It would take double or triple the time and effort to cut with a blunt axe compared to a sharp one. As a result, you must sharpen your Axe before use, irrespective of what you want to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your Axe also must be sharp for your safety. A blunt axe will easily stick in wood as you cut, refusing to pull out. As you struggle to pull it out, the axe head may go off and cause accidents<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you own a splitting maul<\/a>, it doesn\u2019t need to be too sharp. A splitting maul relies less on the sharpness of the blade to split wood. Instead, it uses the axe head\u2019s broad edge and fat cheeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, if you own a regular axe or hatchet<\/a>, it must be moderately sharp. These axes have concave, not broad, fat shapes like splitting mauls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What if it\u2019s a new axe? Well, the same applies. New axes also require sharpening as some sit in stores unused for a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (A man wielding an axe)<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your Axe is sharp, here\u2019s how to ensure you\u2019re holding it correctly while you cut:<\/p>\n\n\n\n First things first, your chopping or swinging area must be clear. Clear so that there will be sufficient room for you to swing your Axe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditionally, you lift the Axe \u2013 above your head, most likely \u2014 and strike. If there\u2019s any obstruction below, above, or around you, it could affect your swing. So, even if you hold the Axe correctly and firmly, the obstruction may still cause you to miss your mark. In a worse scenario, it\u2019ll deflect the Axe and may hit you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Lifting Axe To Swing)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how to hold an axe the correct way:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can lift and swing your Axe to hit your target with this. Your hands should remain firm on the Axe as it hits the target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Picture of holding the Axe correctly)<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned, you need a firm but not tense grip on the Axe. The goal is accuracy and not power. So, as you lift your Axe, don\u2019t swing as hard as you can every time. Doing so will make you miss your target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With your eyes on the target, deliver each hit with carefulness and concentration. You can pick up speed as you cut, so long as your grip remains firm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How you swing your Axe will differ based on the task at hand. Here are techniques for some common tasks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To split wood, you should raise the Axe high such that it\u2019s above your head. Maintain a posture with your feet a bit apart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Shoulder length is ok, or you can place one foot a few inches before the other. Then, let the axe drop on the wood. Lift the Axe again and repeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Splitting Wood With Axe)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Falling trees with an axe<\/a> require a different swinging technique since your target is vertical. So, you\u2019ll want to swing your Axe at a somewhat horizontal angle to hit a particular spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your feet should be in an at-ease position, and you should target the bottom of the tree. If you\u2019re using a small axe, feel free to place one hand on the tree for balance while you cut with the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, you\u2019re cutting off the branches of a tree trunk. It\u2019s straightforward and fairly easy, considering most tree branches are not thick. You should swing upward, and starting with branches facing upward is best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Cut down trees)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bucking<\/a> is usually next after limbing. This swinging technique is similar to splitting wood; you want to cut the branches into small pieces. Since it\u2019s a branch, stand on it with space between your feet and cut the area in this space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It may be the simplest splitting technique. First, hit your Axe into the middle of the wood you want to split. The Axe will wedge into the wood. Don\u2019t pull it out. Instead, lift the Axe with the wood and hit it on the chopping block. Continue until the wood becomes two parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (splitting technique)<\/p>\n\n\n\n How you hold an axe won\u2019t matter if you\u2019re using the wrong axe type for your task. As a result, it\u2019s important to know the right Axe for different tasks. Here are some common axe types and their best applications:<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Axe suspended on a tree trunk)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to know how to hold an axe correctly. But it\u2019s not all that will ensure safe and efficient usage. You can do that in three simple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1-45-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTips to Hold an Axe Correctly<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Clear Your Swinging\/Chopping Area.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Lifting](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2-45-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHold The Axe Properly<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Picture](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/3-40-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFocus on accuracy first, not power.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Different Techniques To Swing An Axe<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Wood Splitting Technique<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Splitting](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/4-42-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTree Felling Technique<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tree Limbing Technique<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cut](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5-27-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTree Bucking Technique<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Contact Splitting Technique<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"splitting](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/6-24-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow To Hold Different Axe Types For Different Tasks\uff1f<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Axe](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/7-20-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to Care for Your Axe\uff1f<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/8-15-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n