If you’re a wilderness traveler, or even an apocalypse eccentric, there are a few items that are a necessity that are sadly, by majority, not very well made these days. But there are a few companies, like Helko Werk, still forging the way for quality tools to continue existing in our cheap material world; but more on that shortly. Either way, if the world ends or if you’re simply trekking out into the shrinking wilderness, far away from civilization, you will need a high quality axe to survive. Imagine if all the world’s electricity goes out forever, it will be mayhem out there, so you’re best best at surviving is to head for the deep forests, away from the breakdown of man and his society. But then the question remains, for most who lack the traditional and ancient knowledge of wilderness living, how do I survive out there?
The answer isn’t a short one, or an easy one, but one of the most basic powers that humanity has, and it’s what made us what we are now, and that is the power to bring forth fire from the earth. If you camp, or trek the wilds, fire building is an absolute must; and to be true, it’s not exactly a super difficult art, but if you haven’t the slightest as to what to do, it can definitely be a challenge, because perhaps the elements catch you off guard. The problem with the post-apocalyptic or non-electrical world is that most tools aren’t built for the strain, or built to last. Most products on the market are cheap, plastic crap with corners cut and planned obsolescence spoiling what could have been ingenious.
That’s where Germany’s Helko Werk enters the fray, with their heavy duty, high quality axes. Wood cutting has never been so easy, or tool long lasting in our modern market. Perhaps it’s mainly America and China, but the quality of craftsmanship has dropped tremendously, for the sole reason of profit, and I think it’s sick. But Helko, as with many European producers, have sworn off making junk, and have instead decided to produce long-lasting, reliable tools and products. Today, I want to feature the Spaltaxt, which is a German-style splitting axe that makes short work of just about any log. While I would suggest pairing this axe with a quality felling axe, it is a beast of an axe that’s built to last.
That’s where Germany’s Helko Werk enters the fray, with their heavy duty, high quality axes. Wood cutting has never been so easy, or tool long lasting in our modern market. Perhaps it’s mainly America and China, but the quality of craftsmanship has dropped tremendously, for the sole reason of profit, and I think it’s sick. But Helko, as with many European producers, have sworn off making junk, and have instead decided to produce long-lasting, reliable tools and products. Today, I want to feature the Spaltaxt, which is a German-style splitting axe that makes short work of just about any log. While I would suggest pairing this axe with a quality felling axe, it is a beast of an axe that’s built to last.
The Spaltaxt is known as the crown jewel of the Helko Werk line by many, and for good reason. It’s dual wedge head delivers a smooth strike that cuts through logs like butter, with little to no effort from me. I simply aim and provide less than 20% strength as I’m coming down, and almost every log splits cleaning in two. The C50 high grade carbon steel head is finely hand-forged, so no two axes are the same, which is something of a beautiful thing in this factory line world. Another effective feature is how the head is designed, so to prevent it from becoming stuck or pinched in the wood. And it’s not obscenely heavy as to wear me out after a few swings, either. The handle, which was sustainably sourced, is smooth and fits with a surprising ergonomic intent, made of Grade A American Hickory. I found the Spaltaxt to be the best splitting axe I’ve had the opportunity to use, so I know when I head out into the wilderness that I am prepared to survive.
If you would like to find out more about Helko Werk, click here.
Article written & Photos by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen
If you would like to find out more about Helko Werk, click here.
Article written & Photos by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen
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