The wrong axe costs you — an injury, a broken tool mid-job, or a task that takes twice as long. This guide covers how to choose the right axe for the task, how to use it as safely as possible, and how to sharpen and maintain the blade so it stays sharp for years.
Quick Summary
🪓 Light axes (600-800g) suit garden and pruning work; heavy splitting axes (2000-3000g) suit chopping firewood
🧤 Safety glasses and work gloves are mandatory for every single use, no exceptions
📐 Recommended sharpening angle is about 25° with a hand whetstone — never a power grinder
🧴 After every use: clean, dry thoroughly, and apply a thin coat of oil to the blade to prevent rust
🏠 Store in a dry place with a blade guard, out of children's reach
What Do You Need Before You Start? 🧰
Gear up before heading out. For light garden work and pruning, the jctop 800g Professional Hatchet with Fiberglass Handle or the RAMOX 600g Axe with Fiber Handle are light and precise. For chopping and splitting firewood, go heavier with the RAMOX 2000g Axe with 70cm Fiber Handle or the RAMOX 3000g Splitting Axe with Fiber Handle, which gives enough momentum for an effective strike. Beyond the axe itself, prepare: safety glasses, sturdy work gloves, closed-toe shoes, a medium-grit and fine-grit whetstone, a cleaning cloth, mineral or linseed oil for maintenance, and a sheath or blade guard for safe storage.
⚠️ Before You Start
An axe is a sharp, dangerous tool. Never use one when tired or distracted, and never work with people or animals closer than 2 meters from the swing path. Check that the head is firmly attached to the handle before every use — a loose head is the leading cause of axe accidents.
Step by Step — How to Use an Axe Correctly 👷
1. Choose the right axe for the job — a light axe for garden and pruning work, a heavy splitting axe for firewood. 2. Set up a safe work area — a stable, flat surface, free of obstacles, and a safe distance from other people. 3. Wear protective gear — safety glasses, work gloves, and closed shoes, ideally steel-toed. 4. Grip the handle correctly — one hand near the head for stability, sliding toward the end of the handle as you swing to build momentum. 5. Swing from the elbow and shoulder, not just the wrist, aiming at the same spot each strike. 6. Stop and check the blade every few strikes — if it gets stuck in the wood, don't wrench it out sideways; lift both pieces together instead. 7. When finished, clean the blade of sap and moisture, dry it, and store it in its sheath in a dry place.
💡 Pro Tip
Professionals almost never sharpen an axe with a power grinder — the heat it generates 'burns' the steel and weakens the blade over time. The right method is a hand whetstone with circular motions, keeping it wet throughout the process to cool the blade.
Axes to Buy at ramo.co.il 🛒
| Image | Product | Price (incl. VAT) | Stock | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 800g Professional Hatchet with Fiberglass Handle - jctop | **₪41** incl. VAT | ✅ In Stock | 🛒 Buy |
 | Professional Axe with Fiberglass Handle and TPR+PVC Coating - Carbon Steel 45 - DINGQI | **₪25** incl. VAT | ✅ In Stock | 🛒 Buy |
 | 600g Axe - Durable Fiber Handle - RAMOX | **₪28** incl. VAT | ✅ In Stock | 🛒 Buy |
 | 600g Axe - Quality Tool with Wooden Handle - RAMOX | **₪74** incl. VAT | ✅ In Stock | 🛒 Buy |
 | 2000g Axe - 70cm Fiber Handle - RAMOX | **₪89** incl. VAT | ✅ In Stock | 🛒 Buy |
 | 3000g Splitting Axe - Fiber Handle - Power and Durability - RAMOX | **₪94** incl. VAT | ✅ In Stock | 🛒 Buy |
The Axes You'll Need ⭐
Professional Axe 800g Fiberglass Handle - 8 kg jctop
₪39
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Professional Axe with Fiberglass Handle and TPR+PVC Coating - 45 Carbon Steel DINGQI
₪29
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600g Axe – Durable Fiber Handle
₪37
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600g Axe – Quality Tool with Wooden Handle
₪91
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2000g Axe – Fiberglass Handle, 70cm Long
₪94
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3000g Fiberglass Splitting Axe – Strength and Durability
₪99
View productFrequently Asked Questions ❓
What's the difference between a splitting axe and a general-purpose axe?
A splitting axe is heavier (2000-3000g) with a wide head designed to split wood along the grain, while a general-purpose axe is lighter (600-800g) and suits pruning, cutting branches, and yard work.
How often should I sharpen an axe?
An occasional home user can sharpen once a quarter, but if you use the axe regularly, check the blade's edge before every use and sharpen as soon as it starts slipping on the wood instead of biting in.
Which axe suits home garden work?
For home garden work, a light 600-800g axe with a fiberglass handle is recommended, such as the jctop 800g Professional Hatchet with Fiberglass Handle — easy to control and strong enough for pruning and cutting branches.
How do I keep a wooden handle from cracking?
Apply linseed or other wood oil to the wooden handle every few months, and avoid leaving the axe in direct sun or high humidity for long periods.
Is a fiberglass handle better than a wooden one?
A fiberglass handle resists breaking and moisture better and needs less maintenance, while a wooden handle absorbs shock better and feels more comfortable for extended use — the choice depends on personal preference and how often you use it.
Conclusion
With the right axe, proper protective gear, and correct sharpening technique, any chopping or splitting job becomes far safer and more efficient. Gear up now and save time and effort on your next job.