BEST $40 AXE EVER REVIEWED

[@jeffreyhill1011]

Need more of this content. I miss the middle ages of Wranglerstar

[@cosimomarino6885]

agreed! love this stuff, only downfall is I end up spending money lol

[@Roadhouseee]

Same dude.

[@jeffreyhill1011]

@@Roadhouseee the old stuff, digging a well and all that on the off grid place was ok. But the stuff after in the 2 house that was more realistic modern homesteading, that's where it's at. Seems like it was a bit downhill once the Yanmar arrived

[@lavatiger9915]

Agree

[@mattbroct]

Beats the cop bashing, or driving around in 100k machines, and fetching your hired laborer… back to the basics please Wranglestar. Love ❤️ this type of content.

[@daweed4255]

Guten Abend. 1. Yes, it is ash- Wood (Esche in German, written on the handle) 2. It is called the Rheinland- Pattern. (Rheinländische Axtform) 3. Grain orientation in "the wrong way" will actually absorb more vibrations and isn't really weaker without runout. Perfect for a hatchet like this. 4. The steel is actually just hard enough. It is extreamly easy to sharoen but it normaly doesnt like a flat grind, it needs a secondary bavel or a convax one. How ever, it will pretty much never chip and makes a nice kachiing. Grüße.

[@allenellisdewitt]

Danke

[@wobblysauce]

Yep, it all depends on what you want it for... it is just going to be a general axe.

[@PeterPan54321]

All perfectly right. I have this axe since around 5 years now. I owned many axes so far, around 10 axes in 3 shapes. This one is one my favorite hacthet/axe for general purpose. This together with my german splitting maul is the ultimate firewood combo for me.

[@naturundhund]

@@PeterPan54321 Grüße aus Germany Peter.

[@PeterPan54321]

@@naturundhund Grüße zurück mein Freund!

[@fredeschen3783]

The advantage of shopping in a store instead of Amazon is that you can grade and select the best handle. A diagonal grain pattern is just as good as vertical grain. But the cross grain on that one definitely make that ax handle a pass.

[@2centsam927]

Exactly. Did that with hammer handles during my years as a carpenter.

[@jewelhome1]

Strange, I have an Ochsenkopf splitting axe, and it has proper vertical grain, straight as an arrow with the blade.

[@americansmark]

Meh. When it breaks, replace the handle. I have several handmade handles laying around. The head is good enough to justify that imo. I could have bought a fiskar with a rubber grip, but I'd still take a cross grain handle. Now that I look at mine, I got a vertical grain handle. Nice.

[@takiman1]

One thing that I love with your videos are the way you choose the music. That’s a real art to pick the right spot to get the mood just right. Top notch

[@airborneexplorer]

I paint my tools pink... They don't walk away anymore

[@nygardenguru]

Lmao

[@Apokalypsos81]

I'm using this little hatchet for years now. Perfect for kindling! I have two others axes from Ochsenkopf (of course, because I am German 😄) Great tools for a fair price. Looking forward to the next video, maybe I can make mine shine, too!

[@Schralenberger]

Ochsen is pronounced the Same as the English Oxen. Ach-Sen. Not long O, Short O. It is Ach-sen Kah-pf.

[@BLACK3737]

And it's worth to mention it means ox-head.

[@NAH1907]

Nice review, in rural Alaska there very few wood to use. Spruce is to brittle when dried to use an impact handle. I would either use birch or a willow called diamond willow, both are good when dried properly and the proper grain alinement. Sure spending money on a proper wood such as hickory or ash, but it’s nice to know which local wood if dried properly is good to use. Don’t worry I always use wood that either already fallen or trimmed by proper authority. Driftwood is always 50/50, need to know what wood it is first

[@lordmark4966]

Good old fashion axe/tool review great to see my man gettin back into the swing of things.

[@theloamlab8513]

I see what you did there……The “swing” of things.😄

[@BabakPA]

Genuine Wranglerstar axe video. Thank you dear Cody

[@halenfishvlogs8257]

Yeah

[@xtrm.mayhem4098]

Price went up $4 within an hour and a half. Makes me wonder if the Amazon algorithm adjusts prices based on traffic on each item.

[@AppalachianLife]

They do

[@CarsonAdams44]

Says not available for me now, bummer!

[@DingusSquatfordJr.]

They do

[@ChristopherJenkins73]

Now 51.00

[@B44SB66]

And item I ordered on Amazon for $25 seems like a good value so a week later I tried to order another one and the price had gone up to $50

[@TexasRigged]

Can you make a video about the Walmart Ozark Trail American Hickory hatchet? It's about $15 but honestly seems like a well built hatchet, the handles are nicely designed with a very practical axe head. No logos except "American Hickory" on the hadle, found in the camping section

[@andersonahrenhold7220]

I believe the Esche written on the handle does mean Ash

[@bernhard7658]

That's true. Greetings from Germany

[@ChrisSmith-5655]

Thank you for getting back to a review or two. Your knowledge on things you review helps guys like me purchase (or not) quality tools

[@RStewart7244]

I like Ash for the same reason I chose them compared to hickory(or maple) for my baseball bats in high school. In my experience when an ash bat would break it wouldn’t “splinter” like hickory would. It would break but for the most part remain in either one piece or two large broken pieces reducing the risk of flying wood. I use that same logic when shopping for hand tools with wooden handles. Might sound dumb but just what I feel comfortable with from personal experience.

[@DavyCrosier]

I like the sheath style. Those are my favorite, except with snaps.

[@davidjackson1770]

Was I the only one who was amazed that Codi was able to catch footage of the illusive red loc-tight in its up stream migration? LOL! Good job sir.

[@jacebmace]

Did the follow-up video get posted where the paint was getting stripped and the blade sharpened?

[@ironmandan2246]

I love your videos, but the Loctite at the end has been such a nice touch. Love your sense of humor!

[@Graciegunfire]

Looks very similar to the Stihl Forestry Hatchet - be good to do a comparison between the two.

[@stevenplayford8223]

Let me give you a hint why?

[@Tom-sl6ry]

Would be interested in seeing your opinion on the new style cold steel axes!

[@Kris_at_WhiteOaksFarm]

I'd call that a Hatchet. It's too short and small to be an axe. Looks like a beautiful tool though.

[@ASCII_68]

german Standard.

[@Kris_at_WhiteOaksFarm]

@@ASCII_68 Ah! Different countries, different names. I'd still call it a Hatchet. It's the same size and form as the hatchets in my collection.

[@ASCII_68]

@@Kris_at_WhiteOaksFarm You are absolutely right my friend, this presented yellowband Ochsenkopf is a hatchet (in german Beil). Shorter handle and lighter weight than an Axe (in german Axt). Axes are used otdoors only, because of needed space and hatchet can also be used in the shop or kitchen indoors. My grandma had woodenstove and an always razor sharp hatchet. It was needed for starting the fire by scraping curls from the firestarter wood. The shape and quality of Ochsendkopf is german Standard. I live in an area in southern germany with large woods and Ochsenkopf goldband is the favourite brand of all our professional loggers beside Stihl motorchainsaw. merry x-mas

[@Drewshawn9]

I have been, off and on, watching your videos for years and have always viewed you as a father figure. Now That I’ve bought my first home I find myself addicted to your videos and I thank you for the high quality and informative things you cover. You sir, are an undisputed badass

[@brianm9085]

i used to be religious about wearing a watch. I ended up with 5 or 6 upper-lower-class-but-serviceable pieces - no plastics, no timers or that sort of thing. then without realizing it, I stopped wearing them altogether. a couple years ago i decided to buy a nicer time piece, I decided the $100/$125 days were over and ended up with the same Hamilton Khaki mechanical with date...now I'm back to wearing a watch nearly 7 days so far this year. also, Cody, have you seen M. Wandel's recent series on testing wood? interesting stuff that correlates with the though that hickory is king...but his numbers are indicating that of all species, dogwood might make for good handles, which I find fascinating. Ash has been, of course, long the wood of choice for baseball bats

[@VinnieRed71]

Definitely looks like a great hatchet. However, after your last review of the awesome harbor freight tools hatchet, I went out and grabbed one and tuned it all up and have been thoroughly enjoying it. Perhaps I need an extra! Merry Christmas

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

I’m excited… Harbor Freight will be opening up in my city. So I have to watch all those videos that tell you all the stuff not to buy.😅😅😅😂

[@eltomas3634]

"Nothing like a nice piece of hickory." -the preacher

[@hunterjamison247]

10:37 A common phrase nowadays... amongst humanity. Fly off the handle is an American phrase that comes from the way an axe-head which has come loose will fly off of its handle in an unpredictable manner and strike any innocent person or object in its way. -Grammarist

[@phillipwagner3782]

Another one to review could be the Husqvarna 13in Hatchet. It’s also around $50. A comparison between the Ochsenkopf, the Husqvarna, and the Harbor Freight axe would make an awesome video!

[@svbummin]

Believe grain runout and placement of said runout is more detrimental than orientation And I like to use linseed oil and a heat gun when setting barrel wedges….keeps the wood in the eye more playable. And it helps to keep the handle and head flush on the end….reduces splitting when adding the wedge

[@17forever64]

I just found a nice council axe and bought it on your recommendation for about 45 dollars. I love it, thank you!

[@johnryan6456]

Heck yes Cody. Thank you. This is a gift for your subscribers. I absolutely love your reviews on tools. Brilliant work. Merry Christmas!!

[@celmer6]

That's a nice hand axe for sure and a bargain. I can't wait to see the next video installment of you prepping it and then using it. And maybe if we are extra good you can do a head to head testing video with this and the modded Harbor Freight $12 hand axe? Keep up the good work brother.

[@AlexMig]

You should do a video on the cold steel axe gang hatchet It’s pretty cheap and it’s actually really good I use it for volunteer Forrest clean up to remove small trees in the way of mountain bike paths

[@americansmark]

Mine showed up yesterday. It was out of stock for a while, but I finally got one. The blade is already sharp, which is nice. It got some scratches from shipping and the sticker on the blade is rubbed, but idc about that. The handle feels very balanced for a hatchet. Most hatchets seem to rely on weight to be effective abd end up being unwieldy. I haven't swung this yet, but I can already tell it'll be a joy for chopping firewood.

[@christopherharpster9330]

Gotta hand it to you Mr. W, I admire your axe collection! I myself only have 3 (2 small fisker's I have in both my "vehicle bag" and my hunting pack, and a larger fisker for chore work as splitting wood for our furnace), but I might add this to my camping list! Merry Christmas and may God bless you and yours sir!

[@1683clifton]

The true appreciation of Hickory is a Louisville slugger! Invented and played first in America!

[@ivermec-tin666]

So critical to Hillerich and Bradsby that they have their own timberland from which they harvest and cure hickory stock for the manufacture of baseball bats.

[@chwweb]

My granddad used this axe. My father used one too. I baught one for me and inherited the other two. All three are still in great condition. Yes the handels are ash (Esche). The older ones cam without the paint and i striped the paint and oiled the handel as my fathers did. Havn't seen which weight you got there. There are three variants 600, 800 and 1000 g ax head. My favorit is the 800g (1.76lbs).

[@ljaysperspective1775]

Well two years later, Its still for sale on Amazon, but for $59.00 bucks. Enjoyed the vid. 👍

[@yellowdog762jb]

That's a nice looking hatchet. I have a passion for the Hudson Bay pattern, especially Norlunds. This one is a very similar design. In my opinion, a nice fawns foot on the handle can make or break the esthetics of an ax. The wider part near the head looks like it would be very comfortable to the hand if you wanted to choke up on it for carving.

[@blankspot2263]

Great find for the price. Looking forward to seeing you get it all straightened out!!

[@FFXI_Addict]

This seems like a good job site tool. Even when somebody inevitably takes it, you're not out much cash.

[@JamesSmith-fl2ky]

Looks very similar to my Stihl forestry hatchet. However, the Stihl did not come with a sheath.

[@jadenhelget]

It looks like the prandi axe as well

[@BarryHull]

Just bought it. Thanks Cody. Will be fun.

[@Joe60459]

Wranglerstar effect is already kicking in. Price is up to 46.68.

[@dustinlerch9272]

Now’s it’s 68 bones.

[@linkadrip]

Thanks for your review. I have the ox 20 H-1257 forest axe with ah hickory handle. Unversal Forest Axe 1250g gold. Doesnt have paint on head but dont like the handle its slippery when wet looking forward to seeing how you upgrade your little axe. Whatched many of your videos and think sanding and linseed oil is better then laqure and paint. Dangerous when the handle wants to slip out of hands. Had to fix the sheath its junk same sheath on this axe came ripped.

[@chardon8871]

Dude's a good salesman for sure

[@kallepohl3544]

Good one... Probably Ash or Hickory... It´s written on it like on the big one. Esche = Ash tree !!!

[@yellowdog762jb]

That's such a nice ax that I watched the video twice! The shape reminds me a bit of a Norlund or Collins. IMO, I think your assessment is spot on. $42 Appears to be a deal for that one! Ii audio really doubt that a reputable German company would use crappy steel. At that price point, their market isn't the type of person that buys a GF or Council ax, takes it home, and then snuggles with it at night. (I have a restored Norlund for that! Lol!) The paint job is attractive, which means the average homeowner that needs a decent ax will be attracted to it. Most of them will probably take it home, whack away on something once or twice, then stick it in their garage, shed, or basement for a year. The paint and varnish will help preserve the tool in those conditions. The sheath is F-ugly; but serviceable, as you said. Especially since half the people that buy it will promptly lose the sheath anyway. I like the handle, compared to many of the non-premium ones on the market now. IMO, Plumb did a really nice handle on their 1 to 1.25 lb axes back in the '60s. The handle seating and wedge look like they did a great job. That's much harder for the average Joe to fix than sharpening the edge. So if they had to pick something to focus on in order to hit a certain price point, I think they chose wisely. The circle wedges look very cool, and I have no doubt that they are super strong. They look "commercial" to me though. So I don't use them. If I was making axes to sell, gifting one, or rehanging them for others though, I'd consider using them. For my own axes and hammers, I personally like to seat my handle a smidgen proud by 1/8th to 1/4th of an inch over the top of the head. Then I use a wooden wedge plus a second, smaller one at 90 degrees to that on small tools, and two 90 degree wedges on tools with large eyes. The wedge addtions mushroom out the end of the handle locking the head on. I also like to use a contrasting color of wood for the wedges. Once you clean the area up a bit, sand it lightly and add oil, the finished project looks great, is very secure, and it sets off your ax in a very customized but subtle way. Thanks for a great video!

[@rene837]

For anyone wondering: Ochsenkopf basically means Oxhead and it's not pronounced like it's being pronounced in the video, not even close ^^ Source: I am German.

[@bsiever007]

We here in Canada call them hatchets 🪓

[@AdamPlayFarms]

I understand where you are in life and what you are doing in life is what is the easiest to make vid about. But appreciate you did one of these videos, because that is where I'm at in life. Tool video is a fun break. Thanks

[@DisstonDave]

First axe I bought was an Adler Rheinland Hatchet for $70, it's German made, good steel, German round wedges in the eye, with a real leather riveted sheath, a carrying bag that works well for holding a small bit of kindling or for transportation of the axe. It gives me the fizz and this axe in your video reminds me of it, I might just have to buy one to keep around.

[@TractorMadUK]

So I’ve been using the ochsenkopf pickaroo for 10 years and I love it

[@cosimomarino6885]

I have the Octsenkopf Maul and absolutely love it, when I bought it was right around $110 or so? I think.. I removed the paint/laquer for linseed oil. absolutely love it! It'll serve me until I pony up the cash for the GB!

[@jamesbailand4311]

Ash and Beech are traditional woods to use for tool handles in Europe. Ash being the preferred choice especially for smaller tools.

[@BitMilkshake]

Ochsen is pronounced and means the same as oxen and Kopf means head and is pronounced almost like „cough“ but with a p and it means head. Ochsenkopf means oxen head like depicted on the brand logo

[@dpeagles]

I bought a Gransfors Bruk splitting axe this year and it is a great splitting axe. It actually makes splitting enjoyable. However, I destroyed the sheath by taking a swing with the sheath still attached. Bummer.

[@sorcloko]

I really missed this kind of content! it's somewhat really relaxing to watch

[@businessasusual2557]

I can feel Nick Shabazz influence in this review 2:05 😁 Keep up the good work!

[@activeentropy]

If the velcro dies you could always remove it and put buttons on it to keep it closed.

[@CatapultCarnage]

I personally prefer the council tool axes over the gransfors. I think the difference is in the handles, the premium handles from council are just superior imo. I have a couple of gransfors, a couple of wetterlings and 3 council tools all premium models. The council tool hudson bay belt hatchet is my personal favourite. I really love the American patterns too. They don't really have anything comparable to the SFA anything they have of similar size has a heavier head so more clumsy to use one handed which can be a deal breaker for some. Hey Cody have you seen the silky outback saws? They really are worth the extra money 💰 I highly recommend 👌 You should reach out to council and silky to get some stuff for reviews I think I speak for everyone when I say we'd like to see them videos

[@chaud245]

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

[@donfroehlich9858]

Wonderful Just wonderful, I learned that Loctite can swim! I always get mine prepackaged from the store, and don't know much about what they are like in the wild before harvesting.

[@manta7099]

You can also get the same ones branded by STHL at most ace hardwares

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. Looks like a good-value tool.

[@RF-cz4ln]

I just bought a STIHL hatchet ,looks very similar to this one . Good so far , I like it $35 at the STIHL dealer

[@shooterheming7072]

I got my Husqvarna axe before they moved to those new handles. Thankfully mine actually has a really nice contour. Love these axe videos. I'll probably end up getting one of these now.

[@JJGuccione]

Grain orientation - I agree, on a short handle may not matter but then again, it just might matter. Wooden baseball bats were hickory back in the day grain orientation matters when hitting a baseball thrown with velocity. Much easier to understand looking at a baseball bat.

[@hookedonwood5830]

Ochsen = Ox Kopf = Head. Have a few of their splitting axes and mauls - really great tools - nice to see them appear on your channel and that you are happy about them.

[@darrylbrass]

I have often “axed” myself which is the best.

[@jimbusmaximus4624]

Wranglerstar, something you might find interesting, Ochsenkopf is German for ox head (ochsen means oxen.) So it's easy to pronounce- oxen kopf. Great video!

[@bkbenelli]

Regarding the handle, the google tells me that "ESCHE" as seen on the handle does in fact translate to "Ash Tree"

[@jmac6973]

Love these videos. Learning a lot! Had no clue about the idea of paint on the handle or grain orientation

[@Jrd333]

It’s pronounced “oxen Kopf”. Literally means ox head.

[@jesseherala9530]

Wranglerstar! Now, review Fiskars Norden series axes. I think that you change your opinion about Fiskars brand.

[@bigholli8449]

The knowledge I have learned from your channel is worth it’s weight in gold.

[@2AEnthusiast]

I'm looking forward to the next video. The work you did on the Harbor Freight Ax a few months ago was excellent.

[@stevenplayford8223]

They make absolutely superb splitting tools too. I think they are now making the husqvarna brand axes, has moved from HB.

[@ernrok]

Thanks for the review. Happy New Year.

[@georgewhitehead9523]

Hi Cody, the steel is C60 Steel. 👍🏼

[@richardliles4415]

Thank you for all of the valuable information.

[@dylcar]

“Kinda like a KTM” hahah amen to that. In love with my 250xc

[@alexraymes]

Merry Christmas Cody!

[@kacperchrusciel890]

Gedore also makes a lot of other affordable, and high quality tools. ive used the socket set for a few years now and its been very good and robust.

[@GreekPreparedness]

While this reminds me of the Bahco Camping Axe, I cannot fail to point out that this is a GEDORE tool... Gedore makes the best, by far, wrenches in Europe. They are as iconic tools as the Skilsaws in the US. The name speaks volumes

[@dpeagles]

If only skilsaw was still what it use to be.

[@KrisHammes]

Did you ever do your follow on video where you tune this up?

[@godlydevil1]

I think Cody was thinking of the Running Man when he stated that "He remembered it like he was there." I'm thinking where else was he? LOL Just messin' with ya.

[@robertloban3809]

I found the 1.25 pound axe at Lowes. It is a Project Source and is $19.95. It has an American Hickory handle and two of the round wedges you like. More traditional shape head.

[@FPPreservation]

Taco Fasteners, made in Plainville, CT, USA!

[@jc1687f]

Esche is printed on the handle. That’s German for Ash.

[@danielwhite7159]

Merry Christmas Wranglerstar family

[@Bobko98BG]

Did Cody do a follow up on this one?

[@TraitorVek]

Maybe You Could try Black Rubberised Paint at the Handle. - Let it Cool, Nice Grip, Sharpen that thing Up!

[@jeffbenson6102]

It looks to have a nice thin wedge as it should, I bought a Collins Axe that was about as wedgey as a brick, I had to take an angle grinder to it for quite a while to make it even work at all.

[@wdbrnr63]

Looks identical to the Stihl 600g "Woodcutter Camp & Forestry Hatchet"

[@sofloflow]

This vs Cold Steel Trail Boss?

[@michaelwhiteoldtimer7648]

Thank you for the review. Merry Christmas

[@tweakingheavily]

I commented a while ago that id love more axe vids and longer videos... it's the best of both worlds! merry Christmas to you and your family Cody

[@guitardude9187]

Glad this type of content is back

[@davidbarnhart6228]

Nice piece. Can't wait for Part 2! Merry Christmas to all!

[@1stCorinthians2_14]

Nice looking axe! Thanks for all the explanation Cody!

[@beauandsamgoham]

Dear Wranglerstar, I just received the beloved Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe as Christmas present and I love it. My concern is, it never came with the metal wedge on the top. So I have reframed from using it, but has this happened to you with the Gransfors Bruk axes before?