New WOOX Forte Axe Looks To Be A Top Chopper
The new WOOX Forte Axe might just be the one I’ve been seeking. The Forte is 22 inches long with a 4 ¼-inch blade and a weight of 3 pounds. That makes it easy to take a long, yet capable of some serious work. In the Northeast woods I roam, I prefer an axe for general camp chores, chopping firewood and shelter building. For instance, I recently used a hatchet for cutting a replacement tent pole to size from a downed limb. A slightly larger axe, such as the Forte, would have made the job much easier. I like an axe to be long enough to get two hands on it. But I want it to be handy enough too so I can choke up on the handle for some one-handed delicate cuts. And I want it to be sized right to take it along strapped to my pack. This axe looks like it would meet all those criteria.
Crafted Of 1060 Carbon Steel And Hickory
WOOX is billing the Forte Axe as a hybridization of American and Italian Axe designs. That makes sense as the Hickory, North Carolina-based company divides its manufacturing between that facility in the U.S. and one in Italy. The silhouette is reminiscent of Italian woodworking axes. It has a broad bit with a beard that provides for precise cutting when you choke up on the handle.
The axe head is hand-crafted of 1060 high carbon steel with a blue polish finish.
Early feedback indicates that it comes from the factory with a very sharp edge. The head’s concave high centerline is an aid when using the axe for splitting wood.
On the back side, the prominent, hardened poll adds balance to the head and serves effectively as a hammer. The head, with its large eye, is slip-fit to the American Hickory handle. That makes handle replacement a breeze without the need for wedges.
The handle features anti-slip paint for a secure grip without causing hot spots during extended use.
Free Sheath While They Last
As part of the company’s product launch promotion, early models will be shipped free and will include a leather blade sheath with heavy-duty carabiner. The WOOX Forte Axe sells for $169. That’s reasonable for a good axe. For more information, go to WOOXStore.com.
Steven Paul Barlow is a retired sergeant/station commander and former firearms instructor with the New York State Police. He is an avid hunter, fisherman, and enthusiast with all things related to firearms, knives, and survival. He has been writing on outdoor topics for more than 35 years. His collections of outdoor humor stories are available at BriarHill Books.
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