The main purpose of the double-headed ax is to allow the user to have two different options for cutting. The first edge is normally used for chopping, while the other edge can be used for finer cuts. This makes the double-sided wood axe more versatile than the single-bit ax, which can only be used for one type of cut.
What is the best double bit axe?
The Best Doube Bit Axe
- Estwing Double Bit Axe – 38 oz. The Estwing is available in 3 designs, all black, blue and a leather-wrapped handle with black. ...
- Marbles Outdoors Knives 700DB Double Bit Axe. A tiny double bit axe, the total length of this axe is 14.5 inches. ...
- Council Tool Velvicut Premium Saddle Axe. ...
- Condor Double Bit Michigan Axe. ...
What is a double bladed axe used for?
With two blades that can be tailored to suit a variety of tasks, a double bit axe is an extremely versatile tool. It can be used for precise chopping of trees and branches, and also deal with the nasty stuff like hacking up stubborn roots and splitting knotted, gnarly logs – all with a single cutting tool. Are double bit axes dangerous?
What is the best axe for cutting wood?
- BEST OVERALL: Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Estwing Fireside Friend 14” Axe
- BEST WITH WOOD HANDLE: Husqvarna 26″ Wooden Multi-Purpose Axe
- BEST HATCHET: Hults Bruk Tarnaby Hatchet
- BEST MULTIPURPOSE: Husqvarna A2400 Axes
- BEST FOR CAMPING: Estwing Camper’s Axe
- BEST UPGRADE: Gransfors Bruks Outdoor Axe
What is a double sided axe?
What is a Double-Sided Axe Called? Historically, Labrys is the Lydian word for a double-sided head model. Others have associated the double edge style with Viking Battle Axes or war axes, although these uses are speculation and fantasy ideology. Some individuals also use the term two-sided or two-headed axe when referring to the double-sided model.
Why would you need a double sided axe?
With two blades that can be tailored to suit a variety of tasks, a double bit axe is an extremely versatile tool. It can be used for precise chopping of trees and branches, and also deal with the nasty stuff like hacking up stubborn roots and splitting knotted, gnarly logs – all with a single cutting tool.
Are double headed axes good?
6:2717:34Are Double Axes REALLY That Stupid? (Reply to Shadiversity) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr as a forest axe some people really like the double bitted axes. They like how they handle andMoreOr as a forest axe some people really like the double bitted axes. They like how they handle and perform. And they like to have that extra edge.
What is a double sided axe called?
Labrys (Greek: λάβρυς, romanized: lábrus) is, according to Plutarch (Quaestiones Graecae 2.302a), the Lydian word for the double-bitted axe. (in Greek it was called πέλεκυς, pélekus). The Ancient Greek plural of labrys is labryes (λάβρυες).
What is a single bit axe used for?
If properly used and maintained, axes are effective for removing downfall, trimming limbs along a trail, and for felling. The flat end of a single bit may be used occasionally to pound stakes or wedges, but it is not designed for heavy use.
Did Vikings use double headed axes?
Double-bitted axes were not forged by the Norse. Just about every axe they forged was single headed. Vikings most commonly carried sturdy axes that could be thrown or swung with head-splitting force. The Mammen Axe is a famous example of such battle-axes, ideally suited for throwing and melee combat.
Who invented the double headed axe?
And why would you have two heads in the first place? They did but not in the way you think. The double headed axe comes from a Minoan object, the Labrys, and as best we can tell it was a religious or symbolic item.
What kind of axe do lumberjacks use?
The felling axe is an axe specifically designed for the task and usually has a double-edged, sharp surface. This particular axe is available in a variety of shapes, weights, and handle sizes, but lumberjacks generally use the larger types.
What is considered a boys axe?
There are three basic types of axes: single bit, double bit, and smaller axes referred to as “boys axes,” "camp axes, or “cruisers." The single bit axe used for felling or splitting usually has a 3-5 lb axe blade and a 30”-36” inch curved handle.
What is a Hudson Bay axe?
Hudson Bay axes are known by their roughly 2-pound weight, tear drop shaped eye, flat poll and swept back design. These axes were usually hung on a 20"- 28" handle. Earlier trade axes had no poll as the metal was wrapped around the handle.
What kind of axe do I need to cut down a tree?
A Felling axe is specifically designed for cutting down trees. They have broad, razor-sharp cutting edges that cut deep into the fibers of the wood with each stroke. Forged with a curved bit, ideal for cutting into fresh wood and fitted with a long handle to provide ample power to the swing.
What Is A Double-Bit Axe?
A double-bit axe is one with a cutting edge on both sides of the head instead of one side.
Why are double bit axes heavier than traditional axes?
Weight – Because of the dual heads, double-bit axes tend to be heavier than their traditional counterparts. This makes them more unwieldy and tiresome to use.
What is a felling axe?
Felling Axes – Because of their flared head and thin, sharp tip, felling axes are best applied for cutting and chopping projects.
What is the best tool for woodworking?
And for fine woodworking, a carpenter’s axe or hatchet is the go-to tool, rather than a double-bit axe. Carpenter’s axes are smaller, lightweight, and have a very sharp, straight-edged blade.
What is a forest axe?
Forest Axes – Heavy and robust, these heavy-duty axes are made for cutting down trees and other large-scale wood projects.
What is a pickaxe used for?
It’s traditionally used for landscaping and breaking down materials like rocks.
Why do you use the second method?
If you choose the second method, it also keeps your tool sharper, for longer.
Uses of Double-Bit Axes
Like the standard axe, the double-bit axe can be used for splitting, cutting, and chopping wood.
What Not to Use it for?
While the double-bit axe is perfect for many jobs that can be performed by a traditional hand axe, there are some in which it is not best suited.
Pros and Cons of Double-Bit Axes
There are some strong benefits in using double-bit axes depending on their use.
Why use a double bit axe?
Axes are used to chop down fire wood for cooking and heating. When you need firewood a double bit axe is handy for its defined sharpness and accuracy in cutting. This is because it has double axe bits and they are much heavier compared to other types of axe. The force produced by its heaviness creates a quicker and more accurate cut.
What are the different types of axes?
There are different types of axes that can be found today, including the single bit axe, double bit axe, Shingling hatchet, and splitting maul. All of them are made with one purpose: cutting. Generally, axes come in different forms, but all with basic parts like a head and a handle. The double bit axe is composed of two blades. One edge is kept in a sharp condition and the other is usually rather blunt as a result of hacking around rocks or dirt. This tool is mainly used by professional lumberjacks.
What is a sharpener used for?
This type is generally used for trimming, cutting and shaping woods that can be used for art crafts or furniture. When you need a piece of wood to make furniture or an art craft, you will need sufficient wood. The sharpness of its bits are powerful enough to cause very little damage to the wood while it is being cut.
How to cut down a stray tree?
When you have a neighboring tree and need to cut it, the best way to do it is by using a double bit axe. This is because of its power in cutting. It will take you no time to get those tree branches.
Why do lumberjacks use double bit axes?
The US forest service axe manual 'One Moving Part' suggests that the development of the American double bit axe was primarily to allow remote lumberjacks in the nascent US timber industry to carry two axes for the weight of one. In addition, as others have mentioned, the lumberjack could profile the cutting edges for specific tasks: the keen edge for soft, straight-grained wood, and the thicker, or 'stunt' edge for knots and limbs, which are obviously harder on the blade.
Why do you have two edges on a scuba diving head?
The only logical reason I can think of is that you have two edges so you can flip the head over and use the other if one dulls or you hit a rock when using it out and about, without having to go back and sharpen it. Pure speculation though.
Is the sharp side of a tree sharper?
Pretty much this one is normally sharpened for tree felling, It's normally sharper. Then other side is not as sharp less prone to chipping when used for limbing a tree. The less sharp side is also used for root work and anything that would chip a sharper edge.
What was the first axe used in the US?
In the Americas during the 1900s, pioneers in forestry invented a new axe called the double bit axe. It was used by lumberjacks to clear land before the onset of the chainsaw. The double bit axe is truely an American creation that spawned stories such as Paul Bunyon. A huge and powerful woodsman whose strength and power was synonymous with his double bit axe.
What was the axe used by lumberjacks to clear land before the chainsaw?
Ventura Bushcraft. In the Americas during the 1900s, pioneers in forestry invented a new axe called the double bit axe. It was used by lumberjacks to clear land before the onset of the chainsaw. The double bit axe is truely an American creation that spawned stories such as Paul Bunyon.
What happens when you hit a log with a dull double bit?
I do see something going on with a dull double bit. If you hit a log with a dull double bit, sometimes it bounces off violently almost uncontrollably. Hence the reference to the extra danger of its use. But this also accounts for its extra inherent power...
Which is better, Fiskars or Doublebit?
Fiskars splitting axe, or other wide-angle variants work better to split by hand, than any doublebit.
Is a double bit good for felling?
The double bit is extremely well balanced for felling. That might be the genesis of the OP's idea that it is more effective or efficient. I have some double bits but I don't prefer them in the field but I'm not felling trees all day.
Is it better to cut a pound for pound with a thinner edge?
The thinner the edge the deeper it will cut pound for pound, but the thinner it is the more prone to damage. More weight behind the edge could result in more damage if the profile is too thin.
Can a double bit crack your wrist?
I keep both my edges sharp for that reason and also to prevent the bounce back, which can be uncontrollable sometimes. It can crack your wrist back.

What Is A Double-Bit Axe?
Double-Bit Axe Uses
- As stated earlier, both traditional and double-bit axes have three primary purposes: 1. Cutting 2. Chopping 3. Splitting All three are typically applied to woodworking jobs, though double-bit axes can be useful for other purposes, as well. Common applications of double-bit axes include: 1. Felling small trees 2. Cutting off small branches 3. Cutting back bushes and small foliage 4. Cho…
What Not to Do with A Double-Bit Axe
- Though the double-bit axe is suited for many purposes, there are several that it isn’t meant for. If your project requires a smaller tool than the hand axe, then a hatchet is more suitable to your work. Similar to hand axes, hatchets are smaller in size, length, and girth, and are therefore suited to felling saplings, chopping small branches, cutting bushes, and splitting firewood. Also like axe…
Pros and Cons of Double-Bit Axes
- Like with any tool, the double-bit axe has both benefits and drawbacks. The pros include: 1. Dual Purpose – When one side is kept sharp and the other intentionally dull, double-bit axes are essentially two axes rolled into one tool. 2. Versatility – Double-bit axes can easily cycle through cutting, chopping, and splitting jobs, unlike many other axes. 3. Longevity – Depending on how y…
Uses of Double-Bit Axes
- Like the standard axe, the double-bit axe can be used for splitting, cutting, and chopping wood. Depending on the size of the axe, it can be used to bring down small trees and saplings, cut wood, and even contribute to landscaping. 1. Cutting Small Branches, Back Bushes, and Small Foliage 2. Splitting Firewood, Processing Small Game, and Felling Sm...
What Not to Use It for?
- While the double-bit axe is perfect for many jobs that can be performed by a traditional hand axe, there are some in which it is not best suited. The most obvious are tasks that are designed for smaller tools such as the hatchet. A hatchet is different than a traditional axebut offers greater versatility for small jobs. While most hatchets have a blade on one side and a hammer head on t…
Pros and Cons of Double-Bit Axes
- There are some strong benefits in using double-bit axes depending on their use. The most obvious advantage is having one blade sharp for cutting or chopping with the other blade dull for splitting. This means you can cut and split firewood with the same axe. Other advantages include the following. 1. Versatile 2. Durable 3. Long-Lasting However, the double-bit axe has its limitatio…
What Are Double-Bit Axes Used for?
- A double-bit axe, also known as a double-bladed axe, is a versatile axe that has blades on both sides of its head. Keep one side dull for splitting wood and the other super-sharp for felling, snedding, bucking, and general yard work.
Are Double-Bit Axes Dangerous?
- All axes are dangerous if they aren’t used correctly, but double-bit axes increase the chance of injury. When splitting wood with the dull side, the sharp blade could bounce back towards your face. Always split wood on a chopping block to reduce the chance of this happening. Extra care should also be taken when carrying a double-bladed axe – there’s double the opportunity for yo…
How Do I Free A Double-Bit Axe That’S Wedged Into Wood?
- With a regular single-bit axe, you can use it as a wedge if it ever gets stuck in a piece of wood. Several swings of the sledgehammer on the poll will break through the wood, freeing your axe. With double-bit axes, you’ll need to use one or two separate wedges and hammer them until the axe can be freed.
Should I Buy A Double Bit Or Single Bit Axe?
- If you mostly use an axe for one purpose, like splitting wood, it’s best to buy a single-bit axe that’s made for the job. They’re lighter, safer, and easier to find in store. Double-bit axes are awesome for their versatility, accuracy, and durability.
What Should I Avoid Doing with A Double-Bit Axe?
- Although a double-bit axe has many uses, for work in confined spaces or where you’ll hold the tool up high a hatchet will make more sense. It is lighter and more maneuverable. People who need a specialist tool, like a roofing axe, fireman’s axe, or carpenter’s axe should avoid using a double-bit axe.
The Pros and Cons of A Double-Bit Axe
- Pros
1. Durability: With two blades, you can use the tool twice as long without needing to sharpen it. 2. Accuracy: The design of a two-blade axe means you can aim with more precision than regular axes. 3. Versatility: A dull and sharp blade means you get two axes on one handle. 4. Versatility: … - Cons:
1. Safety: Two blades double the chance of injuring yourself. 2. Availability: They’re not easy to find in hardware stores and replacing parts can be more difficult. 3. Weight: The added weight of some brands can make using them harder work.
Fast Facts
- Double-bit axes are usually made using steel for the axe headand wooden hafts. In rare cases, they’re made completely from steel.
- The handle of a double-blade axe is always straight and often longer to provide more power.
- It wasn’t until the 1800s that double-bit axes became popular with lumberjacks. Before then, they were a popular weapon in war.
- Double-bit axes are usually made using steel for the axe headand wooden hafts. In rare cases, they’re made completely from steel.
- The handle of a double-blade axe is always straight and often longer to provide more power.
- It wasn’t until the 1800s that double-bit axes became popular with lumberjacks. Before then, they were a popular weapon in war.
- The most popular use for double-bit axes is to fell and limb trees.
Summing Up
- Double bladed axes are a handy tool to have in the shed. Whether you’re felling, splitting, or limbing, it’ll do a great job. Keeping one side blunt and the other sharp will provide a super-helpful combination. For tougher jobs that’d normally make a mess of your perfectly sharpened edge, you can use a thicker, duller blade. It’ll take the knocks without the unwanted chips and damage. Wh…