Russian Axe

J

John A. Larsen

Joined
Jan 15, 2001
Messages
3,747
Sportsmans Guide is offering unused Russian axes, with the note "requires some assembly" as apparently the handle is separate (28-inches long). Also appears in the photo to have some rust from storage, but very classic looking Russian axe head. The item number is : WX2-708992, Cost is $19.99 for non members, $17.99 for members and of course as always shipping cost too. John
 
I'd noticed that. They had them incorrectly listed as Dutch for a couple of days but it was obviously wrong. The handles look like flat-sided garbage, but it's nice that they come with them at all, just for historical reference.
 
I think those are surplus Trud Vacha plant axes and very well could have been military surplus or just surplus lol. There is a Russian language review of them that I can't find quickly that the guy reviewing it said that the toe of his broke off in use and that when cutting kindling, he pulled it to the side to part the pieces and the eye broke.

There is also mention of pre-1917 being better before Soviet take over or some such. So, in other words, my only knowledge is random internet info and no first hand experience.

They are cheap though :thumbsup:
 
Square_peg said:
Jake Pogg has warned us of atrocious heat treat on these "Mordor axes" as he calls them.

If any is looking for a grubber they also have a "NATO Military Surplus Mattock Axe Pick, Like New" on sale.
Click to expand...

I would personally take any current American made axe over those. The Russian axes are useable, but not great for the softer woods typical In Russia.
The American or even traditional Scandinavian style axes are better suited for even these soft woods. That particular style from the USSR military surplus was originally a carpenter axe pattern, which during the Soviet times was pressed into service it is not really well suited (felling and splitting larger rounds). It is definitely exotic and more than adequate for light chopping and splitting small diameter firewood. It would be a better carver than most camp or scout hatchets. Rehafting will always require a lot of work, you cannot use standard handles available here.
If exotic looks are a must, consider the Bulgarian Bearded hatchets and axes sold by a fellow forumite, ipt (Ivan Tasev).
Those are mostly made of cast 4150 steel, have a great heat treatment and receive very good reviews from users. :thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
The Russian axes were very typically a single pattern that was then altered to make it more suitable for the needs of the user. The broad bit as supplied allowed it to be used as a carpenter's or butcher's axe (although they did--and still do--make even wider/deeper dedicated butcher's axes) but could also be cut down for more general-use applications. Many of the ones produced industrially by Izstal TNP (whose site seems to be down at the moment, but their company listings are active) are just pre-fabbed versions of those modifications.
 
Square_peg said:
Jake Pogg has warned us of atrocious heat treat on these "Mordor axes" as he calls them.

If any is looking for a grubber they also have a "NATO Military Surplus Mattock Axe Pick, Like New" on sale.
Click to expand...

I think Jake's knowledge of the conditions in which many were made and his firsthand cultural knowledge lend credence to his calling them axes of Mordor lol.

There is nothing wrong with being interested in the pattern but, like all axes/tools, there is a high variability in quality and finish. Due to language barriers and regional biases, we don't know much about Russian axes. I posted about these axes in another venue and simply mentioned there are better options. I received a DM essentially telling me I don't know anything as I don't own one. In one sense that is true but in another I trust my gut.

I do feel there are higher quality offerings in that pattern but they will likely cost more than the ones in the original post.
 
Square_peg said:
Jake Pogg has warned us of atrocious heat treat on these "Mordor axes" as he calls them.

If any is looking for a grubber they also have a "NATO Military Surplus Mattock Axe Pick, Like New" on sale.
Click to expand...

Agent_H said:
I think Jake's knowledge of the conditions in which many were made and his firsthand cultural knowledge lend credence to his calling them axes of Mordor lol.

There is nothing wrong with being interested in the pattern but, like all axes/tools, there is a high variability in quality and finish. Due to language barriers and regional biases, we don't know much about Russian axes. I posted about these axes in another venue and simply mentioned there are better options. I received a DM essentially telling me I don't know anything as I don't own one. In one sense that is true but in another I trust my gut.

I do feel there are higher quality offerings in that pattern but they will likely cost more than the ones in the original post.
Click to expand...

As I recall some of the earlier ones, pre-1960, were pretty good.
 
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