This may be a review thread; the actual review to follow... but I've been waiting for this axe for a long time now. Every time it became available, I must've been preoccupied with something else. However, the time has finally come. Presenting, the 2 kg/4.4 lb Basque felling axe:
This is a unique axe in many ways, chiefly due to the fact that it is hung like a mattocks with a friction fit - there is no wedge. Also, there is no poll, and haft is much shorter than I'm used to for an axe of this weight (4.4 lb / 2 kg). Just look at those cheeks!
The handle is short, and thin towards the bottom with little palm swell. The overall length is about 26":
Handle is made from Beech, and arrived with very acceptable grain orientation:
Fit and finish is nice, a little rough around the wood fit, and the bottom of the steel has some harsh grind marks that contrast from the fine factory polish, probably from production fitting, but otherwise it looks nice. It's a tool, not a sports car - I intend to abuse this.
Here it is after removing the labels, sanding the wood with 120 grit paper, then adding a light coat of BLO - and cleaning off the head from oil and adhesive:
Looking forward to throwing this into some wood - will report back - have a handful of axes to review in the field. Thanks for looking!
