I got this axe from the good folks at Wood Tamer to be shipped all the way to me in the USA because the exchange rate for the USD to AUD is so favorable that it was cheaper even with shipping to buy from Australia, and I’m very happy with the axe. Julia clearly knew what she was doing when creating it. It’s an axe that I can swing and chop with for a LONG time without my arm tiring out. I have plenty others for comparison - Hans Karlsson carving axe, Gransförs Bruk Swedish Carving Axe, one of Svante Djarv’s carving axes, and of course one of the Farmer’s Forge >< Wood Tamer 770 carving axes. I truly admit, while the Kalthoff Axe is absolutely worth it, and I love using it for longer sessions, it has not become my “go-to” axe —- that honor is between the Farmer’s Forge 770 (I’m dying to get the bigger model when it’s restocked) or the Hans Karlsson carving axe. Still, Kalthoff Axe is 5/5 in my opinion. I just wish it were truly hand forged (it is not hand forged. It is die forged and then gets a lot of love and attention by hand in the finishing process). I’m biased towards hand forged axes, but Julia using die forging with hand-finishing likely gives the perfect alloy grain structure and consistency she needs to maintain production of this product, and of course die forging has some wonderful benefits so I’m not trying to imply it’s a lower quality product; it’s super high quality and thoughtfully designed and has been a great carving axe in my short time I’ve been using it. Thanks Julia, and thanks Wood Tamer!
Gorgeous and just feels right in my hand! Best tool I’ve ever bought. I get a little sad when my arm gets tired and I have to stop swinging it to rest. I’d buy another one, if I thought I could safely use two at the same time.
I would highly recommend this axe to any thinking of purchasing this axe. It is a wonderful axe to use razor sharp straight from delivery and the weight means you can use it for long periods of time. Also the customer service from Chris at Wood tamer is of a benefit to all green woodworkers
Beautiful!
I bought this axe to upgrade from a Helko Black Forest Hatchet. The Helko works fine now, but it took quite a bit of work to correct the bevel and it is quite heavy for detailed work and long carving sessions. This Kalthoff axe is light, really well balanced and holds and edge for a good long time. It is hung perfectly! When I choke up on the head it is super comfortable in my hand and I can make the smallest of cuts with precision. Sometimes I simply use it to shave off flakes of wood to clean up a spoon. It's no big tree chopper, but the weight is enough to carve without wearing me out. I recommend it.