An axe that is very heavy to carry is a drawback for a logger because a heavy axe can drag the balance between the user and the axe while cutting.
Suppose, someone is concerned about how heavy an axe is. Then the fact is dependent on the axe head and handles’ weight.
To keep an accurate balance while cutting. An ax user can ask how heavy an axe is. And the answer is that the usual weight of an axe is between 1 and 1.5 kg. On the other hand, a few more sources say an axe should be 1.25 to 2.25 lbs.
Moreover, a big axe could weigh around 2.5 pounds. So, it is almost clear that axes have different weights and variations. In this article, “the tool wise” will provide the appropriate measurement of different axes.
How Heavy is an Axe: Different Axe Requirements
There are different types of axes available to grab: hand axes, trekking axes, hunter axes, splitting axes, and throwing axes.
For trekking and hunter’s axe, the axe weight should be 1 to 1.5 kg. Moreover, a splitting axe weight could be 1.5 to 3.5 kg, and lastly, the weight of a throwing axe could be approximately 2 kg. The variation in the weight has been created because of the different handle lengths of any particular axe. For example, a hunter’s axe is mainly 40 to 90 cm, and throwing is 30 to 40 cm.
Related: 7 Best Wood for Axe Throwing Target of 2022
So, 2 lbs. are the average for an ax, and 3 lbs. are also preferable. On the other hand, a double cruiser axe can weigh up to 5 pounds. Recently, two-headed axes around 2, 1.5, and 4 lbs. However, for a hatchet, 1-2 lbs. are accurate.
But many experts advise using a 3-pound head on a full-size axe and a 2-pound head on a “boy’s axe”. But the user can increase the weight; he can gain strength and expertise with the ax. But before choosing an axe, how to carry an axe should be kept in mind.
Different Axes and Their Weight
Most people prefer to use a heavy axe because a weighted axe provides more force while swinging. But it doesn’t give a guarantee that a heavy ax will be the best all the time. In reality, a three-pound full-size axe and a two-pound boy’s axe probably provide a similar service.
Different axes have different purposes. But there are a few common tasks for an axe, such as:
- Bush crafting
- Camping
- Splitting green wood
- Felling wood
- Competition
As a lumberjack wants something light, like a “pocket-size” axe or hatchet, then he can cut the bush or cut relatively small amounts of wood for fire or shelter.
In the case of splitting logs or rounds for wood, a larger axe or even a maul can help.
On the contrary, felling trees need something huge and capable of cutting, and felling axes are designed for this purpose. But attending axe-throwing competitions is a completely different aspect of axe culture.
So here is a chart of a few axes and their weights so that before using lumber, the user can know the exact weight.
Chart of Different Axes Weight
| Axe Name | Axe Weight |
| Tactical axe | 0.5 kg |
| Grub axe | 0.5-1.2 kg |
| Felling axe (large axe) | 1.5 to 2.5 kg |
| Forest axe | 1.1 kg |
| Hudson Bay axe | 0.9 kg |
| Hatchet (small axe) | 0.6-0.9 kg |
| Splitting maul (large axe) | 2.7-3.6 kg |
| Broad axe | 1.6 kg |
| Carpenter’s axe | 0.9 kg |
| Miner’s axe | 1.5 kg |
| Double bit axe | 2.2 kg |
| Viking axe | 0.7 kg |
| Tomahawk (small axe) | 0.25 – 0.5 kg |
| Pickaxe | 0.9- 2.2 kg |
| Roofing axe | 0.3 – 0.4 kg |
| Hunter axe | 0.9 kg |
| Throwing axe | 0.5 – 1.2 kg |
| Battle axe | 0.5- 3 kg |
| Adze | 1.5-2.2 kg |
FAQ
Felling axes are typically 32 or 36 inches long and 3 pounds or more in weight. And mauls are around 40 inches long and weigh up to 7 pounds.
Not much because a boy’s axe is a middle-sized tool.
The axe is not excessively large or heavy.
A battle is mainly 0.5 to 3kg.
Final Verdict
To conclude, if you are concerned about how heavy is an axe will depend on the lumber’s preference. But to get a better outcome, an axe should be 4 to 6 pounds.
Learn more:
- 24 Different Types of Axe Heads in 2022 (History & FAQs)
- How To Keep Green Wood From Splitting [4 Simple Tips]
- How To Store An Axe? – Ideas, Steps, And Tips
- How To Use A Brush Axe? (The Beginner’s Guide)
- How To Reprofile An Axe: 3 Steps Guide?
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