Before you can use an axe effectively, you have to know what its parts are. The bit is the most important part of the axe, so it’s important to keep it sharp. It also contributes to the axe’s efficiency and durability. The sharp bit area consists of several parts, including the Toe on the top edge, the Heel at the bottom of the cutting edge, and the Beard.
Knob
The Knob of an axe is the top part of the axe. It’s the part that people hold while using it. You can see how it was originally shaped on most axes. In modern times, most axes are seated with a hydraulic press, which saves time and money, but causes a messier hang. When seated, a slot is cut in the handle’s center, called the kerf, to allow the head to firmly rest on the handle.
The belly of an axe is the longest part, usually made with a slight bow. This part is opposite to the bit, and helps to determine which part of the axe to hold while chopping. Many lower quality axes have poor wood grain on their belly, so check the belly before buying one.
Cheek
When grinding an axe, it’s important to remember that the cheek of the axe is more than just a cosmetic feature. It is essential to maintain a high level of performance, especially when working with a blunt edge. Moreover, the right angle for the cheeks will help you cut more wood and pop out chips more effectively. A good angle will ensure you’ll be able to cut through wood without damaging it.
The cheek is the smooth area of the axe head on the side of the head. It can be straight or arc-shaped. It can have different inclines, which makes chopping easier but also makes it less durable. It’s possible to find axes with sharp cheeks to enhance your chopping abilities, but they may not last as long as axes with rounded cheeks. Alternatively, you may find an axe with a blunt end, known as the butt, which aids control and balance.
Butt
The Butt of an axe is the flat section at the back of the head, opposite the blade. It helps balance the axe’s head, and is useful for hammering objects. It is also sometimes known as the poll. A traditional axe has a wooden butt, but today modern versions may have synthetic handles.
Axes have several parts, but the most important is the head. The head is made of metal or wood and is held together by a wedge made of metal and wood. The Butt or poll is the part of the head opposite to the cutting edge, and is sometimes supplemented by lugs where it meets the haft. Another part of an axe is the handle, which extends to the end of the blade.
Another part of the axe that is used for hammering is the handle. The axe handle is made of two pieces: the top part, called the Butt, and a bottom part called the shoulder. The shoulder is typically shaped differently than the rest of the handle and is shaped to offer more structural integrity.
Shoulder
The shoulder of an axe is the point where the head mounts onto the haft. It is also the area that joins the head and the handle. This area requires special attention. The joint between these two parts can become decoupled or broken, resulting in a reduced cutting power.
Axes vary in their shoulder designs. Some have a concave shoulder, while others are convex. Shoulder design is important because it gives the axe balance and strength. Shoulders are often wider than the rest of the handle. Modern axes may feature synthetic handles, which have a flatter profile.
Another part of an axe is the bit. Axes can have either a single or double bit. A single bit has a single cutting edge and a double bit has two blades.
Belly
An axe’s handle is divided into two sections, the belly and throat. The belly is the lower, curved portion of the handle where you place your hand, while the throat is the upper, concave section. Both of these parts should be well-designed to maximize comfort and strength. The throat can be straight or concave, and should have a knob at the bottom that facilitates proper grip.
The heel of an axe’s bit is the bottom, pointed corner. It is used for cutting and puncturing. The heel also has a curved underside, and is often larger than the other parts of the axe.
