This was posted 7 years 22 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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

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Helko Axes-Hatchets (German Made) - Trad. Splitter $58, Classic Splitter $49(50-75+% off USA prices) +Shipping at 01440784 eBay
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Daniel Plainview on 05/04/2017 - 09:29 ebay.com.au (3218 clicks)
Last edited 05/04/2017 - 13:22 by 1 other user

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

Home & Garden Axe Block Splitter German Hand Tool Hatchet Splitter

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closed Comments

    • AssociatedQuality Axes @ eBay Australia 01140784 on 09/04/2017 - 14:54
      +1

      Sorry =( will have the same deals for the LUCAS line stuff after the good ones are sold.

      Will post when they are up for sale.

  • R4 on 05/04/2017 - 22:11
    +1

    Most had gone but I got a nice looking hatchet for $26 plus delivery - a bargain I reckon.

    I have a Granfors Bruks (the daddy of axe makers) block-splitter that is just superb

    I also have a very good Australian-made Cyclone block-splitter that I got for a massive discount in the Masters sell-off

    I like axes so don't piss me off

    • AssociatedQuality Axes @ eBay Australia 01140784 on 09/04/2017 - 14:56

      Thank you hope you like it.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/04/2017 - 07:34

    Easy to make if you can find a wide axe head.(my preference)
    You should be able to get good axe handle and handle wedges from produce or hardware store for under $20, just take the head in an find a good fit
    Take your time,as it'll probably require a little whittling, a little sanding, some trial fits, (bashing the head on and off) before wedging the handle, and you'll end up with a nice tool

  • Rillen on 06/04/2017 - 08:13

    Hi,

    Can anyone recommend an axe for breaking up tree stumps?

    Mix of hardwood and palm.

    • Daniel Plainview on 06/04/2017 - 10:16
      +2

      Tree stumps are the pits - I did a few last weekend and it absolutely took the wind out of my sails in no time at all. Firstly, using a good axe is a waste - you're swinging at a tree stump - so overstrike into soil is certain and that'll blunt a good axe edge in no time.

      I'd tend to instead either go with a cheap and nasty axe to get removal of a bit of the stump (something like the $20 Bunning fibreglass handled one) but for the main work of splitting them up a bit I'd look at a block splitter or quite likely timber splitting wedges and a sledgehammer.

      I used an axe to get a bit of a indentation going then used the wedges - worked ok and a few hardwood stumps - but very hard work.

      My research on them indicates best leaving for a year or so, split up a little if possible to allow them to dry out - then build a fire on them - putting a bag of cheap charcoal on top - timber for the fire above this - and let it burn (ideally if you can get a large metal drum with both ends cut out to act as a vessel to hold and concentrate the fire's heat.

      Apparently this works quite well - lil hassle but run the fire in the evening, have a few bevvies around it and its not so bad.

      So from what the seller has left perhaps the Lucas splitters would be best but unless you have firewood to chop as well this might be too nice a tool for a nasty job - and a couple of the cheap and nasty Bunnings Saxon ones might be worth trying….but block splitters can be hard to use on stumps unless they're pretty dry - start at the edges to get a crack going - in the centre you'll have no luck.

      Hope that helps. :-)

      • Rillen on 06/04/2017 - 11:00

        cheers, sound advice

        • [Deactivated] on 06/04/2017 - 17:37

          When it's been raining dig,
          til you get under the stump then add spit wood around the roots,
          and big blocks on the side,
          then light up when it looks like rain coming again,
          it'll dampen the sparks and cover your smoke,
          and if you start on a Friday night ,
          by Monday morning if your lucky you'll be done

  • LGW on 06/04/2017 - 18:24
    +1

    Thanks OP, bought the Classic Pack axe for no apparent reason other than this post and the thought that one day I might need an axe to hack at something.

    • AssociatedQuality Axes @ eBay Australia 01140784 on 09/04/2017 - 14:57
      +2

      Thank you! Sent you a good one.

      • LGW on 09/04/2017 - 19:30

        Thanks, I should get it in the mail tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing what a good one looks like and giving it a good buff. I'll report back. Cheers

  • movieman on 06/04/2017 - 19:19
    +2

    Thanks OP.

    Bought the traditional line hatchet.

    Much appreciated. This is what ozbargain is about.

    • AssociatedQuality Axes @ eBay Australia 01140784 on 09/04/2017 - 14:57

      Thank you hope you like it.

  • Daniel Plainview on 07/04/2017 - 21:37
    +3

    Thanks OzBers for your kind words and support. Really happy to bring this deal to everyone's attention. I've been really impressed as my order was in the post and a tracking reference provided on the same day I ordered - hopefully it's the same for most of you guys as well.

    I've had a couple of buyers from this thread also contact me saying their items arrived and that the quality was excellent - so thats great to hear as well.

    I also received a very humble and gracious email from the owner, who's overwhelmed by the support that OzB have shown to his little operation. I've urged him to try and make more inventory available - as I know a lot of folks missed out on the items they wanted, so watch this space on that one.

    A couple of things I'd flag for buyers:

    • This is a really handy reference for sharpening and maintaining a fine axe: http://www.swingingsteel.com/how-to-sharpen-an-axe-with-a-fi…
      I also recommend this simple but highly effective technique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah5jU4_H9dU

    • Be REALLY careful using your new axe - particularly if you're not an experienced user. I'll sound like an old woman now but it just takes a split second of inattention to cause a lifetime of suffering - so work smart & use proper techniques and safety equipment e.g steel cap boots, eye protection and not working when fatigued etc

    Here's a really nice article on Axe safety and a few more related articles at the bottom of it:
    http://www.artofmanliness.com/2016/02/23/a-primer-on-the-ax-…

    Anyway again thanks for all the support - I know the owner is really blown away by the response and hopefully we can assist a few more folks getting themselves a new Helko Werk sometime soon.

    Cheers, Nick

  • iBennyz on 07/04/2017 - 22:38
    +1

    Seller was great with communication. He quickly clarified my question as I was unsure which axe model I was receiving.
    I ordered my axe on Wednesday and got it this morning (Friday), awesome fast shipping.
    The quality of the axe is amazing and it's evident that high quality material is used and a lot of detail is put into crafting this tool.

    Great product from a great seller!

    Thanks OP for posting this :)

    • AssociatedQuality Axes @ eBay Australia 01140784 on 09/04/2017 - 14:59

      Thank you for your very kind words. Hope it serves you well.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2017 - 14:26

    Agree these are nice tools but Australian made is available of a similar quality at your local bunnings for less (no postage)
    Cyclone 2.5 kg splitter with overstrike protector $58
    Cyclone 2kg axe $68

    I would take the overstrike protector off the splitter and upgrade it by welding some steel pipe to the underside of the head over the handle,
    Like the older model

    And add a rubber os protector to the axe handle

    • Daniel Plainview on 09/04/2017 - 11:19

      Hi @Beach Bum, whilst I'm as patriotic as the next chap Australian made vs German made will see me tending to prefer the saurkraut loving one 9 times out of 10.

      I agree that buying where you can avoid postage is a good thing but when you consider that a quality axe/splitter etc - should easily last 5-10yrs+ over the lifespan of the tool the cost difference is pretty slim (i.e $1.80-$3 per annum more). So IMHO getting the best quality tool for the outlay is the paramount concern - that you saved $10 in year 4 when the axe requires a lot more edge maintenance etc isn't going to be a great consolation.

      I 100% agree Cyclone is a reputable brand - and I have multiple tools made by them in my possession. But that said I'd respectfully suggest that these would be the points of difference between just the entry level Helko Werk axes (e.g Ranger Felling Axe)

      • Cyclone doesn't anywhere on their website reference the specific steel alloy used in the axe's head, Helko does and states it's oil tempered to a specific hardness - this is a major edge to Helko, as it's almost certain the Cyclone axe uses an inferior steel thats no where near as hard.

      • The Cyclone axe comes with a lacquered "..Australian Hardwood.." handle - I'd back the hand chosen for their straight grain Hickory handles of the Helko's. High end Hickory handles are pretty much world regarded as the best wooden handles for tools - Spotted Gum is also highly regarded - particularly for axes but I'm pretty sure these aren't used on the Cyclone base range (I know they sell separate Spotted Gum handles for ~$30 each).

      • Whilst it's a personal thing but I think the Helko is significantly 'sexier' and also has the brand/label appeal that will get more respect & also resale value (haha if thats something to really worry about when buying a felling tool!).

      And thats just with the base Helko stuff - I'd suggest whilst marginally more expensive the Traditional line etc is clearly several rungs above - whilst other products like the Lucas splitters are also superior design - the old school design of the Cyclone splitter is somewhat ineffective compared to slimmer modern splitter head designs.

      But each to their own - when we're only talking $20-40 difference over a product I can be using for the next decade I'd much rather get the superior one.

      Good idea on the steel pipe (assuming you have access to a welder etc) I found using ~1mm stainless steel that was left over from some scrapped appliance - cut with tin snips, edges cleaned up and curved to fit that handle - very small screws or tacks to hol din place - works really well and was very simple to do with basic tools. Apparently you can also use thick wire twisted around or electrical cord - twisted and then glued in place. :-)

      • [Deactivated] on 10/04/2017 - 10:52

        Not trying to start an argument but Being 'almost certain ' is not fact.
        I'll let you do the research but I would hope you wouldn't consign aussie made tools to the scrapheap based on some sexy marketing by a European Co.
        Also all Cyclone tools come with a lifetime warranty
        Beat that squareheads!

        • Daniel Plainview on 10/04/2017 - 12:31
          +1

          Neither am I - just a healthy discussion, I doubt either of us feel crazy enough about axes to 'argue' - certainly I don't.

          Without playing semantics - as I stated if they didn't specify the steel alloy used then it's certain they didn't think it would be a selling point as it was something relatively generic - companies aren't dumb. Suffice to say it's safe to assume it's generic/average unless info is provided otherwise - Helko states theres, Cyclone didn't - nuf said.

          If we can talk straight and put the 'buy Aussie just because' rubbish aside - I'm certainly not daft enough to generalise about an entire nation's ability to produce any given item - it's maker specific and honestly quite often model or even batch specific. But in the interests of keeping things simple one can usually make general comments - and I'd much rather take my luck with a German made tool than an Australian made one - if you feel different thats fine. :-)

          I'd be pretty sure the Cyclone 'Lifetime' warranty is on manufacturing faults only - so in essence its going to be of very little benefit outside of the first few times you use your tool. They're such simple items that 'manufacturing faults' tend to show up very early - i.e no-one ever had a manufacturing fault in an axe show up after 8 yrs of use etc.

          Do you actually have any actual tangible reasons that you feel the Cyclone axe is superior to the Helko Werx Ranger (as an easy like for like example)? Otherwise it does kind of seem like you largely like them just because they originate from a certain country rather than what they are. :-)

          Worth stating with the current Ebay $10 off $50 spend the axes left on sale are even better value.

        • [Deactivated] on 10/04/2017 - 22:20

          @Nikko:I will admit to wanting to support my fellow aussie workers, comrade.
          Maybe Cyclone are a bit old school when it comes to their marketing.
          They probably thought 'tempered steel' tested on some of the hardest timbers in the world that we have here in good old aussie was enough
          Just as any farmer knows that since England has stopped manufacturing steel tools many decades ago that Cyclone tools are what survives the abuse
          But if you want boutique and are prepared to pay more, then that's good too

          It's ozbargain after all, I was just giving people a cheaper
          alternative

          Anyway,
          got to keep this eBay seller on his toes,
          before he jacks up the price on u

  • AssociatedQuality Axes @ eBay Australia 01140784 on 08/04/2017 - 19:50
    +2

    Hi guys and girls and OP,

    Thank you BIGLY Nick for creating this thread! You wouldn't happen to collect vintage axes?

    Thank you all for the overwhelming support. Greatly appreciated. Never knew such a site existed.

    We are glad the axes/splitters found new homes. By we, I mean the voices in my head.

    Added a couple of videos to my listings regarding sharpening an axe and some basic safety on using them.

    I know the log splitters are sold out but will have the same deals for the classic line axes, hatchets and half axes soon (Sunday). Will include a couple of pictures so buyers know what to expect.

    Once again thank you all for the support over the last couple of days.

    Kind Regards
    Quality axes dude

  • finny7 on 10/04/2017 - 10:15

    Do you have any still available that can be used for cutting up firewood and kindling around the house? Gutted I missed out on that block splitter

    • Daniel Plainview on 10/04/2017 - 17:29
      +2

      What are you cutting?

      As something for splitting hardwood blocks will be very different to whats used to prep kindling - you MIGHT be able to get away with a splitter and hatchet/half axe - but best practice would be to have 3 - one splitter, one axe for downsizing these and finally a hatchet for kindling.

      FWIW it kind of depends on the size you are - and what you're splitting (e.g hardwood rounds or semi broken up stuff) - but I'd suggest either:

      COMBO 1
      Helko Werk Classic Line Hatchet
      and
      Helko Werk Lucas Topline splitter

      COMBO 2
      Helko Werk Classic Line Half Axe
      and
      Helko Werk Lucas Topline splitter

      Could go with the heavier splitter if you can handle the 6lb head (which is 'standard' splitter head weight with traditional splitters) or with fancier(traditional line) stuff for the axes.

      But I think those are both good combos that could basically do most of your firewood work.

      • AssociatedQuality Axes @ eBay Australia 01140784 on 10/04/2017 - 19:16
        +1

        Thanks Nikko for answering, I would add that I am selling the good ones first. Will post if I am doing any new deals. At the moment doing a deal on Helko Werk Classic Line Hatchet and Helko Werk Classic Line Half Axe. Will do a deal on the Lucas splitters soon.

      • finny7 on 11/04/2017 - 10:40
        +1

        Thankyou Nikko for your detailed response.

        I'll be splitting some hardwood rounds so I thought I might need a decent splitter.

        I purchased the Classic Line Half Axe yesterday and will wait on a deal for the splitter when Quality Axes has sold off the good ones.

        Thanks again mate.

  • tryagain on 10/04/2017 - 15:48
    +1

    Quality Axes, Any chance of you including the postage in the list price on your hatchets, we could then use this deal to to get the Helko Werk Outdoors Hatchet for just over $40 shipped. The discount doesn't apply to postage costs only to the list price, so if you include the shipping costs in the list price and have free shipping we get the discount on the total cost.

    Also, for The Helko Werk Classic Line hatchet can you expand on the

    For remaining stock the heads are off centre, or some of the edges are unevenly sharpened, or some of the cheeks are a little asymmetric

    is this just an aesthetic thing or does it affect performance, is it obvious or do you have to look for it etc.

    • AssociatedQuality Axes @ eBay Australia 01140784 on 10/04/2017 - 19:04
      +2

      Sure thing, changed it. For the outdoor hatchet I got a good batch from Helko most of them I have inspected look straight. They are not razor sharp but should be halfway decent out of the box. I'd still put an edge on it. A sharp axe is safer than a blunt one.
      Check video out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIZBwT-VDBY

      Regarding classic line hatchets. Short answer is yes (Hence the low price), I personally believe it would, by how much I can't say, really depends on intended use.

      If say for splitting kindling, general use, I would go no problem. If you wanna take chunks out of a log, fell a tree with minimal effort then yes gotta grind that axe edge and cheeks to a profile to suit that particular wood.

      Aesthetically the axes and hatchets look pretty good, some are more obvious that others. I would recommend re-sharpening it
      and I believe it should serve well.

      A little something on cheeks http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/axe-head-geometry…
      Pretty good blog I used to read.

      Hope this helps

      • tryagain on 11/04/2017 - 06:21
        +1

        Thanks, were tossing up between the different hatchets and the half axe but ended up settling on the werk outdoors.

        • AssociatedQuality Axes @ eBay Australia 01140784 on 12/04/2017 - 13:44

          Thank you. Hope you like it. If there are any problems let me know.

  • Daniel Plainview on 10/04/2017 - 19:11
    +1

    FWIW the newly listed Helko Werk Classic Line Half Axe is a preposterously good buy at face value - it's $34 ($18 postage) - find something worth $16 to get another $10 off via current Ebay promo.

    The USA price via Amazon is ~$AUD182 - the head weights and total lengths (including head) look the same.

    So again if you just compare price and not postage (so it's equal) its under $AUD34(after applying promo could be as little as $24) vis $AUD182. If that was posted up in a US forum he'd be sold out within mins.

    FWIW hopefully the vendor will clarify but his description did state:

    *****For remaining stock the heads are off centre, or some of the edges are unevenly sharpened, or some of the cheeks are a little asymmetric******

    His image in the listing seems indicative of this…..my thoughts:

    • heads off centre can be an issue IF it's a large amount off, worst case you could correct this a number of ways - but if they're like the photo as someone said earlier he's really just covering his backside in case someone gets really picky - if he hadn't stated it you'd not have noticed. These are normally sold to Axe afficianados and as such they'd be very picky about such things.

    • Edges unevenly sharpened is NOT an issue - you'll be putting your own cutting edge on anyway and this is purely an aesthetics thing.

    • Cheeks a little asymmetric - just means when you look face on to the blade either side isn't 100% matching - again zero issue of this affecting use - is just a fanatic thing.

    Without a shadow of a doubt I'd bet you nearly every single axe at Bunnings has one or more of those on them (except perhaps the very precise Friskars range) - so its nothing to worry about in terms of its affecting the use. Credit to the vendor for being so fastidious about his products and having the integrity to flag this up front. :-)

    • tryagain on 10/04/2017 - 21:59
      +1

      Or just ask that he includes postage in the listing price as he has done for the hatchets and you can get it for just over $40 shipped.

      • Daniel Plainview on 11/04/2017 - 11:51
        +1

        I thought the same thing - so HOPEFULLY @Quality Axes sees your recommendation. :-)

      • AssociatedQuality Axes @ eBay Australia 01140784 on 12/04/2017 - 13:47

        Thought about it. Unfortunately the half-axes don't fit into the flat-rate shipping bags and and so it is hard to lock in a fixed free postage price. =(

  • [Deactivated] on 10/04/2017 - 20:12

    How do these compare to Bahco axes?

    • Daniel Plainview on 11/04/2017 - 09:07
      +1

      @086,

      I've a few other Bahco tools (screwdrivers, socket set, saws) and they're all very good - unsure specifically about their axes - but it appears a very highly regarded Axe reviewer, Wranglestar (he's well known in axe circles etc) did a video review and said it was the worst he'd ever used.

      Just looking at a few of their specs myself my main concern the thing that jumps out at me is that they use Ash as the wood for their handles. Personally I DESPISE Ash handled tools as it's soooooooooooooooooooo much weaker and inferior to Hickory or other handle woods. The Ash handled tools I've had have fared very badly and broken after very little use.

      Also all their handles appear painted and lacquered - again just a personal choice but I find that is harder on your hands and I always sand any handles like these back to the wood and apply a mix of 50/50 linseed oil and turps(helps it penetrate) sand between a few coats and is baby's butt soft.

      Hope that helps. :-)

    • AssociatedQuality Axes @ eBay Australia 01140784 on 12/04/2017 - 13:54

      Never used Bahco axes before, can't say. But yes Wranglestar did mention that he does not like them, at all.

  • Daniel Plainview on 11/04/2017 - 09:20
    +1

    Can't believe he's letting the Classic Line Hatchets got for $36.70 each - buy two(Mother's day or Wife's Bday sorted!?!?) and with the Ebay promo thats nearly $30 each delivered.

    EXACTLY the same item has our USA based cousins paying $AUD133 + postage each!

    Crazy that the seller has only sold 3 of these - where is Brogan when you need him, absolute steal at literally twice the price.

    • tryagain on 11/04/2017 - 13:13
      +1

      I hope you are getting a commission ;)

      • Daniel Plainview on 11/04/2017 - 14:03

        No, just can't believe the price differential on whats regarded as high quality tools - haha I've got a lil Aspergers which does tend to make me 'harp' on a point longer than most folks would but like I said I just think this seller has been for whatever reason overlooked - and having spoken with him he seems a really sincere nice guy, who's just not a good self-promoter - hence happy to try and assist him.

        The price difference speaks for itself - tiny, almost certain to make 0% functional difference faults aside that we could have something from Germany here for 1/4 the price of the USA one is a rare deal to find. :-)

        • AssociatedQuality Axes @ eBay Australia 01140784 on 12/04/2017 - 13:59
          +1

          Thank you for them kind words Nikko. runs away and hides

          Some of the faults look more obvious than others. Probably will take pictures of the individual axes and list them, shortly in the future, so buyers know exactly what they are getting.

  • LGW on 12/04/2017 - 20:10
    +1

    Hi as promised just a quick report on my classic pack axe. I can indeed confirm with my new found (Google) axe knowledge that it is a good one. The head is well aligned with the handle, the center steel ring in the eye is slightly off. There are no gaps between the wood and eye and grain orientation is also good. Definitely a good one! Thanks.
    Now been reading up on how to prep a new axe and I think I've slash made my first rookie mistake. Thinking that the handle has a coating, the first thing I did was to sand this off (the helko logo and all) and apply some boiled linseed oil. Only today do I read that the handle was already finished in boiled linseed oil.lol

    • Daniel Plainview on 13/04/2017 - 07:44

      Ah bummer - oh well if thats the worst mistake you make you're doing ok. Make sure you don't forget to pop some oil etc over the exposed wood that sits inside the eye of the head - thats always a good place for moisture to get into the wood and the end grains is where it's most vulnerable. SOunds like you've got yourself a nice axe for many moons to come, well done!

      • LGW on 13/04/2017 - 21:21

        Thanks, I've already wrapped the top of the head in duct tape to form a well and submerged the eye in linseed for a few hours.

    • AssociatedQuality Axes @ eBay Australia 01140784 on 13/04/2017 - 17:24

      Think you got it right LGW, the classic line pack axes do have lacquer on them. For some reason, a thicker coat than on the rest of the classic line models from what I can tell.

      Anyway glad you like it, hope it serves you well.

      • LGW on 13/04/2017 - 21:27

        Ahhh I don't feel so stupid now thanks! The head is definitely got a layer of clear coat on it, I'm guessing I don't really need to put any oil or similar to prevent rust? Maybe just on the edge after I sharpen it.

        • Daniel Plainview on 14/04/2017 - 05:53
          +1

          Hi LGW,

          Yes, that clear coat lacquer is to prevent rust, which would otherwise form within hours on carbon steel.

          You're 100% correct - in that initially you'll only need to apply something to the edge you sharpen onto the axe but after you use it etc the lacquer will be removed in many places and you'll have to apply a tad further.

          Almost any type of oil can be used - the Japanese (who are very into their carbon knives use Camellia oil, but thats a bugger to find) - I prefer to use a home brand/cheapo baby oil or similar mineral oil. In my shed I'm often even lazier and use a paintbrush to daub old sump oil on tool's edges between uses (like last night to a mattock and 'crap' axe I have for digging tree roots out).

          The baby oil is prolly the best as its pleasantly scented and fine to get on hands etc (not something I can say for the sump oil!) - vege/nut oils can gum up over time, which can be a PITA on some tools. But in a pinch they're better than nothing.

          But make sure you always apply the thinnest of coats across any exposed steel - removing rust etc is a PITA though easy enough. :-)

        • LGW on 14/04/2017 - 14:56

          @Nikko: ah yes thanks for reminding me of what an axe is actually used for! I'm spending way too much time pampering it already. The chopping board (mineral) oil from Ikea is odorless and pretty good value, and as you said it doesn't go rancid or sticky like vegetable oils.
          I think I'm almost at the stage of honing the blade and giving it a nice sharp edge. I went to Bunnings to grab a stone but had no idea what you're off some would be the best. Any suggestions? I'm after something on the cheap side (I am ozbargainer after all!)

        • Daniel Plainview on 14/04/2017 - 18:21
          +1

          @LGW: Hi, ah thats ok - its a very nice axe so babying it a lil is completely understandable - lord know I do even my cheapies.

          Well you'll want to grab yourself a file, they're for general edge fixing and deburring - I was in at Bunnings yesterday looking at exactly this (as my files are a lil so-so) - my perceptions were that this one was the best value:
          https://www.bunnings.com.au/hart-250mm-flat-bastard-double-c…

          Clean it with a wire brush after use to get the best life/performance - always sharpen INTO the edge (so be careful).
          https://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright-4-row-stainless-steel…

          That will do 80% of your sharpening work - and making correcting chips etc much easier.

          Then just a quick hone with a finer stone IF you so desire (which I think you should with such a great axe - this one looks good value:
          https://www.bunnings.com.au/trojan-25-x-50-x-200mm-woodworki…

          There is also another one using Aluminium Oxide but I know from my knife expertise that Silicon Carbide cuts a LOT better and its worth the dollar or so more.

          Hope that helps. :-)

        • AssociatedQuality Axes @ eBay Australia 01140784 on 18/04/2017 - 17:30

          @LGW: I use the Lansky puck should be available on ebay for less than $30. But I believe Bunnings sells something similar under the brand Trojan can't remember how much though.

        • LGW on 18/04/2017 - 21:29

          @Nikko: thanks for the suggestions nikko, I read that a single cut file was the one to use, I've already got a double cut file so that saves me a few pennies.

        • LGW on 18/04/2017 - 21:32

          @Quality Axes: coincidentally I was looking at the trojan puck this arvo, not much info on the pack, so you know if it's oil filled? ie does it need kero as a bit of lube or will water suffice?

        • AssociatedQuality Axes @ eBay Australia 01140784 on 22/04/2017 - 14:11
          -1

          @LGW: I used to use WD40, kero, Diesel, even motor oil which seems a little thick but still worked. Never used water so far, seen people use it before. This was all done on my lansky puck. Probably work on the Trojan one too.

  • Daniel Plainview on 14/04/2017 - 09:16
    +1

    I just received my orders yesterday so thought I'd pop up a few quick thoughts - as I've been posting a lot of opinion before I got to see the products - so only fair.

    In no particular order these are my thoughts on the order process:

    COMMUNICATIONS: Qualityaxes.com.au were great, order was dispatched the same day I made it - AP Tracking was sent through again that same day, couldn't have done better.

    PACKAGING: Packing things like axes etc can't be easy but Qualityaxes.com.au spared no effort when it came to ensuring the items arrived in the best possible condition. Every single axe had multiple layers of bubblewrap around their heads, where applicable all the edge protectors were in place and latched on, there was then extra layers of bubble wrap around their handles, the entire axes were then in a very long cardboard box (think the type long stemmed roses might come in) and then finally the whole thing wrapped in old school brown paper with LOADS of packing tape.

    You can see the effort the vendor puts in to ensure they arrive well and thats indicative of the pride in their products.

    ITEM QUALITY & THOUGHTS: My order comprised four (4) items:

    • Helko Werk Traditional Line Log Splitter (Spaltaxt)
    • Helko Werk Traditional Line Hatchet
    • Helko Werk TOP Line Heavy Lucas Splitter
    • Helko Werk Tasmanian Pattern Axe

    Here's a picture: https://flic.kr/p/TQgHRp

    My first thoughts were WOW - even my very un-axe inspired Wife was impressed. Everything was clearly very well made and of high quality components/materials. Though 2 of the items were flagged by the seller as 'seconds'/slight cosmetic defects - you'd find the average user would NEVER notice or the faults are NEVER going to effect the quality of their work e.g on the Tasmanian Pattern axe the eye in the head where the handle goes in has a slight warp on one side - meaning the side wall is a tad thinner - but that will NEVER be an issue.

    The Traditional Line Log Splitter is dead sexy - lovely tanned leather cover (which in itself feels very classy). It's designed as a splitting axe - so not for the REALLY heavy stuff but the smaller ones that you want to split but don't want to use an axe on (due to them tending to get stuck etc. Has great balance, LOVELY handle (one of the first things you notice with the Helko's is how high quality the handles are - really lovely quality aged Hickory e.g on the Splitter I counted atleast 22 rings - all with very straight grain, for maximum strength. Nice linseed finish (will apply another light coat and very light sand later). Protective lacquer over the head - workable edge on it already but will sharpen up to a good level later.

    The Traditional Line Hatchet is probably the nicest in your hand - it has that dangerous quality of feeling so good to want to just go out and chop something with it. Again very nice tanned leather cover. The handle grain was darker and really had a nice sweep/curve to it. Blade was pretty damn sharp already, so only slight further sharpening needed. Really nice hatchet….if this had a fault I wasn't seeing it - a stunner.

    The Tasmanian pattern axe, well these are very high ly regarded overseas - they have a short and wide head on them - making them really nicely balanced and aggressive cutters. They're often used as racing axes (think wood chopping competitions) and this is actually marked on the handle as 'Competition Training Axe 4lb'. Handle grain is great (very tight grain, only a few degrees off dead straight). Again the blade came pretty damn sharp (far moreso than anything from Bunnings except perhaps the Fiskars). Really feels lighter than it is - you can tell it'd be a very fast cutting axe.

    And finally the BIG one - the TOP Line Heavy Lucas Splitter. This has real long lasting quality to it - and you can tell it's actually made as a professional tool. The head has perfect lines to split, the wedge convex in on either side before thickening out - helps you avoid it getting stuck etc. That it has such a big head (2.8kg, extra safety screw holding it in place) but also has an axes handle is very handy. Having that knob/heel at the end of it helps keep your hands on it when you swing it. The overstrike protector is far thicker than I expected, almost 2mm steel plate. I thought the handle was lacquered but again it's just got a very light linseed pil finish - whcih is perfect.

    Is a lovely splitter and I'm sooooooooooooooooooooooo glad I got it instead of a very good but oh so common Fiskars.

    Overall I was elated with my order - definitely was above my expectations on every level, I would defiitely say do NOT fear the slight cosmetic issues that might be on some items the seller flags - these are absolutely fine - and if anything are amazing buying opportunities to get a further discount on whats ALREADY prices way below anywhere else I can find them.

    Highly recommended. :-)

    • AssociatedQuality Axes @ eBay Australia 01140784 on 18/04/2017 - 17:32
      +1

      Thanks for the great write up Nikko. Glad you like them.

  • [Deactivated] on 14/04/2017 - 17:35

    You should write J.Peterman catalogue
    As he crested the the ridge he heard a loud 'woop' and was stuck by a sharp pain and a wave of hot blood behind his eyes a a large Comanche broke out of cover,
    Luckily he had his Helko Werk Traditional Line Hatchet and caught the savage square in the chest with a well balanced throw

    Comes in tan, brown, and hot pink

    Unfortunately the splitters you listed are still not available so, time to have a go at making your own people
    If it doesn't fall to bits through a winter you should be able to trust it
    Go for it - You only live once

    • Daniel Plainview on 14/04/2017 - 18:25

      Haha I'm flattered but I could see the response now," The horror……The horror…..the horror!" Seinfeld buffs as BB obviously is will get the reference - so GenNexts. ;-)

      Ah well the Traditional Splitter is sold out - pretty sure he's out of stock on that completely at present - but the Lucas Heavy splitter and it's smaller 1.8kg headed Lil Brother are both still available - haha so no need to DIY just yet.

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