Classic Line
Polished blades that resist rust and reduce cutting friction
Our Classic range combines versatility, performance, and aesthetics to create a premium line of pristine working axes. Each piece is handcrafted by Helko’s Master Smiths, representing nearly 200 years of collective expertise. The heads are buffed and polished to a highly reflective finish, which reduces cutting friction and improves rust resistance. The handles are smooth sanded and finished with boiled linseed oil. Each axe includes a vegetable tanned leather sheath and a bottle of our Axe Guard Head Oil.
Handmade in Germany
The Journeyman is a hybrid of a hatchet and a conventional axe, and is the perfect all-purpose “in between” companion for the avid backpacker, camper, or woodsman. This pack axe is designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to carry while trekking through wilderness. Comfortable to use one or two handed, the Journeyman will make kindling, limb branches, build your shelter, and other light splitting or cutting work. The poll (opposite the blade) may be used for light hammering, such as striking in tent stakes. The head is buffed and polished to a highly reflective finish that reduces cutting friction and improves rust resistance.
Specifications
- Head Weight: 1 ½ lbs.
- Total Weight: 2 ¼ lbs.
- Bit Length: 3 ¼ in.
- Handle Length: 20 in.
Head
- Handmade in Wuppertal, Germany
- German C50 high grade carbon steel
- Open face drop forged, heat treated, and oil-hardened
- Polished to a highly reflective finish
- Helko crown hammered into cheek
- 53-56 HRC (Rockwell Hardness)
Handle
- Sustainably sourced Grade A American hickory
- Individually selected for grain orientation and density
- Boiled linseed oil finish, 150 grit smooth sanded
- Hung with hardwood wedge and notched steel ring wedge
What's Included
- 1 oz. bottle of Axe-Guard protective oil
- Vegetable tanned Leather Sheath
See Optional Care & Maintenance or Accessory upgrades
Handmade in Germany
The Scout is the smallest conventionally sized axe in the Classic line, and light enough for almost any user to handle comfortably. Slightly too big to carry along on weight-conscious backpacking trips, the Scout is better used as a base camp axe, or for longer excursions where it can be stowed in a canoe, raft, or vehicle. Axes of this class are commonly referred to as “boy’s axes” due to their small size, but don’t let the designation fool you. The Scout is a great starter axe that often becomes a favorite among seasoned axe users. It is ideal for light cutting work and felling small trees. The head is buffed and polished to a highly reflective finish that reduces cutting friction and improves rust resistance.
Specifications
- Head Weight: 2 ¼ lbs.
- Total Weight: 3 ½ lbs.
- Bit Length: 3 ¾ in.
- Handle Length: 28 in.
Head
- Hand forged using a drop hammer on open dies
- Premium grade C50 high carbon steel
- 53-56 HRC (Rockwell Hardness)
Handle
- Sustainably sourced grade A American hickory
- Individually selected for grain orientation and density
- Boiled linseed oil finish, 150 grit smooth sanded
- Hung with hardwood wedge and steel ring wedge
What's Included
- 1 oz. bottle of Axe-Guard protective oil
- Vegetable tanned Leather Sheath
See Optional Care & Maintenance or Accessory upgrades
Handmade in Germany
The Forester is a highly capable, full-size general purpose axe. Its 3 ½ pound head provides enough heft and power for most cutting and felling work. It is big enough to take down medium and large trees without over-encumbering the average user. If you are looking for a full-size axe but aren’t able to comfortably wield the larger Expedition, the Forester is a solid choice and perfect for the farm, home, or cabin. The head is buffed and polished to a highly reflective finish that reduces cutting friction and improves rust resistance.
Specifications
- Head Weight: 3 ½ lbs.
- Total Weight: 5 ½ lbs.
- Bit Length: 4 ½ in.
- Handle Length: 31 in.
Head
- Hand forged using a drop hammer on open dies
- Premium grade C50 high carbon steel
- 53-56 HRC (Rockwell Hardness)
Handle
- Sustainably sourced grade A American hickory
- Individually selected for grain orientation and density
- Boiled linseed oil finish, 150 grit smooth sanded
- Hung with hardwood wedge and steel ring wedge
What's Included
- 1 oz. bottle of Axe-Guard protective oil
- Vegetable tanned Leather Sheath
See Optional Care & Maintenance or Accessory upgrades
Handmade in Germany
The Expedition is as big as they come, and is the workhorse of the Classic line. This serious working axe is best reserved for the heaviest and most difficult jobs. The size may be intimidating to newcomers, but the Expedition is fully capable of clearing your property and heating your home (provided you have the stamina to put it to use). Its heavy 4 ½ pound head delivers incredible striking power in the hands of a controlled operator. The head is buffed and polished to a highly reflective finish that reduces cutting friction and improves rust resistance.
Specifications
- Head Weight: 4 ½ lbs.
- Total Weight: 6 ½ lbs.
- Bit Length: 4 ¾ in.
- Handle Length: 35 in.
Head
- Hand forged using a drop hammer on open dies
- Premium grade C50 high carbon steel
- 53-56 HRC (Rockwell Hardness)
Handle
- Sustainably sourced grade A American hickory
- Individually selected for grain orientation and density
- Boiled linseed oil finish, 150 grit smooth sanded
- Hung with hardwood wedge and steel ring wedge
What's Included
- 1 oz. bottle of Axe-Guard protective oil
- Vegetable tanned Leather Sheath
See Optional Care & Maintenance or Accessory upgrades
Handmade in Germany
Our Classic Nordic Splitting Axe is a heavy duty, straight-handled splitting axe, designed solely for difficult splitting work. The 5 ½ pound head is capable of splitting large rounds, difficult logs, and tough firewood. For those facing a cold winter and in need of burning through a cord of wood, this axe will perform dutifully. It may not be the largest tool in the shed, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in efficiency, thanks to the time tested Scandinavian head design. As with all other models in the Classic line, the head is buffed and polished to a reflective finish for reduced cutting friction and improved rust resistance.
Specifications
- Head Weight: 5 ½ lbs.
- Total Weight: 7 ½ lbs.
- Bit Length: 2 ½ in
- Handle Length: 31 in.
Head
- Hand forged using a drop hammer on open dies
- Premium grade C50 high carbon steel
- 53-56 HRC (Rockwell Hardness)
Handle
- Sustainably sourced grade A American hickory
- Individually selected for grain orientation and density
- Boiled linseed oil finish, 150 grit smooth sanded
- Hung with hardwood wedge and steel ring wedge
What's Included
- 1 oz. bottle of Axe-Guard protective oil
- Vegetable tanned Leather Sheath
See Optional Care & Maintenance or Accessory upgrades
Handmade in Germany
The Tasmania Competition Axe is a modern rendition of vintage Tasmanian pattern racing axes. It is an affordable yet dependable option for racing experts as well as novices entering the world of timber sporting. The blade is sharpened for general purpose chopping and cutting and can be used out of the box. Outside of the competition arena, the Tasmania is commonly used as a felling axe on both softwoods and hardwoods. The shorter handle and heavier head allow for quick swings while delivering powerful cuts. The head is buffed and polished to a highly reflective finish that reduces cutting friction and improves rust resistance.
Specifications
- Head Weight: 4 lbs.
- Total Weight: 6 ½ lbs.
- Bit Length: 5 ¼ in.
- Handle Length: 31 in.
Head
- Hand forged using a drop hammer on open dies
- Premium grade C50 high carbon steel
- 53-56 HRC (Rockwell Hardness)
Handle
- Sustainably sourced grade A American hickory
- Individually selected for grain orientation and density
- Boiled linseed oil finish, 150 grit smooth sanded
- Hung with hardwood wedge and steel ring wedge
What's Included
- 1 oz. bottle of Axe-Guard protective oil
- Vegetable tanned Leather Sheath
See Optional Care & Maintenance or Accessory upgrades
Handmade in Germany
The American inspired Odyssey Double Bit is a capable, highly effective felling tool, suited for large timber. If inclined, the user is able to profile each blade differently and may use, for instance, one edge for splitting and the other for cutting. Traditionally, one bit was used for heavy work that was prone to dull the blade, while the other was kept with a finely honed edge. When the logging industry was still reliant on axes for felling trees, one side of the double bit was commonly used to chop undercuts for large timber, while the other was held in reserve for fine cutting. The head is buffed and polished to a highly reflective finish that reduces cutting friction and improves rust resistance.
Specifications
- Head Weight: 3 ½ lbs.
- Total Weight: 4 ¾ lbs.
- Bit Length: 4 ½ in.
- Handle Length: 30 in.
Head
- Hand forged using a drop hammer on open dies
- Premium grade C50 high carbon steel
- 53-56 HRC (Rockwell Hardness)
Handle
- Sustainably sourced grade A American hickory
- Individually selected for grain orientation and density
- Boiled linseed oil finish, 150 grit smooth sanded
- Hung with hardwood wedge and steel ring wedge
What's Included
- 1 oz. bottle of Axe-Guard protective oil
- Vegetable tanned Leather Sheath
See Optional Care & Maintenance or Accessory upgrades
The Classic Collection includes the five most iconic pieces from our Classic line. Each axe comes with a Leather Sheath.
11438 -Classic Pathfinder
11441 - Classic Journeyman
10492 - Classic Scout
10495 - Classic Forester
10497 - Classic Expedition
See Optional Care & Maintenance or Accessory upgrades
The Classic Collection is the entire lineup of our 9 Classic axes. Each axe comes with a Leather Sheath.
11438 -Classic Pathfinder
11441 - Classic Journeyman
10492 - Classic Scout
10495 - Classic Forester
10497 - Classic Expedition
10498 - Classic Tasmania
13521 - Classic Nordic
10600 - Classic Odyssey
See Optional Care & Maintenance or Accessory upgrades
Handmade in Germany
The Pathfinder is comfortable to hold, well balanced, and unfailingly dependable. It performs well at making kindling, limbing branches, general yard work, and is a reliable camp or packing tool. The hammerhead poll may be used to drive tent stakes and perform other light hammering. The head is buffed and polished to a reflective finish that reduces cutting friction and improves rust resistance.
Specifications
- Head Weight: 1 ¼ lbs.
- Total Weight: 2 lbs.
- Bit Length: 3 ¼ in.
- Handle Length: 15 in.
Head
- Hand forged using a drop hammer on open dies
- Premium grade C50 high carbon steel
- 53-56 HRC (Rockwell Hardness)
Handle
- Sustainably sourced grade A American hickory
- Individually selected for grain orientation and density
- Boiled linseed oil finish, 150 grit smooth sanded
- Hung with hardwood wedge and steel ring wedge
What's Included
- 1 oz. bottle of Axe-Guard protective oil
- Vegetable tanned Leather Sheath
See Optional Care & Maintenance or Accessory upgrades