down to 2 or 1. Its rather important.

Useability

How the tool feels in hand. How it carries and feels after prolonged use. How the handle absorbs recoil from strikes. How the collar gives the hand a clear area to choke up on a hatchet. If it is a smaller axe, how versatile it is for other tasks. How it feels being raised for long periods above the heart level (arm fatigue generally accelerates when chopping up high). Things like well formed handles, safe design and out of box readiness will effect this category.

Build quality

Not fit and finish. These are hard use tools and I never expect them to come and remain perfect for much longer than the first 20 minutes of use. Build quality is grain orientation on the handle, grip material, if any, the head being fixed firmly to the handle, eye symmetry and blade:handle symmetry (the heel of the handle being in line with the blade when one looks at the tool from above). Poor steel will also effect this category. Poor handle material will effect this category.

Value

Whether the tool is disposable or of heirloom quality and whether the price reflects that. What materials you get and the overall sum of the quality versus the price. Any extras which come with the tool will also contribute to this score. Leather masks and warranty cards will help here. 

Each review will describe how long I have owned the tool and how many hours of use it has been put through. This system may change as I review more axes.

Keep an eye out for a hatchet review, coming soon.

Pete