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Merchant VideoAbout Helko Werk Axes
Axe Manufacturing Process
Our axes are individually forged by hand using a drop hammer on open dies. The blacksmith works on a drop forge, using tongs to hold the hot steel as a hammer falls repeatedly onto it. The drop hammer runs continuously at remarkable speed, requiring a highly skilled and time-tested smith. The hand-eye coordination and judgment required for this process can only come from years of experience, as every split-second decision ultimately affects the shape and integrity of the final product.
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About Helko Werk
Axe Rockwell Hardness
An important factor to consider when evaluating the quality of an axe. The steel must be tempered just right, without being too soft to hold an edge or hard enough to become brittle. Helko's Master Smiths have cumulatively spent hundreds of years perfecting the hardness and temper of our axes, creating an ideal balance between superior edge holding ability, ease of sharpening, and resistance to chipping.
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About Helko Werk
Axe Handles
The quality of the handle is also a significant measure of the tool’s integrity. Helko handles are proudly crafted from sustainably sourced Grade A American hickory. Helko promotes environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically prosperous management of the world's forests.
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About Helko Werk
Axe Leather Sheaths
Our Leather Sheaths are made from vegetable tanned, full grain, cowhide leather. We install a heavy duty welt in all of our sheaths, which is an added strip of leather that rests against the blade, for maximum blade protection. The buckle fasteners are nickel plated with an adjustable strap that will always ensure a snug fit, even if the leather stretches over time.
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About Helko Werk
Axe Handle Collar
The majority of handle damage starts at the neck, either from miss swings or normal wear and tear. Handle collars protect the neck, significantly increasing handle longevity and durability. They are comfortable to use, easy to tie, and give your axe an authentic, premium appearance. The collar is fastened with an included leather lace which may be readjusted anytime, to ensure a tight fit.
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About Helko Werk
Axe Care and Maintenance
Our Standard Axe Maintenance Kits cover the core basics for axe care and maintenance. Sharpening and oiling. All parts are made in Germany and the USA.
Protect Your Investment
Accessories, Tools and Leather Additions
Our signature Leather Goods and Accessories include an assortment of top quality care products. All of our leather and tool accessories are proudly made in the USA from premium materials and designed to safeguard your axe for a lifetime of enjoyment.
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Helko Classic Line
Polished blades to resist rust & cutting friction.
Combine versatility, performance, and aesthetics to create a premium line of pristine working axes.
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Helko Traditional Line
Hand-forged German Heritage Axes.
Premium collection of hand forged German heritage axes, handcrafted by one of Helko’s Master Smiths.
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Helko Vario 2000
A Helko Werk patented design.
All Vario heads, handles, and fastening components are fully interchangeable and inter-compatible.
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Made in the USA
Premium gear for the discerning outdoorsman.
Top quality outdoor and travel gear, proudly handmade in the USA and built to last a lifetime.
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Made in the USA
Sheaths, axe collars, and leather goods.
Handmade in the USA from full grain, vegetable tanned cowhide leather.
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Axe Owner Must-Haves
- Leather Sheaths - Blade
- Leather Axe Handle Collars - Handle
- Leather Wall Hangers
- Axe Maintenance Kit
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Leather Sheaths
Durable Adjustable and Stylish - Protects Your Axe Head for Life
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Axe Handle Collars
Long-Lasting Handle Protection
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Leather Wall Hangers
Durable adjustable leather straps to showcase your prized possessions
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Axe Maintenance Kit
Clean and maintain your axe and accessories regularly and they will last a lifetime.
Leather Shop, Tools, Care & Maintenance Accessories
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Essential Check List
- Axe Head & Handle Oil
- Axe Head & Handle Wax
- Sharpening File and Stone
- Leather Care Oil and Paste
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Axe Oil
Helko Werk Axe Guard Head and Handle Oil
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Axe Wax
Helko Werk Axe Guard Head and Handle Wax
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Axe Stone & File
Helko Werk Axe Stone and Sharpening File
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Leather Oil & Paste
Helko Werk Leather Oil and Paste. Use on sheaths, collars, rolls, or any leather item you own.
Keep your axe working like new every time, ensuring safety and efficiency with every swing
Erick M.
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2025
Had it for years and still my go to , to sharpen my axes.
Customer
Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2025
Great file!
JC
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2024
Using this to reprofile an old Stanley half hatchet that’s ridiculously fat behind the edge. All I had to work with was an old Nicholson bastard file that would only cut on sharp angles and with supreme effort. I was goin at it for hours with only minimal progress. Don’t know if it was clogged up or if it was junk to begin with, but someone with more experience working with files would have known immediately that it was a defective tool. So I made the switch to this Helko Werk and so glad I did. I felt the difference on the first stroke, heheh. This thing eats up metal like Pac Man and grinds with a satisfying sound and feel instead of skating ineffectually across the work piece. I also appreciate the rounded handle instead of the uncomfortable rat tail design on so many others. I have an axe, another hatchet and a beat up rusty maul lined up, and can actually look forward to the job now. When I’m satisfied with the blade geometry of my chopping tools this file will then serve as my go to for sharpening whenever needed. I’m thrilled to have the right tool now but it’s hurts knowing how much time I wasted with that useless old bastard (file, that is). Pretty much all axes and hatchets fresh from the factory need work before they can perform optimally, so if you are just getting into it and are looking for a one and done file for reprofiling and sharpening, then this is the one.
manuel a
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2024
This file came with a an axe book and was very well packaged. Reminds me of when i purchased my GB 410 hatchet. Have not used but will update when i doEDITEnded up using it a few days later and boy is this thing sharp. The cutting of the metal is so smooth and satisfying. I sharpened my lawn mower blades that had been anhialated by years of abuse. I would recommend a more aggressive file if your blades are ruined like mine were. I love the hipster asthetic of the book but i am a milenial so this kind of thing appeals to me. Ended up using a 320/1000 stone after the file but this is optional as the file is all you need to mow. I might pick up an aggressive pferd file for my other blades that are ruined. It sure beats spending $28/blade
John Doey
Reviewed in Canada on January 12, 2024
It’s really strong 💪 and well made sharpens my axe 🪓 and knife 🔪 fast so I am happy thanks 😊
james f.
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2023
When I needed a file to sharpen my lawnmower blade I Googled, "German made steel file for lawnmower blade sharpening" and these files were among the search results. I tried out the smaller one today on an electric lawnmower blade with good results. The file cut easily into the metal and sharpened the blade within about 15 minutes. These files are very fine and leave a nice finish on steel. To make them last longer and to keep them from getting all "gummed up" with steel particles I applied a good coating of common sidewalk chalk to the cutting surfaces of the files. It keeps the steel particles from fusing to the file and makes it very easy to clean off those particles with a file card. Once in a while you actually GET what you PAY FOR.
Mountainman
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2023
This product performs very well. I purchased it to sharpen mower blades and axe heads. First use was mower blades. I was concerned about the size of the file. It seemed very small but the size turned out to be about right for the job. I do a lot in the field using knives and axes teaching youth Basic Survival. I love the product. Typically Germany knows their steel. I purchased for a quality product and I am so far pleased with the performance and quality.
LDR
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2023
Excellent coarse and fine file set used in the field to keep my cutting tools sharp. Finish file tunes axe edges quickly. Coarse file can reshape blade edges or remove dings and burrs. Both file handles feel a little sharp in the hand, so I wear leather gloves when using. Files clean easily with a standard steel file card or small wire brush.Very happy with this set.
Rob Noseworthy
Reviewed in Canada on December 13, 2023
bought to reprofile some Husqvarna axes. Have a Nicholson file which skates across the edge without removing any material. Just did 4 axes and hatchets in about an hour. Used the rag trick and the file bites. All are now just less than paper shaving sharp but can make feather sticks and precise bushcraft cuts. good file.
DON
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2023
I love these files. I immediately removed them from the package, admired the quality, and got to work on one of the two lawn mower blades that I had been saving to test these files! Excellent! Despite me being nearly 70 years old these files got the first blade sharp without too much trouble. I will do the other blade tomorrow morning. I just love how flat these files are and there are no stupid bends or curves like a lot of cheap files have. These are worth every penny! Hooray! My apologies as I cannot tell you how these would work on an axe, but I would expect they would be great! Again, these are worth the price! Outstanding quality! I am so pleased!
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