For an axe to be sharp it needs to possess only 2 things – high quality steel and a finely honed cutting edge. The steel used in high quality axes has just the right amount of hardness to ensure the blade is durable enough to withstand the forces inflicted on it.
If the steel is too soft, the cutting edge will be easily damaged – too hard and the head would shatter on impact.
The sharpest axe in the world is one that can be honed to a razor-sharp edge and retain its sharpness throughout prolongued use. Of course, the handle has something to do with making an axe effective, as does your chopping technique, but this doesn’t really have any bearing on how sharp an axe is.
Can there really be one axe that is sharper than any other axe in the whole world? Well, there are a small group of axes out there that fit this bill. With one of these high quality axes and a good shaprening technique, YOU could be the one to weild the sharpest axe in the world!
In this article we’re going to discuss 5 axes that possess the necessary ingredients to be classed as the sharpest axe in the world. First lets cover some of the ingredients that make them worthy of the title.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
The Best Axe Head Steel
A metal that contains nothing but iron and carbon is called carbon steel. Carbon is the most important element to add hardness to an axe head, but too much can make it susceptible to shock – not a good quality for an axe head!
If other elements are combined with it – such as Chromium, Tungston or Nickel to name a few – they are referred to as alloy steels. Quality axe makers combine these elements together to create a blend of steel that is strong, durable, provides good edge retention, and is corrosion resistant.
Many more elements can be used to create characteristics that are desirable in a good axe.
Without going too far into the technical makeup of various steels, it’s fair to say that an axe with a high carbon content is more desirable than anything else. High quality axes use the best axe head steel, it’s that simple – that’s why they are quality axes!
How to get an axe razor sharp
Now you’ve found yourself a high quality axe (hopefully the list below will assist), you need to get good at sharpening it! Regardless if your shiny new axe is razor sharp on delivery (most aren’t) that razor sharp edge won’t last long. Axes need regular sharpening and honing to maintain a sharp edge.
With a little research and practice, it’s really not that hard. There are many ways to sharpen an axe and one method is not necessarily better than the next. It comes down to personal preference and the tools you have at your disposal.
Getting hold of the sharpest axe in the world is not a one-time transaction, it requires a high quality axe and the skills needed to sharpen and maintain the cutting edge.
Take a look at my article on sharpening an axe below. It covers every method possible to sharpen an axe!
Related Article: How to sharpen an axe – A step by step guide
The Sharpest Axes In The World
The axes listed below use the best steel in the business and are often hailed as the finest axes around. People’s individual preferences have a large bearing on which one they would opt for, but any one of these axes are contenders for the sharpest axe in the world!
1. Gransfors Bruk Scandinavian Forest Axe
Gransfors Bruk produce some of the finest axes available today. Any one of their axes are a thing to behold – beautifully hand made by master craftsmen using the highest quality materials. The steel used in Gransfors Bruk axes is sourced exclusively from European suppliers Ovako which is derived entirely from recycled scrap.
The scrap is then sorted into different grades and their steelworks use a combination of these to produce axe heads of the highest quality. Gransfors Bruks are widely regarded as masters in the axe world and stand out with the most passionate reviews from enthusiasts.
The GB Scandinavian Forest Axe comes sharp as a razor on delivery and maintains an edge throughout constant use. All you need is a Lanksy Puck and boom!… you’ve got yourself the sharpest axe in the world!
2. Council Tool Velvicut Premium American Felling Axe
This USA-made felling axe holds the sharpest, strongest edge in the world. That’s a bold statement which most would take with a pinch of salt. But Council Tool are one of the few American companies that can compete with the Swedish for axe making.
Forged using 5160-grade steel that provides superior edge-holding ability and toughness, the Velvicut blade features a hardened zone that extends 1 1/2″ from the cutting edge for maximum durability.
Many users of the Velvicut have classed this axe as the best they have ever owned – it cuts deep, retains its edge over prolongued periods and is every inch an American heirloom felling axe.
3. Husqvarna 26″ Wooden Multi-Purpose Axe
The head of this axe is hand-forged in Sweden by Hults Bruk – the oldest axe manufacturer in the world. Using hand-forged Swedish steel, the strength and sharpness of the Husqvarna Multi-Purpose Axe is the best around.
The real beauty of this axe is the price. At a fraction of the cost of a Gransfors Bruk, Hults Bruk or Council Tool, you effectively have the same quality of axe at a semi-budget price. The finishing and appearance doesn’t quite match a true Hults Bruk axe however.
At 26 inches long and weighing 3lbs this is a smaller axe than a felling axe, but it’s wicked sharp right out of the box and holds an edge extremely well. It’s a great all-round woods axe. If you are looking for a light-weight woodland axe of high quality at a reasonable price, look no further.
4. Hults Bruk Kisa Medium Sized Felling Axe
Hults Bruk’s name is synonymous with high quality axe manufacturing. There is no finer steel than the steel used to create the Kisa Medium Felling Axe. This outstanding axe ticks all the boxes – the edge is sharp enough to shave with and the edge retention is the best-in-class.
Everything about this axe is perfection, from the exquisite craftsmanship to the balance and feel when swinging. At 26 inches long, the Kisa is an all round workhorse with immense power and durability, and possibly one of the finest – and sharpest – axes money could buy.
5. Helko Werk Germany Hessen Woodworker Axe
The Hessen Woodworker is a midsize, traditional German forest axe. The Rheinland pattern axe head has a sharp, slim, wide-bit blade that excels at cutting work. Helko Werks high carbon steel axe heads are open face drop-forged by hand from German high grade C50 carbon steel.
On delivery the blade is a workable sharpness, but a few rounds of sharpening with a simple file or puck will bring this axe upto legend status! The Hessen can cut clean through 3 inch thick limbs with one swing and hours after some serious chopping the blade is still sharp. You dont get that kind of performance with a budget axe!
Conclusion
An axe is only as good as the steel used to make it and a high carbon content is a pre-requisite for a sharp axe. All the best axes have this in common and the axes listed here are the best you can buy.
They come sharp, they retain sharpness throughout prolonged chopping and only require a simple honing after each use to maintain their sharpness.
There isn’t one axe that holds the title of sharpest axe in the world – but if you own one of these axes and know how to sharpen it… the sharpest axe in the world could be yours!
Happy chopping.
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