Biber Classic Krainer Broad Axe

Biber Classic Krainer Broad Axe

Broad axes are used for shaping logs into straight, square beams. Based on a traditional German pattern, this broad axe is used for the final steps of hewing a timbers - smoothing, straightening and finishing. You won't be chopping like a felling axe. It's used in a push or pull sliding motion. Think of it as the "jointer plane" of axes. The large head and flat back help create a straight, smooth surface.

The traditional Krainer pattern originated in the Carniola region of Slovenia, which is just across the border from Mueller's forge in Austria. (Krainer is the German word for Carniola.) The whole area has a reputation for fine smithing going back to the Roman Empire.

The Krainer-pattern broad axe weighs 10 pounds total. Of that, more than 9 pounds is in the head! The blade is 21" long x 4-1/2" wide - inlcuding the eye it's 8-1/2". The razor sharp edge is about 26"long. It's sharpened at the factory on a water cooled wheel. (That's why you need the included sheath.) The hickory handle is about (430mm) 17" long.

Please note: Because each axe is hand-forged, the weight and dimensions of the head are approximate and may vary from axe to axe.

Like all Mueller axes, this axe is hand-forged at the Mueller Forge in Frantschach-St. Gertraud, Austria. Biber Classic is Mueller's premium line of axes and features top quality hickory handles and classic forged surface finish.

Left-bevel or Right-bevel?

The Krainer-pattern Broad Axe comes in both left- and right-bevel versions. Each is designed for working one side of a log. You won't need one of each, though. You can just move to the other side of the log.

• The right-bevel broad axe is scissor-sharpened with the bevel on the right side of the blade. The left side of the blade is flat and without a bevel. The poll and handle of the right-bevel axe are angled to the right so the handle will be clear of the surface of your workpiece. It is designed for use on the right hand side of the log with the log to the left of the user.

• The left-bevel broad axe is scissor-sharpened with the bevel on the left side of the blade. The right side of the blade is flat and without a bevel. The poll and handle of the left-bevel axe are angled to the left so the handle will be clear of the surface of your workpiece. It is designed for use on the left hand side of the log with the log to the right of the user.