Traditional German Splitting Axe (Spaltaxt) - 4.5 lbs Head, 28 in. Handle

Helko Werk is widely recognized as a producer of premium world-class handmade axes and is one of the oldest axe manufacturers still operating in Europe. The story of Helko Werk began in the village of Cronenberg, Germany, now part of the city of Wuppertal, where in 1844, August Helsper founded the August Helsper Werkzeugfabrik (the Helsper Tool Factory) and began producing axes for the region. During the early twentieth century, the Helsper Tool Factory increased its export of axes beyond the borders of Europe, regularly shipping them to countries in Africa, Asia, and South America. It was around this time that the Helsper family formed a partnership with the Kotthaus family, setting the stage for exponential growth and giving the company its current name: Helko (an amalgam of Helsper and Kotthaus).

Helko Werk's Classic range combines versatility, performance, and aesthetics to create a premium line of pristine working axes. The Traditional line is a premium collection of hand-forged German heritage axes, handcrafted by one of Helko's Master Smiths. The Vario 2000 is a patented design using a German engineered fastening system that introduces incredible versatility and efficiency. Förster by Helko is a commercial line of professional axes and forestry tools manufactured by the Helko Werk company. The signature Frontier Collection includes an assortment of top-quality outdoor and travel gear, proudly handmade in the USA and built to last a lifetime. Helko Werk also carries an assortment of sheaths and leather products, made in the USA from full-grain, vegetable tanned cowhide leather.

Helko Werk's axes are individually forged by hand using a drop hammer on open dies. The blacksmith works on a drop forge, using tongs to hold the hot steel as a hammer falls repeatedly onto it. The hand-eye coordination and judgment required for this process can only come from years of experience, as every split-second decision ultimately affects the shape and integrity of the final product. Helko's Master Smiths have cumulatively spent hundreds of years perfecting the hardness and temper of their axes, creating an ideal balance between superior edge holding ability, ease of sharpening, and resistance to chipping. Helko handles are proudly crafted from sustainably sourced Grade A American hickory, promoting environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically prosperous management of the world's forests.

The Spaltaxt, a German-style splitter, features a dual wedge head design that delivers powerful, effective strikes to increase splitting efficiency and prevent the head from becoming stuck or pinched in logs. Its mid-weight 4 ½ pound head and comfortable 28-inch handle keep the wielder fresh during long sessions, outperforming others in its class. Each Helko Werk axe includes a vegetable-tanned premium leather axe sheath and a bottle of Axe Guard protective oil to maintain the steel and prevent rust over time.

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