6 Best Broad Axes For Timber Framing Projects That Preserve Traditions
Discover the top 6 broad axes for traditional timber framing. Our guide covers the best tools for hewing and shaping, honoring age-old craftsmanship.
You’re standing there, looking at a stack of logs from that stand of white pine you cleared last fall. They’re too good for firewood. You picture a small timber frame shed, maybe a new chicken coop, built with your own hands from your own land. This is where the real work begins, and it starts with an ancient tool: the broad axe.
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The Broad Axe: A Timber Framer’s Essential Tool
A broad axe isn’t for felling trees. Its job is to turn a round log into a square beam, a process called hewing. Think of it less like a typical axe and more like a giant, swinging chisel.
The biggest difference you’ll notice is the blade. It’s wide and often has a single bevel, meaning one side is flat and the other is angled to a sharp edge. This design is what allows you to shave off wood and create a remarkably flat surface. A standard felling axe, with its symmetrical V-shaped (double bevel) edge, is designed to split wood fibers apart, not slice them cleanly for a flat plane.
Look closely at the handle, too. A true hewing axe has an offset handle, bent slightly away from the flat side of the blade. This small detail is a huge deal. It gives your knuckles the clearance they need, preventing you from scraping them raw against the log with every swing. This isn’t just a comfort feature; it’s essential for control and safety.
Gransfors Bruk 1900: The Swedish Hewing Master
When people talk about heirloom-quality axes, Gransfors Bruk is usually the first name mentioned. The Swedish 1900 model is the benchmark for a classic hewing axe, and for good reason. Each axe head is forged by a smith who stamps it with their own initials, a mark of pride and accountability.
The 1900 is a masterclass in balance and design. It comes razor-sharp right out of the box, which is not something you can say for most tools. The single-beveled edge is designed specifically for hewing, and you can get it in right or left-handed versions. This isn’t just about which hand you write with; it determines which side of the log you’ll stand on while you work.
Is it expensive? Yes. But this is a "buy it for life" tool. The steel holds an edge incredibly well, meaning you spend more time working and less time sharpening. If you are serious about learning traditional timber framing and want a tool that will never hold you back, the Gransfors Bruk 1900 is the standard-bearer.
Hultafors Hultan Hewing Axe for Precise Shaping
Right alongside Gransfors is another Swedish powerhouse: Hultafors. The Hultan hewing axe is a direct competitor, offering exceptional quality and a slightly different feel. It’s a workhorse, hand-forged from Swedish steel and built to handle generations of hard use.
The Hultan tends to be a bit heavier in the head than some of its counterparts. This extra mass can be an advantage, helping the axe bite deep into the wood with less effort from you. However, that same weight can lead to fatigue faster, especially if you’re new to hewing. It’s a tradeoff between power and endurance.
Choosing between a Hultafors and a Gransfors often comes down to personal preference. They are both top-tier tools that will perform flawlessly. If you have the chance, hold both. One will likely feel more like an extension of your arm than the other, and that’s the one you should choose.
Council Tool Hewing Axe: An American Classic
Not all great axes come from Scandinavia. Council Tool has been forging tools in North Carolina for over a century, and their hewing axe is a testament to American practicality and durability. It’s a rugged, no-frills tool built for work.
The finish on a Council Tool axe might not be as polished as a Swedish import, but the performance is undeniable. They use high-quality American hickory for their handles and the steel is tough and reliable. You may need to spend a little more time putting a final, razor-sharp edge on it when you first get it, but it’s more than capable of the task.
This axe is a fantastic choice for the hobby farmer who values American-made durability and function over aesthetics. It’s an honest, hard-working tool that gets the job done without breaking the bank. It proves that you don’t need a fancy import to practice a timeless craft.
Helko Werk Hinterland: German Forged Quality
The Germans bring a different philosophy to axe making, often focused on precision engineering. The Helko Werk Hinterland isn’t a pure, single-bevel hewing axe. Instead, it’s a versatile wood-shaping tool with a double bevel, making it something of a hybrid.
This design has its pros and cons. Because it’s a double bevel, it won’t create a perfectly flat surface as easily as a true hewing axe. However, its versatility is its strength. You can use it for scoring the log, rough shaping, and even some notching or carving. It’s a jack-of-all-trades for someone building a smaller project who might only want one specialized axe.
Think of the Hinterland as the perfect tool for the timber framer who also needs to shape posts, carve joints, or do other general woodworking. It’s forged from high-carbon German steel and holds a fantastic edge. It’s a compromise, but it’s a very, very good one.
Ochsenkopf Goosewing Axe for Right-Handed Work
Now we’re getting into the specialist’s corner. The "goosewing" axe is a unique and highly efficient design with an asymmetrical blade that sweeps out dramatically. The Ochsenkopf is a classic German example of this style, and it’s a tool for someone who has already mastered the basics.
This axe is almost exclusively a single-bevel tool, and you buy a specific right or left-handed version. The design allows for incredibly deep, shearing cuts that can remove huge slabs of wood with precision. The long, curved cutting edge slices wood fibers rather than chopping them, leaving a smoother finish.
The learning curve for a goosewing is steep. The balance and swing are completely different from a standard pattern axe. For the dedicated timber framer looking to maximize efficiency on large projects, however, mastering this tool can be a game-changer. It’s not a first axe, but it might be your ultimate one.
Mueller Biber Classic: An Austrian Hewing Tool
With a history stretching back to the 1600s, the Austrian forge Mueller produces axes that are steeped in tradition. Their Biber Classic line includes beautiful hewing axes that feel like they came straight out of a historical woodworking shop. They are as much functional art as they are tools.
The Mueller hewing axe often features a prominent "beard"—where the blade edge drops well below the head—which allows you to choke up your grip for fine, detailed work. The hand-forged finish is rustic and authentic, and the performance is top-notch. It’s a tool with character.
This is an axe for someone who deeply appreciates the history of the craft. It connects you to centuries of European woodworkers who used tools of a very similar design. It’s a joy to use and a beautiful thing to hang on the workshop wall when the day’s work is done.
Choosing Your Axe: Bevel, Weight, and Handle
Picking the right axe comes down to three key factors. Don’t just buy the most expensive one; buy the one that fits you and your project.
First is the bevel. This is the most important decision.
- Single Bevel: This is the specialist for creating flat surfaces. The flat back registers against the wood, while the angled front slices off chips. You need to buy a right or left-handed model. This is the best choice for serious hewing.
- Double Bevel: This is the generalist. It’s better for scoring your log (making initial cuts to guide your hewing) and general shaping. It’s more versatile but less efficient for creating a truly flat beam.
Second is weight. An axe head for hewing typically weighs between 3 and 5 pounds. A heavier head removes more wood per swing but will tire you out much faster. A lighter head offers more control and is better for beginners. Start lighter; you can always move up once your technique and muscles are developed.
Finally, consider the handle. For hewing, an offset handle is a must-have to protect your knuckles. The length and curve are a matter of personal preference. A shorter handle gives you more control for detailed work, while a longer one provides more power for roughing out a beam. The best thing you can do is hold a few different axes and see what feels balanced and comfortable in your hands.
Ultimately, the best broad axe is the one that feels like a partner in your work. It’s a tool that will transform not just logs into beams, but also your connection to the materials and traditions of building. Choosing thoughtfully is the first step in creating something that will stand for generations.
