So that everything stays

the way it should be

Maintenance

Axes are very long-lasting tools that don’t require a lot of maintenance. However, a few little tricks can greatly extend the lifespan of your axe.
 
Before storing the axe for a longer period of time the blade should be lightly greased to prevent corrosion on the surface. Axes keep best when stored at normal humidity. If the wood dries out, it shrinks and looses it’s ability to flex and absorb vibrations. Similarly, too humid conditions can harm the wood aswell. Never soak a loose handle in water to re-attach it to the head, instead, seek professional assistance. 

Re-grinding the cutting-edge

  • Properly re-grinding the cutting edge requires some practice. Should you not be sure about grinding the blade, leave it to a professional. Unsuitable treatment of the cutting-edge can ruin the entire axe. 
  • Grinding the blade manually achieves the best results. Electrical appliances such angle grinders, or belt grinders take away too much material due to their high rpm’s. Furthermore, the head can heat up which weakens the tempering of the steel. This happens before the steel visibly changes color and renders the axe useless. 
  • Always grind the axe according to its intended area of use and try to maintain the original shape and grind angle. 
  • Remove larger damages with a file at first. In doing so the radius and shape of the cutting edge cannot change, because otherwise the entire edge needs to be reworked. 
  • Afterwards, pick a grindstone. For instance,  the BISON gindstone with 2 different granulations.
  • Grind the cutting edge with the coarse side of the stone until the original shape is retained. 
  • Then sharpen the blade with the finer side of the stone and polish away the scratches that the coarse grind may have created. Applying some petroleum or grease to the surface will help with create a smoother finish. 
  • The cutting edge needs to be exactly centered and ground evenly on both sides. An uneven edge will ruin the axe. 

Changing Handles

  • As soon as the handle starts to wobble or is damaged it should be changed. 
  • Only use original BISON handles with the wooden- and ring-wedges that are supplied with them. This wedging was designed specifically to work with head and handle enabling a tight and secure fit.  
  • Do not soak the handles in water to re-attach them to the heads. This is a common myth that has proven very unreliable and thus dangerous. 
  • First, remove the old handle by cutting it off directly under the axe-head. remove the remaining wood out of the cavity in the head using a chisel and/or a drill. Clean the inside of the cavity thoroughly. 
  • The new handle has to be fixed firmly to the head. Therefore, don’t sand down the top of the handle (which would make sliding the head on easier). 
  • Place the the axe head firmly on it’s back so that the cavity faces up. Line the handle up to the cavity and drive it into the cavity using a hammer. Afterwards, drive the wooden wedge into the top of the cavity before finally securing it with two steel ring wedges.  

Axe & Hatches

Shapes

The perfect form
for every function

Universal shape
// Normal shape

Usable all-around for easy chopping, splitting and garden work.

Ground to normal sharpness

Forest Axe
// extra slim

Extra slim forging of the blade especially for cutting down trees.

Ground to high sharpness

Splitting Axe
// crowned shape

The crowned shape makes splitting easier for maximum splitting power with minimal effort.

Für starkes Holz und große Stücke

Security wedging
// for all axes and hatchets

A wooden wedge combined with two round steel wedges achieve a connection that can withstand much higher pulling torques that the DIN-norm require for an Axe or hatchet.

axe or
hatchet ?

The choice of the correct tool

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10 YEARS
WARRANTY

Durable products –
made in Germany

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health &
safety

The security check
before use

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authentic
tools

for originals

the trailer

BISON 1879

Authentic tools for originals.

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contact

Großschönauer
Werkzeugschmiede GmbH

We would be happy to advise you.

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