What do I need to look for in buying an axe ?

[Bruce_A]

I've never bought an axe before and am looking for one that won't cost me an arm. I've read on here that you want to buy one with the grain running a certain way, but I don't know which way that is, So what should I look for when buying one ?

Thanks, Bruce

[OutdoorEnvy]

You want the grain to run the same direction as the head. Also tight grain is better than wide grain. But grain becomes less important the smaller the axe. Hatchets it basically doesn't matter. What you really don't want is a run-off. I would look more for head alignment and how well hung the head is before grain. Here's a pic of some good grain to give you an idea though

[cucumberfly]

you want the axe head to be balanced and the bit to be thin

[Bruce_A]

What is run-off ? What I'm looking for is something in the three foot range to afix to my backpac to use when I go camping or to practice bushcraft with.

[OutdoorEnvy]

Run off is when the grain flow leaves the handle before it reaches the head. Say you were tracing one of the grain pieces...you would want to be able to follow it all the way to the axe head and not off the side of the handle. I hope that makes sense.

Sound like you're wanting a 3/4 or boy's axe, I would just shoot for the grain to be at a 45 degree angle or better, ( saying my picture is 90 degrees)

[Bruce_A]

What should I look for in head alignment and what do you mean by how well the head is hung ? Sorry for all the questions.

[pilsburythrowboy12]

So I'll say my part in photo's of what he's talking about. This is my Wetterlings hand axe that I purchased without being able to check the grain myself and the end result.

The break is along the run off that he speaks of and this is what happens because of torsional stress and impact energy not being able to follow through / exit in a more direct path in a straight grain through to your arm.
image(1).jpg

Notice the candy cane twist pattern that the break follows along, that's the run off grain.
photo(48).jpg

The end grain aesthetically looks good enough, though not completely straight. If you're going to have to buy an axe online then I seriously implore you to get close up images of the things you need to inspect in person. No matter how awesome the brand, nobody's perfect and Wetterlings is a pretty stout manufacturer so this is no knock against them. Hope this helps.
photo(49).jpg

Run off is when the grain flow leaves the handle before it reaches the head. Say you were tracing one of the grain pieces...you would want to be able to follow it all the way to the axe head and not off the side of the handle. I hope that makes sense.

Sound like you're wanting a 3/4 or boy's axe, I would just shoot for the grain to be at a 45 degree angle or better, ( saying my picture is 90 degrees)

[castersquire]

I think this will answer some of your question's
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz3rs-eaN3E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekyJ8pMbTcE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-wXYgwjcqw

[Ned]

Great examples guys! This has become a very informative thread.

[OutdoorEnvy]

Head alignment is meaning the edge is lined up straight with the middle of the handle. You don't want the edge to be leaning to the left or right otherwise your swing aim will always feel off and you're more likely yo get a glance.

Here's a good straight head alignment.