axe handbook

This book includes a chapter featuring Liam and Hoffman Blacksmithing to get an inside glimpse into modern day axe making in the United States.

Buchanan-Smith’s Axe Handbook is a trusted resource for anyone looking to reconnect with handcraft and the outdoors. Beautifully designed and lavishly illustrated, this handbook will inspire readers to rediscover the great outdoors.
Peter Buchanan-Smith founded Best Made Co. in 2009 because he loved making things with his hands and wanted to start a company that would not only celebrate the inherent beauty of timeless, utilitarian tools, but would also inspire people to get out from behind their screens and experience the natural world.
From the basics and fundamentals of handling and owning an axe to the details on how to find the right axe to everything a reader must know about use and maintenance, this stylish, informative axe guide is ideal for anyone interested in the outdoo

Based on 110 reviews
96%
(106)
4%
(4)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
Wasatch Axe Head
Bryce Heikes
It looks amazing

It looks amazing. The sheath is even more amazing-made to functional perfection. I have a Hoffman handle on the way that I'm looking forward to mounting.

G
Add Custom Sheath
Glenn Nimirowski
Shrsth

It works fine

As advertised

As advertised.. will get a chance to use it in the next couple days

Awesome axe sheath!

The sheath is incredibly well made! But I put it on incorrectly as the snap has to face away from you and the head, not toward you. It fits perfectly that way.

A
Wicked Wax
Anonymous
Great blade wax

great stuff not super greasy and its got just enough grip to it

A fantastic tool

A fantastic tool.

A
Craft Carver
Anonymous
Perfect pack hatchet

This is just what I've been looking for to add to my backpacking kit. I needed a hammer for my tent pegs, an axe for fire wood, and a large knife for making tinder, and doing camp tasks. The overall weight is perfect to replace a small saw and a large knife: it has the power and blade length to accomplish the common tasks of setting up camp, while having the edge control to cut food, whittle sticks, and make the small items required to support comfort in the outdoors. I've waited for several years for the opportunity to obtain this small axe, and it is exactly what I have been hoping for.

P
Wasatch Axe Head
Paul Schmidt
Wasatch Axe head is really sweet😁😁

Wasatch Axe head is really sweet😁😁....haven't had time to haft it yet....love the design....wonder what a 3lb be like??

Comfortable

Comfortable, well made, and has the looks of an out-doorsman! Pleasing to the eye!

Wasatch Axe Head

Simply marvelous and a work of art! I love the head but have not hung it yet as I haven't decided on the type of wood or handle length. Thank you Hoffman Blacksmithing! Ed

r
Wasatch Axe Head
richard banks
Beautiful axe

Beautiful axe , edge is very sharp hung on a very nice 24" Hoffman handle

Love

Love it!!!

N
Mini Camper
Noel O Ingram
Gorgeous

Love it!!!! It is so pretty & useful!!!!

It is a great puck that does the job! Hoffman

It is a great puck that does the job! Hoffman, once again, knocks it out of the park!!!

Instant Heirloom

Absolutely incredible! In both form…and function. Was hesitant to swing it because it’s just so darn nice, but when I did…wow!! The perfect splitting axe…hands down! Well worth the wait for something that has become an instant heirloom. Hangs proudly on my den wall when not in use - showing off the perfect grain orientation. The folks at Hoffman are clearly masters at their craft. Thank you Liam and Co., and thanks again Buckin’!!

G
Wood Bullet Preorder
Gavin Murgatroyd
What an amazing tool! Thank you

What an amazing tool! Thank you again!

Beautiful work of art

Beautiful work of art. The craft carver is the sharpest knife in the drawer. It's an axe, but I can really see using it a lot as type of knife. The handle is really well made and perfectly attached to the head.

B
Craft Carver Preorder
Brandon Fulwider
The craftsmanship is second to none

The craftsmanship is second to none. Excited to add another family heirloom to the collection to be used for generations.

This is a great piece

This is a great piece. We can tell the hard work and care that went into this carver!!

D
Hawksbill
Damon Williams
Wonderful craftsmanship head is nicely shaped

Wonderful craftsmanship head is nicely shaped, sheath is exceptional, handle is well shaped and a nice piece of wood bulb end is a special touch

J
Wood Bullet Preorder
Jeremy Hanks
Craftsmanship is next level!

Craftsmanship is next level!

Such a cool axe. LOVE IT!

G
Mountains to Sea Axe
Gary Ferguson
Best little axe I own!

This is my 3rd Hoffman axe. Haven't had a chance to use it yet, but it's exactly what I needed. I prefer a small hatchet for fire making chores. Can't wait to take this little beauty on my next adventure! Fit and finish are flawless of course! Best axes period!

It’s good

It’s good. Not as thick as my old Filson belt, but it’s good.

The best there is

Bottom line up front this is the best splitting axe that ever was, is and maybe ever will be.

I've tried around 50 different axe patterns, and the Wood Bullet beats them all. You can find vintage axes with good profiles for splitting, but finding one with the right profile, a clean eye, an undamaged toe, a big heavy (and undamaged) poll and a long, full bit will not be easy or cheap. Add to that the work you'll have to do fixing it up and hanging it and the price of the Wood Bullet isn't so daunting anymore.

The secret to the Wood Bullet's performance isn't just the edge geometry, it's also the big, heavy poll. It flicks better and swings truer than anything else I've tried. The balance that poll provides also seems to make it less jarring on your elbows when you flick it if you don't let go fast enough. The shape is perfect, with a nice flat top that won't catch rocks while you split on the ground and a wide bit that makes it easy to hit what you're aiming for, and the handle shape has quickly become my favorite as well.

All in all it's my new go-to splitting axe. I might bring other tools to play around with, but when the wood is gnarly or time is of the essence the Wood Bullet is the tool I reach for.

Craftsmanship meets Functionality

I’ve watched Buckin build and test this axe until he was finally satisfied with the final product. He could not have found a better Blacksmith to build this amazing tool! Not only is this the finest working axe I’ve ever used, but the look and fit are impressive. You get what you pay for, a tool that will last a lifetime. Well done Hoffman Blacksmithing!!