1844 Helko Werk Germany Vario Universal Hatchet - German Made Small Axe Hatchet and Pack Axe for Cutting Wood and Splitting Wood - Head 2 lbs Handle 18 in. (Universal Hatchet) #10051

- Handmade in Germany: The Vario Universal Hatchet is a durable and reliable outdoorsman's tool. With an 18 inch axe handle, this hatchet can be easily strapped to your pack for any wilderness excursion. The wedge incline in the blade allows the hatchet to be used comfortably for both splitting and cutting work, whereas most camping hatchets feature a slim profile designed for cutting only. This unique head shape makes the Vario hatchet a great go-between tool for all kinds of work. - Patented Interchangeable Head Design: C50 High Carbon Steel - 53-56 HRC - The Vario uses Helko Werk's patented axe design - a German engineered bolt-on fastening system that introduces incredible versatility and efficiency across the Vario product line. All Vario heads, handles, and fastening components are fully interchangeable and inter-compatible. The heads are assembled with bolts which are driven through the handle and secured by a butt-plate retainer cap. - Grade A American Hickory: Matte Lacquer Finish, 150 Grit Sanded Lightly lacquered with black-dipped grip, individually selected for grain orientation and density, and sustainably sourced grade A American hickory - Includes Full Grain Leather Sheath - 1 Oz. Bottle of Axe Guard Protective Oil All Helko Werk Axes include a vegetable-tanned premium leather axe sheath to protect the blade of your axes and hatchets - Dimensions Head Weight: 2 lbs, Total Weight: 2.75 lbs, Handle Length: 18 in.

Product description

A Helko Werk patented design

Vario

?Handmade in Germany

Vario Universal Hatchet

Vario Universal Hatchet

Specifications

What's Included

Care For Your Axe

Care For Your Axe

Sharpening & Maintenance

Care For Your Axe

Storage

Safety

Splitting Techniques

About Helko Werk

Manufacturing Process

About Helko Werk

Rockwell Hardness

About Helko Werk

Handles

About Helko Werk

Leather Sheaths

Axe Care and Accessories

A German engineered fastening system that introduces incredible versatility. All Vario heads, handles, and fastening components are fully interchangeable and inter-compatible. The heads are assembled with bolts which are driven through the handle and secured by a back-plate retainer cap.

The Vario Universal Hatchet is a durable and reliable outdoorsman's tool. At 18 inches long, this hatchet can be easily strapped to your pack for any wilderness excursion. The wedge incline in the blade allows the hatchet to be used comfortably for both splitting and cutting work, whereas most camping hatchets feature a slim profile designed for cutting only. This unique head shape makes the Vario hatchet a great go-between tool for all kinds of work.

?Head Weight: 1 ¾ lbs. Total Weight: 2 ¾ lbs.

Bit Length: ?3 ½ in?. Handle Length: 18 in.

Head - Hand forged using a drop hammer on open dies - Premium grade C50 high carbon steel - ?53-56 HRC (Rockwell Hardness) Handle - Sustainably sourced grade A American hickory - Individually selected for grain orientation and density - Boiled linseed oil finish, 150 grit smooth sanded - Hung with hardwood wedge and steel ring wedge?

Become familiar with proper sharpening techniques. Keep the edge sharp while maintaining the original bevel. Use a flat file and sharpening stone to sharpen your edge. Grinders or sanders can be used with extreme caution, as overheating can alter the steel temper. Our Dual-Sided Axe File has a double-cut pattern for rapid material removal when reprofiling, or for removing dings and nicks from the edge.

Store your axe in a cool, dry place. Excessive exposure to moisture and the elements may cause damage over time. Do not store in direct sunlight, or near a stove, fireplace, or other heat source. This can cause significant damage to handles by lowering humidity levels in the wood. After using your axe, always clean and oil the head.

When splitting, use a firm and stable chopping surface to reduce the risk of injury or damage to your tool. Never split wood against the ground. Take care to avoid striking the handle against logs or other objects, which can happen in the event of a miss swing, and is the leading cause of damaged handles. If your axe blade becomes stuck in a log, rock it back and forth in line with the blade. Never twist side to side, as this may break your handle.

Our 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 drop hammer runs continuously at remarkable speed, requiring a highly skilled and time-tested smith. 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.

An important factor to consider when evaluating the quality of an axe. The steel must be tempered just right, without being too soft to hold an edge or hard enough to become brittle. ?Helko's Master Smiths have cumulatively spent hundreds of years perfecting the hardness and temper of our axes, creating an ideal balance between superior edge holding ability, ease of sharpening, and resistance to chipping.

The quality of the handle is also a significant measure of the tool’s integrity. Helko handles are proudly crafted from sustainably sourced Grade A American hickory. Helko promotes environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically prosperous management of the world's forests.

Our Leather Sheaths are made from vegetable tanned, full grain, cowhide leather. We install a heavy duty welt in all of our sheaths, which is an added strip of leather that rests against the blade, for maximum blade protection. The buckle fasteners are nickel plated with an adjustable strap that will always ensure a snug fit, even if the leather stretches over time.

Helko Classic Line

Combine versatility, performance, and aesthetics to create a premium line of pristine working axes.

Helko Traditional Line

Premium collection of hand forged German heritage axes, handcrafted by one of Helko’s Master Smiths.

Helko Vario

All Vario heads, handles, and fastening components are fully interchangeable and inter-compatible.

Made in the USA

Top quality outdoor and travel gear, proudly handmade in the USA and built to last a lifetime.

Made in the USA

Handmade in the USA from full grain, vegetable tanned cowhide leather.