Blade length
The length of the ax blade, more precisely, the length of the cutting edge.
Knowing the length of the handle or the entire tool (see above), as well as the length of the blade, one can estimate the general proportions of the ax without even having a picture in front of one's eyes. However, the shape and dimensions of the blade are selected by the manufacturer, taking into account the type (see above) and the specialization of the tool. If we talk about practical significance, then the length of the blade directly determines the contact area upon impact and the corresponding features of the tool. So, a relatively small blade easily enters even hard wood, this moment is used in cleavers. In turn, a large blade that captures a large area can be useful when felling trees or some carpentry.
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.
More features
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Hammer. Allows you to use utility or camping axes for hammering nails, pegs when pitching a tent, chipping bricks, and so on. Cleavers — for hitting with a mallet, hammer or other log on the butt in case of jamming of the ax in the log. It is worth considering that the above actions are highly not recommended for classic butts, as this is fraught with loosening of the wedge in the ax handle, which can be traumatic in the future. On axes with plastic and fibreglass handles, manufacturers even leave a reminder that when hitting the butt during operation, the ax loses its warranty.
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Pika (slander). The pick, which is a sharp tip, is a multifunctional device that allows you to use the tool not only for cutting, but also for more precise work, for example, punching holes, crushing wood, etc. Additionally, axes with a pick can be used when climbing snow-covered, icy peaks . Among similar axes there are many collectible replicas that copy ancient weapons.
