What is different HUSQVARNA Multi-Purpose vs. the Carpenter AXE

bigchelis

bigchelis

Joined
Jan 3, 2009
Messages
273
Hi all,
Need some education on these 2 Husqvarna Axes (the Carpenter and the Multi-purpose).

I only have a Fiscar forest type axe in 19in OAL, so not much experience with Axes which is why I wanted a Swedish made axe to learn and start from somewhere and figured I needed a overall axe that is ok at most tasks.

Wanting the Multi-Purpose 26 inch OAL initially but I only order from Amazon Prime for free and fast shipping I noticed that axe is not on prime. As a alternative and at $59 delivered I ordered the Carpenter AXE which should be here tomorrow.

Online specs I found on ebay only and are:
Multi-Purpose 26 inch AXE say its got a 1.9lbs head and its a 3lbs axe.
Carpenter AXE is listed as 2.2lbs head and 2.75 lbs overall

1. What is the benefit of having a smaller and heavier axe?
2. The 2 blade shapes look the same, what are the differences between the heads?


Last; my thinking was I get the less expensive Carpenter Axe and since its a bigger head axe I can always put a 26~28in handle on it.

Any feedback greatly appreciated.




Thanks,
bigC
 
Hi bigchelis,

First of all, congratulations for having acquired a high quality tool!

I am not sure if I can provide an education, but I can tell you that they are different axes for different purposes.

Like many cutting tools, axes are also specialized according to their main use.
As regional variations show, the same or similar task can be achieved through a lot of different forms though, so tradition, including the tradition of actual use/handling plays a role too.
The type of wood processed had also some influence on the evolution of regional patterns, but many times history and economy plus intermittent isolation had played a greater role for the surviving patterns.

Even though there are specialized types of axes dedicated for specific tasks, many woodcutting jobs can be achieved with types which are better suited for other tasks.

The Scandinavian bearded carpenter’s hatchets and axes are used traditionally for shaping wood which has been already felled, limbed & bucked, most frequently one which has already been cleaved/split too in case of (originally) larger diameter pieces. They are well suited for hewing/smoothing smaller pieces, carving different shapes etc. They were the traditional tools of carpenters and farmers.
Since the Swedish carpenters hatchets/axes are bigger and heavier than the contemporary American carpenter’s hatchets, they can be also used to split smaller diameter wood, to limb and even to fell smaller diameter trees.
They can be employed for bushcrafting, but are quite heavy to carry around.

The all purpose axe is a more generalist pattern, it is more suited for felling and limbing and less for a dedicated carpentry job. It was likely developed and marketed more recently for the “bush crafting” crowd, while the carpenter’s axe is a more traditional pattern.

That said, I think you will be fine with your choice.
To start learning how to use & maintain axes, either one of the axes you mentioned is fine. You will likely end up with more than one type in the end anyway. ;)
Welcome to the club. :D
 
Wow. A ton of great info.

I guess this axe will fit me perfect than. Eventually I do want to put a 28 inch handle thought

Thank you
BigC
 
Personal preference has a lot to do with it to, and main use. Some guys like shorter handles if they are backpacking and traveling to try to cut down on weight and ease of packing. Some like longer handles as it might feel better to them balance wise, and don't need to worry about the travel aspect. Some like the specific heads so they can do more specific tasks, like carving, feather sticks, etc. So it really comes down to just how much are you going to use it, how specific do you need to be, what budget are you looking at. Those are the basic three, but not all encompassing of course. For what I do, which is basic chore tasks, I could use either one pretty effectively.
 
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