1844 Helko Werk GermanyClassic 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

very happy with the experience and item

Probably the heaviest felling axe I've ever handled. Really nice feel on handle. The head is mounted very solid and buffed to a very reflective Sheen. The Edge required a little work to give it a proper bite, but wasn't bad and maybe I'm just particular. I've cut 2, 18" wide sugar pine trees and one red cedar that was 14" and this heavy monster of an axe just got heavier. After cleaning It up, you can barely even tell. It comes with a lacquer on the head to keep it from rusting while in storage and is supposed to come off during use but I used a diesel soaked rag and a lot of effort to remove it. The axe came with a small bottle of 'axe guard' oil protect it from rust when not in use. Be sure to clean it thoroughly after use, especially after cutting resinous trees like pine or evergreen because the sap will cause rust. I use a rag with kerosene or diesel to remove the sap, being careful not to get it on the handle. I'd recommend this axe only for those wanting a good workout to take down a tree and to feel that tingle in your balls as you do man type stuff. This is definitely heirloom quality. Hope this review was helpful. Also, check around for pricing, Amazon is not the cheapest. By far!The only tree that I have had trouble cutting with this axe is a hickory, But it is great for Pine, Oak, or Cedar.This axe has plenty of weight to-use to split wood that isn't knotted up or super hard.The handle comes unfinished, no varnish or oil. After a good sanding and treatment with linseed oil it became very nice.After the first winter, the head became slightly loose and I tapped it back in and oiled the handle towards the head heavily. The wedge holding the head in place seem to have come a little loose, after oiling the wedge as well I'm hoping that it will swell in place and stay there for a good long time. It seems to be holding tight for now!If you enjoy working on an axe and wood, this would be a great Axe but if you're looking for something with minimal maintenance this is not the one. I managed to make it a very nice axe.

I really wanted this axe to match the description but I'm honestly not that impressed. This axe had all the attributes to be great, but lots of surprising imperfections really add up.The description was originally "mirror" finish, now downgraded to "polished," and my sample would be reclassed as "shiny surface covered with scratches in all directions."The finish was somewhat polished, but it looked beat up and scratched it looks coming out of the box. There are blemishes and marks running in every direction. Definitely not used, it looks more like a store display or factory reject that abused before ever being used.The axe head:Uneven grinds along the edges are very noticeable. The heel edge grind goes all the way to the corner on the left sides, but tapers and stops short on the right side. It could have looked way more even, but I guess they couldn't spend the few extra seconds.There is a gap between the head and the handle which is visible. I was expecting much better fit here. A few extra seconds on the grinder, polisher, and sander and this thing would have been perfect fit and finish everywhere.I haven't heard anything from Helko, so I will be sending this back to Amazon and updating my review.

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.

So I ordered this as a finale axe for my set of axes. It came with an edge that left me wanting more, dull and a bit of a rolled edge but with a quick file and some wet stone work it is now sharp. However the finish of the bit is a bright polish with some sort of a clear coat.However I do feel the craftsmanship shows it appears to be well hung but and while I do like a sweedish style hung axe this one should be just fine. I will let you know if I run into any problems.Update: this axe works very well if the pictures will show it clearly I put a new profile on the axe with a secondary bevel using a wet stone, it leaves a sharp and durable edge have split and cut plenty of wood and still sharp. Additionally I use Ballistol (which I also got from Amazon) to coat the head and handle for protection though out the year.