There are different types of axes: which one do you need?

The axe is one of the oldest tools ever created by humanity, and over time different types, shapes and sizes have been defined according to their intended use. Therefore, when it comes to buying an axe, the fundamental question you need to ask yourself is: "What am I going to do with this axe?”
We have already published two articles that can help you to choose your next axe: the first is dedicated to axes and hatchets, the second to the splitting maul. In this article we will compare the different types of axes in more specific details:

• small hatchets
• felling axes
• splitting mauls
• throwing axes

Hatchets for small pruning works

Axes are very versatile tools for a variety of outdoor activities. They are ideal for small pruning, limbing and cutting small pieces of wood, useful for lighting fires. These features make them perfect allies for camping and bushcraft activities.   
They are used with one hand, gripping the handle in the middle, to cut logs and small branches.

Useful information about hatchets

• Head weight: MIN 300g / 0,66lb - MAX 1000g / 2,25lb
• Handle length: MIN 28cm / 11in - MAX 50cm / 19,70in
• Suitable for: cutting 1-10cm / 0,39-3,93 in diameter branches

Prandi produces different types of hatchets, for example: the Segurin hatchets or the German Type.
Browse Prandi hatchets

Felling axes, for large trees

Felling axes are designed to fell large trees in a few precise blows. A good felling axe must have a wide, sharp blade to make clean cuts through the grain of the wood. It provides more leverage and power than the hatchet, allowing large wood logs to be cut easily. It has a longer handle and should be held with two hands.

Useful information about felling axes

• Head weight: MIN 1000g / 2,25lb - MAX 2000g / 4,45lb
• Handle length: MIN 60cm / 23,65in - MAX 90cm / 35,45in
• Suitable for: cutting 10-30cm / 3,93-11,81lb diameter logs

Prandi offers different models of felling axes to meet the different needs of its customers.
Discover Prandi felling axes

Splitting mauls

If you are looking for a tool that does not cut wood, but rather splits it, then you are looking for a splitting maul: of all the types of axes, it is the one that is best designed to penetrate wood efficiently, even in the presence of bulky knots. Once the tree has been felled, its job is to split the logs along the grain into smaller pieces that can be easily loaded into fireplaces and stoves.
The head of a splitting maul is stronger and heavier compared to an axe head. Its wedge shape is perfect for splitting the log in half.

Useful information about splitting mauls

• Head weight: MIN 2500g / 5,50lb - MAX 3500g / 7,70lb
• Handle length: MIN 70cm / 27,60in - MAX 90cm / 35,45in
• Suitable for: splitting of logs over 30cm / 11,81in in diameter

Rely on Prandi's splitting mauls sledgehammers to split firewood!
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Axes for axe throwing and other leisure activities

Have you ever heard of axe throwing? It is a real sport discipline in which several competitors throw their axes or hatchets at a wood target, aiming for the centre: in short, like darts... but with axes!
All the types of axes and hatchets we have seen can be used for axe throwing, bearing in mind that each organisation has its own regulations and it is necessary for the athlete to have an axe with specific dimensions and weights.
The axes and hatchets produced by Prandi meet the needs of athletes and comply with the regulations of the WATL and IATF, the two most important axe throwing organisations in the world.
Find the throwing axe that is right for you

What kind of axe are you looking for?

Now you have an understanding of the basic characteristics of the different types of axes! If you are in any doubt about which axe to buy, please contact our support team for the best advice!