As valuable a source as eBay is, I personally would not buy an antique broad ax which I intended to use, sight unseen. It is far too personal a choice and too many things can be wrong with one, often requiring a huge investment in time to return it to a useable state.

Gransfors axes are amazingly well crafted and well worth the coin, and the way I would lean if I found myself in a part of the world with few antique shops – And I say this as a long time hewer who does not yet own one.

Felling axes are all important. Perhaps 85% of your swing time is done with them. You want both a three and a five. I’m partial to Jersey patterns, the little beard saves handle wear. Most currently being manufactured are far too soft to hold the kind of edge you need to maintain. Woodings Verona is an exception to that rule or older bits the eBay way, Kelley being just one name to look for.

Be your best