1844 Helko Werk Germany Classic Tasmania Competition Racing Axe (10498)

The Tasmania Competition Axe is a modern rendition of vintage Tasmanian pattern racing axes. It is an affordable yet dependable option for racing experts as well as novices entering the world of timber sporting. The blade is sharpened for general purpose chopping and cutting. Tasmania is commonly used as a felling axe on both softwoods and hardwoods. The head is buffed and polished to a highly reflective finish that reduces cutting friction and improves rust resistance. Head Weight: 4 lbs. Total Weight: 6 ½ lbs. Bit Length: 5 ¼ in. Handle Length: 31 in. Head - Hand forged using a drop hammer on open dies - Premium grade C50 high carbon steel - 53-56 HRC (Rockwell Hardness) Handle - Sustainably sourced grade A American hickory - Individually selected for grain orientation and density - Boiled linseed oil finish, 150 grit smooth sanded - Hung with hardwood wedge and steel ring wedge Become familiar with proper sharpening techniques. Keep the edge sharp while maintaining the original bevel. Use a flat file and sharpening stone to sharpen your edge. Grinders or sanders can be used with extreme caution, as overheating can alter the steel temper. Our Dual-Sided Axe File has a double-cut pattern for rapid material removal when reprofiling, or for removing dings and nicks from the edge. Store your axe in a cool, dry place. Excessive exposure to moisture and the elements may cause damage over time. Do not store in direct sunlight, or near a stove, fireplace, or other heat source. This can cause significant damage to handles by lowering humidity levels in the wood. After using your axe, always clean and oil the head. When splitting, use a firm and stable chopping surface to reduce the risk of injury or damage to your tool. Never split wood against the ground. Take care to avoid striking the handle against logs or other objects, which can happen in the event of a miss swing, and is the leading cause of damaged handles. If your axe blade becomes stuck in a log, rock it back and forth in line with the blade. Never twist side to side, as this may break your handle. Our axes are individually forged by hand using a drop hammer on open dies. The blacksmith works on a drop forge, using tongs to hold the hot steel as a hammer falls repeatedly onto it. The drop hammer runs continuously at remarkable speed, requiring a highly skilled and time-tested smith. The hand-eye coordination and judgment required for this process can only come from years of experience, as every split-second decision ultimately affects the shape and integrity of the final product. An important factor to consider when evaluating the quality of an axe. The steel must be tempered just right, without being too soft to hold an edge or hard enough to become brittle. Helko's Master Smiths have cumulatively spent hundreds of years perfecting the hardness and temper of our axes, creating an ideal balance between superior edge holding ability, ease of sharpening, and resistance to chipping. The quality of the handle is also a significant measure of the tool’s integrity. Helko handles are proudly crafted from sustainably sourced Grade A American hickory. Helko promotes environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically prosperous management of the world's forests. Our Leather Sheaths are made from vegetable tanned, full grain, cowhide leather. We install a heavy duty welt in all of our sheaths, which is an added strip of leather that rests against the blade, for maximum blade protection. The buckle fasteners are nickel plated with an adjustable strap that will always ensure a snug fit, even if the leather stretches over time. Helko Classic Line Combine versatility, performance, and aesthetics to create a premium line of pristine working axes. Helko Traditional Line Premium collection of hand forged German heritage axes, handcrafted by one of Helko’s Master Smiths. Helko Vario 2000 All Vario heads, handles, and fastening components are fully interchangeable and inter-compatible. Made in the USA Top quality outdoor and travel gear, proudly handmade in the USA and built to last a lifetime. Made in the USA Handmade in the USA from full grain, vegetable tanned cowhide leather. Axe Maintenance Kit Sharpening Kit Leather Axe Hangers Leather Axe Collar Fire Stater Kit Bedrolls & Blankets Steel Splitting Wedge Recognized as a producer of premium world-class handmade axes and is one of the oldest axe manufacturers still operating in Europe. Helko Werk's Classic range combines versatility, performance, and aesthetics to create a premium line of pristine working axes. Helko Werk's Traditional line is a premium collection of hand-forged German heritage axes. The Vario 2000 is a patented design using a German engineered fastening system that introduces incredible versatility and efficiency. Förster by Helko is a commercial line of professional axes and forestry tools manufactured by the Helko Werk company. Our signature Frontier Collection includes an assortment of top-quality outdoor and travel gear. Premium sharpening, maintenance and tools for keeping your leather and axes looking and working their best. We carry an assortment of sheaths and leather products, made in the USA from full-grain, vegetable tanned cowhide leather. Helko Werk is widely recognized as a producer of premium world-class handmade axes. It is one of the oldest axe manufacturers still operating in Europe. The story of Helko Werk began in the village of Cronenberg, Germany, now part of the city of Wuppertal. It was there, in 1844, that August Helsper founded the August Helsper Werkzeugfabrik (the Helsper Tool Factory) and began producing axes for the region. The Helsper Tool Factory increased its export of axes beyond the borders of Europe during the early twentieth century, and by the 1930s was regularly shipping axes to countries in Africa, Asia, and South America. It was also around this time that the Helsper family formed a partnership with the Kotthaus family, setting the stage for exponential growth and giving the company its current name: Helko (an amalgam of Helsper and Kotthaus). Today, Helko Werk is widely recognized as producers of finest world-class handmade axes ever forged. As one of the oldest axe manufacturers still operating in Europe, we continuously strive to deliver uncompromising quality and sustainability. Equip yourself on your challenging adventures with the finest Helko Work Axes ever forged. Made in Germany since 1844 Powerful and Elegant Design: Helko Werk Axes for Those Who Seek Ultimate Quality and Precision A Helko Werk Axe is your perfect companion for mastering the outdoors, offering unmatched precision and durability with every swing.