Traditional Double Bit Axe for Tree Felling and Wood Cutting (Hinterland)

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, regularly shipping them 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 patented Vario 2000 design introduces incredible versatility and efficiency, with all Vario heads, handles, and fastening components being fully interchangeable and inter-compatible.

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, axe collars, and other leather products, all handmade in the USA from full-grain, vegetable-tanned cowhide leather.

Helko Werk's axes are individually forged by hand using a drop hammer on open dies. The blacksmith's hand-eye coordination and judgment, developed through years of experience, are crucial in this process, as every split-second decision affects the shape and integrity of the final product. Helko's Master Smiths have also spent hundreds of years perfecting the hardness and temper of the C50 high-carbon steel used in their axe heads, creating an ideal balance between superior edge-holding ability, ease of sharpening, and resistance to chipping.

The American-inspired Hinterland Double Bit is a capable, highly effective felling tool, suited for large timber. The user can profile each blade differently, using 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.

All Helko Werk axes and hatchets come with a vegetable-tanned premium leather axe sheath to protect the blade and head, as well as a 1 oz bottle of Axe Guard protective oil to help maintain the steel and prevent rust over time. The sustainably sourced Grade A American hickory handles are individually hand-finished and selected for grain orientation and density, with a boiled linseed oil finish and sanded to 150 grit for a comfortable and smooth feel.

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