Helko Werk Germany Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter

Helko Werk is widely recognized as a producer of premium world-class handmade axes and is one of the oldest axe manufacturers still operating in Europe. The story of Helko Werk began in the village of Cronenberg, Germany, now part of the city of Wuppertal, where in 1844, August Helsper founded the August Helsper Werkzeugfabrik (the Helsper Tool Factory) and began producing axes for the region. During the early twentieth century, the Helsper Tool Factory increased its export of axes beyond the borders of Europe, and by the 1930s was regularly shipping axes to countries in Africa, Asia, and South America. It was also around this time that the Helsper family formed a partnership with the Kotthaus family, setting the stage for exponential growth and giving the company its current name: Helko (an amalgam of Helsper and Kotthaus).

Helko Werk's Classic range combines versatility, performance, and aesthetics to create a premium line of pristine working axes. The Traditional line is a premium collection of hand-forged German heritage axes, handcrafted by one of Helko's Master Smiths. The Vario 2000 is a patented design using a German engineered fastening system that introduces incredible versatility and efficiency, as all Vario heads, handles, and fastening components are fully interchangeable and inter-compatible. Förster by Helko is a commercial line of professional axes and forestry tools manufactured by the Helko Werk company. The signature Frontier Collection includes an assortment of top-quality outdoor and travel gear, proudly handmade in the USA and built to last a lifetime. Helko Werk also carries an assortment of sheaths and leather products, handmade in the USA from full-grain, vegetable tanned cowhide leather.

The Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter is an enormous, heavy duty splitting axe built to tackle the most demanding jobs. The deep wedge and punishing 5-pound head deliver an incredibly powerful striking force, capable of splitting tree trunks, large rounds, and heavy firewood. The heads are assembled with bolts driven through the 36-inch, sustainably sourced grade A American hickory handle and secured by a butt-plate retainer cap. Each Vario 2000 axe includes a vegetable-tanned premium leather sheath and a 1-ounce bottle of Axe Guard protective oil. Helko Werk's Master Smiths have spent hundreds of years perfecting the 53-56 HRC Rockwell Hardness of the C50 high carbon steel, creating an ideal balance between superior edge holding ability, ease of sharpening, and resistance to chipping.

Proper maintenance is essential for the longevity of any axe. Helko Werk provides detailed guidance on sharpening techniques, storage, and safety. They recommend using a flat file and sharpening stone to maintain the original bevel, avoiding grinders or sanders that can overheat and alter the steel temper. Axes should be stored in a cool, dry place, cleaned and oiled after each use, and never struck against logs or other objects, as this is the leading cause of handle damage.

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