1844 Helko Werk Germany Classic Journeyman Pack Axe - Made in Germany Lightweight and Compact Backpacking Axe and Bushcraft Axe for Camping - Head 1.5 lbs, Handle 20 in. (Journeyman) #11441

Full day of use splitting logs, very nice finish on the head and the handle. Sheath could be better IMO but it works so I won't dock stars. Came sharp, not razor but sharp enough to not complain. The little bottle of oil and care instructions were a nice addition to those that aren't used to axes. So far very sturdy and well made. I'll update if there's a failure based on manufacturing.

Excellent craftsmanship , both the head and the handle and the hanging.So precise , so symmetrical, grinding the head and the blade is beautiful. Sharp out of the box. The handle looks made of a high quality piece of wood.The leather sheath is of high quality too.I never saw so perfect grain orientation of the handle wood.On every step of the production you can see the GERMAN dedication to precision and quality.I didn't get chance to put it to work yet.I will update the review once I do it (especially if there is any issue) and of course I will take some pictures and videos and upload. These nice people and their axes deserve it :) . Thank you!p.s. If I have to have only one axe I would choose the Expedition.Im a big guy and that axe is simply perfect for me for almost any task.The Tasmanian one is also excellent but little bit specifically designed for racing , and I'm not an expert for that , but I'm sure it's going to serve me very good for anything. It's just a bit lighter and shorter than the Expedition and will be perfect when I get tired :) or for limbing a tree , smaller splittings or felling, etc

A “Few Years Ago”- I’m 68, so maybe more than a “Few”- I used to follow the paper company logging trucks thru the forest they least , they harvested all of the pine and left the hardwood that their skitters fell with the Pine. I cut 12-14’ length pieces of Oak,Hickory and other hardwood trees. I’d take them to a Old antebellum Southern home I was restoring, I’d cut the logs (after it sat in the Alabama summer sun for 6 months) to 20” and split them with the very same brand of axe I just bought here to use to keep my new house warm during Wyoming winters. (I’m already missing the Oak & Hickory) This axe is identical to my original one but I paid 8X’s for it (How the cost of everything has gotten out of control) Thanks “Helko - Werk” for the Best Quality of Craftsmanship and Material & heat treatment for the past 181 years and to Amazon for selling top quality “Old School” tools

Great freaking axe, absolutely chops almost anything wooden. This axe is not for a novice and I did quit a bit of work to the edge to get the bevel profiled to my standards, but worth the effort. Very easy to sharpen, holds edge very well. Since it was an import I thought It would require additional metal wedges but to my surprise they doubled up on the conical wedge. Currently this thing has been used very successfully against many hickory trees, while holding its edge and no head loosening. My only gripe is the anti - rust coating makes it a little hard too clean at first; I recommend using WD - 40 and 1,500 - 20,000 grit sandpaper to clean off the post work crud and maintain its shine. I have been falling trees with axes since I was 11 and that was before the axe fad became a thing. This axe has a 4.5 pound head which for novices the average full sized falling/chopping axe has a 3-3.5 pound head so yeah I would not recommend this for those who haven’t developed the strength or endurance to safely use this, not a good starter axe. I recommend a 2-2.5 pound medium or boys axe as it used to be called, but I am still able to use it despite being an asthmatic. The axe came razor sharp right out of the box but, if you’re the kind who wants a new axe to be sharp right out of the box hoping it will stay sharp always because you don’t know how to sharpen, your going to need Learn how eventually, especially if you plan on actually using the thing. I have big Hands so this axe handle despite being very thick is more comfortable for me but I would not recommend for those with smaller hands. Lastly, I apologize for any novices are offended by any of my comments, using axe can be very dangerous especially when you are inexperienced and do not give an axe the proper respect it is due. This axe is a great axe but for some I would recommend something smaller, hello werk makes good axes not just this one, you can do what I did, check their website before buying.

This axe is a work horse, and with proper maintenance, the head is a hand-down piece. It's everything I hoped a quality German axe would be.

I was a little perplexed to spend 200 on a axe but after going through 3 Home Depot ones With the soft Chinese steel I wanted to try and taste quality and was it worth it this thing looks like the axe from breaking bad polished. And it’s so easy to swing and it hits hard too the steel is hardened so it holds its edge it takes big chunks of wood off each swing I love it. And MOST IMPORTANTLY it can serve as a home defense or offence weapon if needed 😎 makes no noise if you get my drift