Forged axes - choose a reliable and durable tool

From the school bench, each of us knows that the peak of popularity of axes falls at the time of the Stone Age, when they were not only a serious weapon, but also an almost indispensable economic tool. The first axes were made of stone, bronze and copper. Then came the iron axes and axes of pure steel.

As for Ancient Russia, on whose territory different nations and cultures have been mixed for centuries, forged axes of those times can literally be called a symbol of our country. The best achievements of nomads, European and Finnish masters (thanks to a well-established system of trade relations) are reflected in the best models of Old Russian axes.

According to historians, many forged handmade axes found on the territory of European states were made by Russian craftsmen who possess high craftsmanship. No wonder the ax of the Slavs was one of the oldest symbols-amulet. What is the reason that conventional forged axes were so revered by Rusich?

Probably, this is a special way of life and difficult living conditions for the ancient Slavs. Having adapted to life in the forest, the ancient people could not imagine their life without this important tool, on which the survival of the whole family depended.

Forged axes were the main tool in the construction of wooden houses, they were used to clean the sowing areas from the forest, for the preparation of firewood, for the manufacture of wooden utensils. From early childhood, children were taught to own an ax, and after the death of a person, this tool was necessarily placed in his grave. Slavs believed that with his help the deceased will be able to establish a life in the afterlife and to reflect, if necessary, the attack of enemies.

How to choose a quality and reliable ax?

It is believed that forged axes (not cast and not stamped) made of well-sharpened tool steel are the best option for all types of work. However, for the chopping of firewood, simple axes do not work, because there is a cleaver for this. It is much heavier than a regular ax, so it is easy to split even the largest knotty logs. In addition to the cleaver, it is necessary to have one simple or several axes for different types of work at home.

When choosing a tool, it is necessary to pay attention to product marking with the brand name of the manufacturer, which is usually located at the very base of the blade, and also on the steel grade from which the ax is made. With a good ax, the cutting edge should be flat, without chips, chipping and rounded edges.

Many Russians prefer Russian-made tools to expensive products of European manufacturers, for example, the Ural forged ax from OOO Izhstal-TNP.

When choosing an ax, it should also be remembered that the thicker the wood to be cut, the longer the handle of your ax should be. Axes with a short handle are more suitable for people of low stature, and for simple work. The best material for an ax handle is a birch tree, which has hard and elastic wood.

Professionals advise when buying an ax in the market or in a store to try on: take an ax in your hand, try to swing, and best of all - test it in practice right away.