TECH SPECS

• Mild steel body, carbon steel edge

• symmetrical grind

• Flat bevel

• 13 inch long handle

• Handles of local hardwood - usually white ash, hickory or yellow birch

• Rawhide sheath

• Shipped sharp

WHAT AX TO START WITH?

If you are new to carving, I recommend you start with a smaller ax around 16-24 ounces.

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Smaller axes take less muscle and are more portable. If you want to use it for other things than strictly carving, go lighter. Especially if you want to take it camping. 

After you have some experience under your belt, and if you start making larger projects like bowls, you may decide to go bigger. Heavier axes can be more accurate for people with the skill and muscle to wield them without fatigue. I think this is because they can be swung at slower speeds. They can also take off material somewhat faster when swung aggressively but this is only helpful if you are doing large projects. In my experience more weight is not super important - small axes can still take off a lot of wood. So, if you are not sure, go with a smaller ax.

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The most important things are to keep your ax sharp, your bevel flat and develop your skills over time.