A razor sharp axe that will do anything from felling small trees to splitting firewood, where it really excels is as a carving axe.
For many years there has not been a good carving axe available that came sharp and ready to use for less than £80. This axe changes things. The axe heads are drop forged abroad then ground by Brian Alcock, the last professional grinder in Sheffield, before being honed to a fine edge in our own workshop in Sheffield. We have the hickory axe handles made in the UK to our design. They have a knurled finish for grip and are treated with linseed oil. They also make a great axe for kindling splitting, bushcraft or camp use.
The weight of the head is 550g and the total weight around 720g (1lb 9oz), handle length is 12.5″ (31cm). This is a good mid-weight carving axe that most people will use easily without getting tired, yet still heavy enough to remove wood quickly.
A sharp axe will only stay sharp if the edge is protected, we offer a great leather sheath for the job.
Here is a short film we made of Brian grinding the axes
The carving axes come sharp and ready to use but eventually you will need to sharpen it yourself. This video shows the method we use.
This video shows the axe compared to two commonly used axes by Gransfors Bruks and also shows it in use carving a spoon blank. NB we have slightly changed the handle design since this film was made. The axes have proved extremely popular with many folk preferring them to much more expensive axes, have a look at some of the comments below.
Due to the nature of the natural materials we use, handle colours & patterns will vary, as will sheath colours & textures. Sheath not included – buy the axe from this page to get the sheath at a discounted price.
M.H.
This axe is impressive. Working class to be sure, however that is exactly what I was after.
Well ground, hung, sharpened, and just a pleasure to use. Will not be the last tool I purchase from you folks.
Many thanks and keep it up.
Brian Elliott
Brian – 24th August 2017
Recently purchased this lovely axe, I’m a beginner in terms of woodcraft, but have woodwork and craft skills, I appreciate good quality tools, and this axe is extremely well balanced and well made, I have studied many reviews and researched axes before deciding upon this axe. I feel confident that this axe will become a highly prized personal companion as I develop further woodcrafting skills. Thanks to Robin for his excellent videos and clear and simple and easy to follow tutorials. Very much appreciated, thanks again. Highly recommended.
Jason
We had a problem with the first axe we received so we returned it and we were very pleased with the swift response and customer service. We actually received the replacement before we had even returned the one we had a problem with. Making a good quality product is one thing, duty of care to customer is another and here Robin Wood receive 5 stars. The issue was dealt with straight away with no problems. I have since used the axe to carve a few spoons. The blade is indeed exceptional, razor sharp, and finely polished – I could slither almost paper slices away from the wood with it. Need now to learn how to keep the blade this way. Yes its not too heavy and I do agree the wooden handle as its not finely polished does have a good purchase and grip to it. The balance overall is spot on. I do have other axes but none that are high quality carving axes to compare to. I am tempted to give it 5 stars but its relative to what you know but given that’s its price is half the price of the other fine carving axes out there, and the great customer service – yes 5 stars it is. Good job all round Robin wood.
Mark Sweeney
Well I ordered yesterday one one of the carving axes and sheaths and today it turned up, can’t get better service than that, relatively light weight so pefect for carving but any heavier work would need a bigger axe, handle is quite rough and not to my taste but nothing a bit of sandpaper won’t solve, the actual axe head is well designed and very sharp, the axe sheath although simple is functional but the edges where the whelt is could maybe neated up a little with a bit if work with a bevel tool to make it more rounded and less sharp, I would definitely recommend robins tools to anyone thinking of purchasing.
Kalia Kliban
I’ve visited a few friends with axes to try theirs out, and never found one that felt quite right in my hand — too heavy, handle too thick or thin, weird balance… I thought I’d take a gamble on this one and it arrived this afternoon. The handle size is excellent for my hand, the weight is ideal and with a quick wipe of 220-grit I like the texturing of the handle. I may adjust the handle a little as the axe and I get used to each other, but right now it feels pretty good. Wicked sharp right out of the box, too. I took a break from making chips out in the shop to come in and share my happiness with this tool. I’ll definitely need to work up some new muscles, since I’m new to green woodwork after decades of furniture and cabinet making and turning, but what a lovely tool to learn with!
Adrien
Just had my new axe arrive here in france, have to say I’m really impressed with it, razor sharp out of the box, (actually cut my hand taking the protective plastic/ card etc off) perfect weight and a joy to use, the price is just fantastic, as good as axes double the price, just without the fancy packaging. thanks again.
David Mathews
Received my RW Axe this afternoon, here in the Pacific Northwest of the USA, about as far from the UK as one could be. Local forests are Fir, Hemlock, Spruce & Cedar…mixed with Maple and Alder. The Axe has found a welcome home. It is, in a word, stunning. Beautiful jewel-like grind, lovely slicing curve, deftly finished. “Razor sharp” is a quaint descriptive. The axe isn’t…and you wouldn’t want it to be. It’s as sharp as it should be and still be strong enough to keep that edge without danger of failing given the hardness and toughness of the steel. The Hickory handle is world class…tight, even, perfect grain…the head is hung with precision. If it’s one degree out of true I can’t detect if. Wood to metal fits very well. Handle shape is brilliant and the texturing is wonderful. In terms of bushcrafting – a hatchet is something for camp to split kindling. This baby is a cutter, not a splitter…lean and mean, light and agile…it should be on your belt, with you at all times. All in all it had me from the unboxing. PS: I ordered one of Paul Dore’s sweet Axe masks for it. So anyway, if you see an old grizzled character meandering down the lane with a gleaming Hatchet clutched in his arms muttering, “my precious, my precious”… that’ll be me. It’s just that good.
John Howerton
Great ax. Great balance. I think the handle equals the head in design and craftsmanship. I was a little puzzled by the complaints about the handle. I like the texture and the grip. If thats not your thing then it would be easy to make a few passes with a spokeshave and smooth it out.
John – From the Great State of Kansas.
Andrew Hargett
I ordered one of these axes from way across the pond (USA). Shipping was very quick, both on Robin Wood’s end and getting through customs. Axe head had a little residue on it from shipping protection, but this was easily cleaned off with a little alcohol. Head shape and weight are excellent. Handle shape is also excellent, though mine will require some sanding and finishing, though this would have happened regardless. My shipment had some issues, but these were quickly and professionally handled. All in all, the customer service was superb and earns Robin Wood an A++ rating. I much prefer to order from sources I know to be safe and reliable in customer support. I additionally ordered a sheath from Paul Dore. Mine required some slight stretching to fit, but is of top notch quality and looks amazing. Thanks!
Alan
I received this axe as part of the full spoon carving kit. It arrived next day and was razor sharp out of the box . i like that the handle has been left unhanded as it offers more grip less chance of slipping.
i purchased my axe over a month ago and have used it a lot since it keeps it edge very well and is perfect for carving.
i reckon this is one of those purchases that i made and still can’t believe the price paid i would highly recommend this axe to anyone looking for a carving axe.
congratulations Robin you have got a winner there and offering it at an affordable price.
Skip
This is the Mora 106 of axes! Some part of my brain can’t believe it’s this good for the money and I keep thinking I have to spend more. I’ve been lucky enough to compare this with two Gransfors, two Svante Djarvs, a Wetterlings and the Husqvarna, and this seriously topped them all, mainly due to the expert grinding and sharpening. Sits perfectly in the hand with excellent balance, gives excellent sight down to your workpiece and just seems… responsive, if that makes sense.
I foolishly sold my first to buy a Svante, but have just reversed that process, and with one of the Paul Dore sheaths mentioned above my axe-hunting days are over.
In short, buy this instead of the £70-£100 big names and have money left over for… more 106s!
Alan Barr
Just received my axe , couldn’t be more pleased , great weight and balance . The handle finish is spot on can’t wait to use it . Plus it’s finished in England great work Robin .