Steel grade
The grade of steel used in the blade of the ax (in models with metal handles, also in the handle, see above).
Knowing the grade of steel, you can easily find detailed data on it and determine the overall quality of the tool, as well as its suitability for certain tasks. And vice versa: knowing the main characteristics of the most popular grades of steel, you can evaluate the overall quality of the tool already by what brand it uses.
Total length
Length is one of the main parameters that determine the specialization of the tool.
A large length is typical for models designed for rough work in large volumes, where significant effort is required — for example, in cleavers (see "Type"), this indicator can reach a metre. Small tools, in turn, are intended either for precision carpentry or for tourist use, where the tool has to be carried around and its compactness is no less important than functionality.
The smallest modern hatchets have a length of about 200 mm, often they are multifunctional tools with wrenches, sling cutters and other special devices made in the form of curly slots. The length of a tourist tool is usually about 300 mm, universal carpentry axes are about 500 – 600 mm, and most cleavers have a length of 600 mm or more.
It is worth considering that in this paragraph the length of the handle itself may also come across, when the manufacturer himself does not give clear explanations of exactly what length is indicated in the specifications. However, this value often differs by only a few cm.
Axe weight
The total weight of the ax, for models with wooden handles — with a complete handle.
The optimal weight depends on the type (see above) and specialization of the tool. So, general purpose axes (carpentry) weigh about 0.8 – 1.5 kg; such products are able to provide sufficient inertia for impact and at the same time do not require significant effort. At the same time, lighter tools are intended for precise work, heavier ones for rough work. Cleavers and similar "generalists" are by definition massive, most often from 2 kg or more, and in the most "large-caliber" models, the weight can be about 4.5 – 5 kg. Here it is worth proceeding from the thickness and hardness of the wood that is planned to be chopped:
a heavy cleaver can easily cope even with large logs, however, it will take a lot of effort for such work. In tourist axes and tomahawks, in turn, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of transportation: for constant carrying with you, it is better to take a lighter tool, and if the tool is bought for trips to nature by car, you can choose a heavier model.
Rubberized grip
The presence of additional rubber lining(s) in the design of the ax handle.
Such pads are used for additional convenience and safety during work. Firstly, the rubber does not tend to slip in the hand, which reduces the risk of releasing the tool. Secondly, this material is soft and pleasant to the touch, and also does not “cool” your hands in cool weather. Thirdly, rubber dampens vibrations of the handle, increasing the accuracy of work and reducing fatigue (this is perhaps the main advantage of such pads).
Handles made of almost any material can be
rubberized(see above), however, for a number of reasons, rubber is rarely combined with wood.
Case
The presence
of a cover included with the tool greatly simplifies storage and transportation: the cover at least protects the blade from contact with foreign objects (which could lead to damage to these objects or the blade itself). At the same time, a complete case is more convenient, and often safer, than a case made from scrap materials.
Such a case is considered to be a full-fledged case, in which the instrument is placed entirely or almost entirely, and not an overlay on the blade.
