From the school bench, each of us knows that the peak of the popularity of axes falls on the Stone Age, when they were not only a serious weapon, but also an almost indispensable household tool. The first axes were made of stone, bronze and copper. Then came iron axes and pure steel axes.
As for Ancient Russia, on the territory of which various nations and cultures have been mixed for centuries, the forged axes of those times can literally be called a symbol of our country. The best achievements of nomads, European and Finnish masters (thanks to a well-established system of trade relations) are reflected in the best models of ancient Russian axes.
According to historians, many handmade forged axes found on the territory of European countries were made by Russian craftsmen with high craft skills. No wonder the ax among the Slavs was one of the oldest symbols-amulets. What is the reason that ordinary forged axes were so revered by the Russians?
Probably a special looklife and difficult living conditions of the ancient Slavs. Having adapted to life in the forest, ancient people could not imagine their life without this important tool, on which the survival of the whole family depended.
Forged axes were the main tool in the construction of wooden houses, they were used to clear the sown areas from the forest, to harvest firewood, to make wooden household utensils. From early childhood, children were taught to use an ax, and after the death of a person, this tool was always placed in his grave. The Slavs believed that with his help the deceased would be able to establish life in the afterlife and repel, if necessary, the attack of enemies.
How to choose a quality and reliable ax?
Forged axes (not cast or stamped), made from well-sharpened tool steel, are considered to be the best option for all kinds of work. However, simple axes are not suitable for chopping firewood, since there is a cleaver for this. It is much heavier than a conventional ax, so it easily splits even the largest knotty logs. In addition to the cleaver, it is a must to have one simple or several axes for different types of housework.
When choosing a tool, you should pay attention to the marking of the product with the brand name of the manufacturer, which is usually located at the very base of the blade, as well as the grade of steel from which the ax is made. A good ax should have a straight cutting edge, free of chips, nicks and rounded edges.
Many Russians preferexpensive products of European manufacturers, Russian-made tools, for example, the Ural forged ax from OOO Izhstal-TNP.
When choosing an ax, you should also remember that the thicker the wood to be chopped, the longer your ax handle should be. Axes with a short handle are more suitable for people of short stature, and for simple work. The best material for an ax handle is birch, which has a hard and resilient wood.
Professionals advise when buying an ax in the market or in a store to try it on: take the ax in your hand, try to swing, and best of all, immediately try it out in practice.
