• expired

Helko Axes-Hatchets (German Made) - Trad. Splitter $58, Classic Splitter $49(50-75+% off USA prices) +Shipping at 01440784 eBay

840

Hi OzBers,

Moved to a rural property about a year ago and cutting firewood is a regular chore - had several crappy tools so went looking for something a tad superior. In researching high quality axes, block splitters etc I came across the very well regarded German made Helko brand - but although they were very well reviewed I was sure their prices would be silly high here and thats IF I could find them - so I disregarded.

Then by chance I happened across a small Ebay store that was not only selling them but at prices that were incredibly low - often 50-75% LESS than their prices in the USA. Anyway a few things I'd point out for those considering these products:

  • Whilst you can buy axes, block splitters and hatchets for $20 or so at Bunnings - these generally will be made of very low grade metals, which will blunt easily, have poor head geometry, not so good balance and generally they'll not work all that well and only last a season or so.

  • Helko are an apple to that orange - they're a true maker of high quality tools - all still made in Germany since 1844. One look at the work they put into their products shows you how they're in a completely different league.

  • Helko tools have very high reviews at Amazon.com and also axe/forestry forums.

  • I'd highly recommend these for people who use their tools regularly and/or are happy to pay a little bit extra for fine quality tools that will perform at a superior level for many years - BUT also enjoy taking care of their tools (as regardless of the tool quality if you don't maintain it correctly it will soon suffer).

  • The Ebay seller has been on Ebay since 2011 and has a 100% feedback record - so seems very reputable.

As stated the prices are pretty incredible - here's a few comparisons for you against the USA prices (I've converted using xe.com's current spot USD vs AUD rates) - *NOTE: I've not included the Australian postage as I have no way of gauging the US postage - I'm actually impressed by how low the Australian postal rates are considering how cumbersome & heavy they are $12-21):

Anyway the prices are pretty sensational - Amazon.com's prices are much the same level higher - Euro prices again much higher - all making these perhaps the cheapest Helko's in the world. It seems the seller has a separate website - though a few more models are available there it's currently more cost effective to buy via Ebay - and you can currently use the CAU5 coupon for an extra 5% off.

FWIW I grabbed myself the Traditional Line Log Splitter (should work well splitting the smaller stuff) - hope you can find a high quality tool to serve you well for many years to come. :-)

Hope this assist

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closed Comments

  • Vendor in title please.

    • +3

      Hi, sorry just trying to pop this up for folks before I go and clean up some of the mess the flooding has made on our property - as it's an Ebay listing (which has superior prices to their own web store) I wasn't sure what to put - hopefully is corrected now. :-)

      • +1

        Thank you. Good luck with your clean up.

      • +7

        Hi, sorry just trying to pop this up for folks before I go and clean up some of the mess

        Their early work was a little too new wave for my taste. But when Sports came out in '83, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost. He's been compared to Elvis Costello, but I think Huey has a far more bitter, cynical sense of humour.

        In '87, Huey released this; Fore!, their most accomplished album. I think their undisputed masterpiece is "Hip To Be Square". A song so catchy, most people probably don't listen to the lyrics. But they should, because it's not just about the pleasures of conformity and the importance of trends. It's also a personal statement about the band itself.

        • +2

          Got any deals for a reservation at Dorsia?

        • Ha, took me far too long to understand why this comment existed… doh! It's been 20 years since I watched it, forgive me ;)

        • +1

          @SteveAndBelle: Glad that at least you understand it.

        • Don't touch the watch.

  • +2

    Here's another example from Amazon.com of how amazing this guy's prices are:
    Amazon.com - $AUD350 with 5 star ratings but he's selling for $138 - sweet axe if you really want to put that Viking vibe out!

    And yet another - which is apparently Helko's flagship product (and also a great choice as a general purpose axe that most houses could definitely do with):
    Amazon.com $AUD213 with 33reviews and a 5 star rating and he's selling the exact same axe (called different thing but I've checked the head weights and handle length and is the same) for $110.

  • +1

    He-Man approved.

    • +2

      This one is soooooooo He-Man, think I actually killed Skellator a few times using something like this He-Man had.

      You've got to love the fact that many of the axes come with proper oil tanned real Leather head covers - really nice touch but try and buy those separately and you'd be up for another $30 or so - just a really nice touch that rounds out a fine quality tool.

  • +1

    No doubt a good product, but note the disclaimer at the bottom of the two listings
    Could be just that the seller are being 100% honest but FYI
    "****** heads are a little off center ****"

    • +2

      Yes, I took note of that but it's really not an issue for users at all and moreso is indicative of how much of a perfectionist the seller must be. Perhaps if you were a pro wood chopper etc it might be the difference between first and 4th but chopping wood at home it'd have to be really badly off to even be noticeable - and if that were the case I'd be amazed they'd make it out of the factory door.

      Like I said I'm certain the seller is just pedantic and clarifying up front - so much am I confident in this that I bought one of the ones listed as having this (the Spaltaxt). :-)

      • +1

        how much of a perfectionist the seller must be

        You have to be careful on eBay and cover all angles.

        Even then you will still get people complaining and lodging claims.

    • Yup they are off

  • +4

    Wonderful surprise birthday gift for the bikie in your family.

    • +4

      Thats a fancy arse bikie - I'd have thought a nice length of lead pipe, a motorcycle chain and a pair of pliers would have all that outlaw goodness they'd need.

      • +1

        and beard oil

        lead pipe, a motorcycle chain

        Not to be confused with Road Rash bikie

        • +1

          Bikies are also hipsters now?

  • How do these compare to the Fiskars range?

    • +1

      How do these compare to the Fiskars range?

      Fiskars are not the same quality.

      • +1

        I looked a LOT into the Fiskars range before I bought the Helko Werk from this seller - my thoughts would be:

        • Fiskars are VERY GOOD dept store tools but they're like comparing a Big Mac to a Michelin star restaurant steak with these - not to say they're inferior but very different quality

        • The Fiskars X-range of splitting axes is very well regarded but thats IMHO more of an inditement on how inferior a lot of entry level splitting tools are. The knock on the Fiskars X-range is that whilst they perform great at first they use a pretty soft metal in their heads, so they tend to loose their edge pretty easily.

        • The fibreglass handles on them are polarising - some folks love them, others claim they vibrate more - they're more overstrike resistant but I personally always screw a small piece of sheet steel over the first few inches of my wooden handles to protect them - super easy to do and works really well.

        • Fiskars put a PTFE coating(teflon) on the heads of their axes, which does assist but you can just spray some silicone spray or similar on your axe head before you use it each time - have to reappy each time but works just as well.

        The Fiskars range is genuinely good but doesn't have anywhere near the aesthetics of these - I also suspect they'd be shot in 3-5yrs of use - whereas these genuinely should last a lifetime with proper care etc.

        • They're also a bit on the small side, which is why I have a trading post in the forums looking to swap the standard one for their long handled one. They're quite dainty.

    • If i recall correctly from my precious Bunnings trip Fiskars look pretty good. Never used one though.

  • +2

    how good are these at chopping through human bone?

    • With complete respect to the OzB Mod who revised my title please note that as I stated those prices $58 & $48.88 are NOT shipped prices (which is $18-21 for each of those models). Please change if you want but could you please put back that these prices are ~50-75% below those on Amazon.com.

      Thank you. :-)

    • Silly question, as if you had some bones ready to be chopped.

      • +4

        Silly question, as if you had some bones ready to be chopped.

        You don't buy your tools after you have the need, that's how you get caught.

        • +2

          Confucius say, man with hand on tool is always on the job.

    • hahahahhahahahaha

  • +3

    i know nothing about axes and i didn't even read your post, but you convinced me to buy one.

    • +1

      Ouch - well hey if nothing else it'll be a great conversation piece and I have no doubt you could pop it on Gumtree and sell for double what you paid. FWIW which model did you buy?

      • i haven't actually bought one yet. i am trying to be popular by posting witty comments.

        but kudos for the interest!

    • I need one after this ad.

    • Cha Ching. Thank you =D

  • +5

    Sounds like it's time to bury the hatchet and jump on this deal before it gets axed?

    • +4

      your comment had me splitting my sides!

    • You really want to get the axe? Ok, consider yourself fired!

    • Chop chop!

    • +1

      hahahahahahaha or before it splits

  • +1

    +1 for research, esp. "head geometry"

    • +8

      Thanks pal - it does make a big difference - specifically for splitting hardwood where there's a fine line between the head of the tool either bouncing off (too obtuse/wide) or ending up stuck in the wood requiring a lot of effort to extract (what happens if you use an axe - too acute/narrow).


      FWIW anyone who buys one of these MAKE SURE you apply an anti-rust coating to the axe head EVERY TIME after you use it. It can be anything from canola oil to bacon dripping etc etc - only needs to be a very thin coating but as these are made using high quality carbon steel they will start to rust literally within hours of getting wet etc.

      Another couple of pro tips - if the handle is varnished or painted I recommend you sand it and instead apply a mix of linseed oil + a lil mineral turps - varnished handles tend to tear hands up and cause blisters but that might just be me.

      Maintain your blade edge with a bastard file and also some coarse (80-120) wet'n'dry on a foam sanding pad - this assists you in getting the convex edge profile that is perfect & much longer lasting for cutting garden tools. Super easy to do as well and very cheap!

      Also make sure you're using a proper chopping block (not cutting the wood on the ground) you will exert much more force if the blade strikes the wood at ~horizontal/waist height, if its on the ground you nearly always strike with only the heel of the blade, which makes it much harder to chop.

      And finally grab an old car tyre and place this around the chopping block - wood can be packed into this and held in place while you split and also it acts as overstrike protection - you might think the axe/splitter will bounce back but it does not - very cheap and actually SAFE way to chop wood as makes overstrikes and blade coming back at you much less likely. :-)

      • Yes they rust up especially if you leave them out in the weather. furniture bees wax is good them glitz stuff from bunnings i got them on my vintage axes.

        yes they will blister hands up best to strip them.

        Belt sander works great too, don't use bench grinders as it might draw the temper of the axe. Even with belt sanders might wanna watch the heat

        Dude you've been watching the same videos as I have haven't you

  • +1

    I have to return some videotapes.

    • don't mix them up think trainspotting

  • +1

    A few of the highlighted models appear sold out - but don't be put off as literally all of the listed models are still heaps below the best USA prices - but they can be a little hard to spot like for like as often the model names differ. e.g Helko Rheinland Hatchet is $AUD184 vs $81 here

    FWIW for a domestic user a half axe is actually a superior choice to a full sized axe - much easier to swing - also can be used at a pinch for hatchet type tasks and light enough to be taken camping/hiking etc. This one is dead sexy from their top end traditional line and very well priced - looks to be same as this one for $AUD184 - so still well under half price!

    • oh god what is this.

      I dindu nuffin to deserve this kind of service.

  • out of topic, I read the the title as "Spitfire (German made)" and went WTF ?

    • Ah - yeah no but hang in and there's a group buy coming up on a few Messerschmidt 109's. ;-)

  • Hi Nikko,
    Thanks for posting this. I need a smallish hatchet for kindling (have many Fiskars but nothing perfect for kindling).
    Why would i buy this for $77 http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Helko-Werk-Traditional-Hatchet-/2…
    when i can buy this for $50 http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Helko-Werk-Classic-Line-Hatchet-/…
    Many thanks

    • +1

      Hi Cheapj,

      Good question - from a practical perspective I'd say the Classic line is the superior choice - polished head will be easier to maintain, will cut a few % better etc. So it'd only be an aesthetics choice going for the traditional line one - but paying 50% more for it makes the Classic a no brainer IMHO. Watch those fingers! :-)

      • No deals on Flannelette shirts?

    • Of the few of my own product that i have tried. As a dealer you never try your own stuff, you know.

      The german woodworker hatchet is good for kindling

  • +1

    Gimli approves. Good against orcs

    • Better not discriminate against them green peoples. To edgy? LOL

  • +1

    I live in an inner city high rise apartment so definitely have no need for this.

    But now I really want an axe and can't stop looking for things to chop up just so I can justify buying one.

    • While I'd not really recommend it when we used to live down in Canley Vale (just on the edge of Cabramatta) during the end of the heroin scurge that plagued it (before the police chased all the junkies out and over a suburb to Fairfield!) I know I slept a lot better at night as I had a razor sharp Canadian Fighting Knife (essentially a compact machete) under my side of the bed.

      That said you never know when you might have reason to need a nice lil hatchet etc - life can throw you some curveballs. :-)

      • Great, now I'm researching machetes. Maybe even a pistol next. Is this how America was made?

      • Having lived in all 3 of those suburbs before I agree with what you said. And for that purpose, purely hypothetically speaking, which model would you recommend for that?

        • All three eh? Respect. :-)

          Ummm well look he doesn't have anything left that I'd recommend for that purpose - and honestly if you're wanting something for 'home defence' (which my definition of is middle of the night, you're awoken by a noise and want something purely for defensive purposes within the confines of your own home).

          Depends if you want something for 'looks' i.e intruder sees this in your hand and thinks I don't want a piece of that and flees……………or if you want something that is as efficient as possible in a close quarters combat situation (assuming this is FORCED on you and you've no reasonable opportunity to avoid).

          In which case honestly a hatchet or even machete (even the small one I have) isn't great - too unwieldy to swing in tight spaces etc. As simple as it might sound a 8-10" chefs knife will be close to the most effective - offerings slashing and also stabbing options - the latter being the one that really does damage.

          Cheapish is fine as it will use softer steel and be less prone to breaking - though I'd keep it under your bed etc dedicated to 'emergency' defensive use only. As you live on those suburbs swing by an asian grocery store and pickup the chefs knife that Kiwi make - it's uber cheap and nasty stamped steel but only $7 or so. Thats perfect.

          Oh and worth noting that I'd advocate anyone STRONGLY avoid confronting intruders if at all possible - self defence laws in Aust are very different from USA etc - which are essentially you can do almost anything to an illegal intruder in your house - here its MUCH different. But there's a tiny chance that you might not be able to avoid conflict (i actually had a relo only last week have a home invasion robbery in Canley Vale).

          But don't wave a knife or any weapon around in defense unless you have the stomach to use it if push comes to shove - you'd otherwise be much better off locking up a door and calling the police. :-)

        • @Nikko:
          I fully understand your explanation.
          Still, just bought 3:
          1. Classic Hatchet
          2. Outdoors Hatchet
          3. Felling Axe
          They should come in useful when reducing the size of mulberry trees in my backyard.

    • Same here. Minus the high rise

  • Thanks Nikko!
    I've been searching for a high quality axe to use for future camping and hiking trips.
    I grabbed the Traditional Line German Pack Axe as it looks very promising with its light weight versatility.
    This is my first axe so I hope it will last me for a long time.

    • +1

      Hi iBennyz, wow great choice - thats a real stunner of an axe. Should last you MANY MANY years, just make sure you're careful not to chop wood on the ground etc (people always end up hitting small stones and they will chip the edge easily).

      Be sure to pop some oil or wax on the end grain of the handle to protect it from moisture (end grain is where they're most susceptible to water etc).

      Great choice - you got well under 1/2 of the USA price and while you could have bought a cheap Bunnings one for maybe $35 - this is something you'll have for decades and will be admired by folks over and over. Great choice.

      • Yup, hope it serves you well and thanks for the positive feedback!

    • +1

      Hey iBennyz, I just noticed something and thought I'd flag it for you - the seller has that one you bought listed as the Traditional Line German Pack Axe - 1kg head 600mm handle - anyway those specs and the pictures seem to look a lot more like the {Black Forest Woodworker model](http://www.helkonorthamerica.com/store/p8/Black_Forest_Woodw…).

      The Rheinland Pack Axe (which I assume is what he's trying to actually sell) looks a lil different - thicker & shorter handle and lighter head.

      If I were you I'd contact him and clarify which one he's sending and that if possible you'd PREFER the actual Rheinland Pack Axe - now don't get me wrong he might have just made a mistake in the listing and the Black Forest Woodworker at that price is likely to be 95% as good for you….BUT as a pack axe to take on hikes/camping etc the proper one is going to be superior.

      Just thought I'd flag - hope that helps. :-)

      • +1

        Thanks Nikko, I'll give the seller a message to clarify which axe he is selling. :)

      • +1

        Hey again Nikko,
        Just got a reply from the seller.

        The Traditional Line German Pack axe that he is selling is the Black Forest Woodworker Model as per Helko's description.
        The seller says that he does not stock the "Rheinland Pack axe" as per Helko North America's description.

        However this is fine as I am happy with the specification and size of the Black Forest Woodworker Model. Both axes are small sized and convenient for my intended uses for it. Thanks heaps for your help, I appreciate it. :)

      • Yes might change the name to avoid confusion in the future. But that is for future me to do

  • +1

    Patrick Bateman approves

    • +1

      Now just need a deal on full length rain jackets…

      • +1

        Try give this place a call - http://www.pacemakercoats.com.au/
        Similar to Drizabone and well made - I believe they are closing down soon which is a shame.
        *just one of many happy customers

    • Hi Batman

  • Damn it, no side axe's. Looking for something like this but way to tight.

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Side-Axe-Stubai-LHS-Flush-900gms-…

    I use a Adze and draw knife as well but need something for intermediate stuff and a differnt jobs (poles for trellises etc), pain in the arse using a normal hatchet :(

    I use a Fiskars X for splitting and have for years, hands down the best splitter I have ever used (nearly 10 years splitting and a dozen or so splitters tried, neighbours etc), that handle alone is worth it. Still in superb condition, I just run a oily rag over it after each use.

    On another note, I use me Sthil e-chainsaw a lot more than I thought I would, felling up to 6" trees is fine, same for bucking and free recharges on my off grid solar to boot. My parter uses it for pruning bigger trees (mulberry etc) as well. You have to have a big 'saw as as well obviously but it's awesome as an alternative to 2 smoke small saws.

    • " free recharges on my off grid solar to boot" nice

  • +2

    Had to + for effort and feedback when you're pushed for time.

    Great post OP, hope those pesky floods leave good water in the soil and surface water drains off real quick, if it hasn't already since you're in fix it mode.

    The seller is probably wondering "all this traffic…..why". Hit him up for a bonus discount LOL.

    • +1

      Thanks pal - appreciate the kind words. Funny you say that as did try and subtly suggest when I sent him a msg saying I was going to pop a thread up for him that I would have bought another item as well but flat strapped for $$$ at present. But I figure he's selling at very slim margin so no biggie - happy to see folks getting some very good quality tools at likely best in world prices. :-)

    • Oh noooooo alll that traffic. Oh noooooooooo a BONUS discount oh nooooooooo

  • +1

    Heeeere's Johnny!

    • +1

      Great movie - one of the best tone setting opening sequences ever.

      • Agreed - Kubrick was a master.

        • On The Shining, absolutely - Eyes Wide Shut…..not so much. :-)

        • @Nikko:

          Haven't seen it, but from what I have read, I'll defer to your judgment.

  • My work collegue and I was just talking about cutting the firewood last night.

    I got home and it was windy as and I couldn't bother to axe away so I got my chainsaw and held the timber inbetween my legs last night. Safety first haha…

    • +1

      Username checks out.

    • +2

      :-O

      Damn man your femoral artery is only a few inches (i.e a nanosecond of an overcut) below the surface on either leg - cut just one and you'd black out very quickly and bleed out within minutes.

      Charles Darwin would have a thing or two to say about this. :-/

      • +1

        Mate, as a male, I'd have other things to worry about if I was holding a piece of wood between my legs lol

        • Touche!

        • I find it helps if someone else holds the wood between my legs.

    • MAAAATE!!!!

  • I've got wood!

    • +1

      Allow me to chop that for you.

  • Love these posts when an obscure product is posted and it brings out the comments from the truly interested mixed with the Ozbargain comedians!

    • Pretty funny thread

  • +1

    Great deal, I bought a new axe and block splitter. Had a Fiskars splitter that worked ok, but years of use and abuse (they don't like hitting bricks) means its is due for a replacement.
    One issue for me is that the wood I have on my property is all hardwood. It is really hard to cut and split. Hopefully these will assist me. Watching youtube videos of people cutting pine and softwood is completely different.

    I should have bought a hatchet as well. I will see how this purchase goes first.

    I hear this guy started out as a 50kg wimp before buying his hatchet!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fceSXiZqVA

    • Hohohohoho nice throw

  • Be a real life wonder boy

  • -2

    once you've learnt the sexual connotation of 'axe wound' you'll never look at an axe (or an axe wound ;) the same way again.

  • Sold out 😢

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