Husqvarna A2400 Multi-Purpose Axe

The A2400 is a Husqvarna axe with a fiber composite handle, built as a multi-purpose tool for limbing, light splitting and the general chopping that comes up on tree jobs and at home. The composite handle shrugs off weather and abuse that would ruin a wooden one.

Why choose a fiber handle

Wooden handles feel great but need care. Left in a wet truck bed they swell, dry out, crack and work loose. A composite handle does not care if it rides in the rain all week. It is also more forgiving of an overstrike, where the handle rather than the head hits the wood, which is the classic way wooden handles break.

That makes the A2400 a good truck axe for crews that are hard on tools, and for anyone who wants an axe that is ready when they need it without oiling the handle every season.

Composite handles also tend to be lighter for their length than hickory, so the axe moves fast. That said, some people prefer the feel and feedback of wood. If you already own a good wooden-handled axe you like, this makes a solid second axe for the truck or the trailer.

What a multi-purpose axe handles

On a tree job, the multi purpose axe knocks off small limbs, notches a stump for a grinder, trims roots, splits a few rounds, and drives plastic felling wedges with the poll. At home it splits kindling and handles camp chores.

It is a compromise tool. For serious firewood splitting, a Husqvarna splitting axe does the job faster. For clean limbing on big logs, a saw is usually faster still. But as one axe that does a bit of everything, it earns its spot on the truck.

It is also a good choice for the ground person who wants one axe on the trailer that nobody needs to baby. When it gets left out overnight in the rain, it is fine the next morning.

Using an axe safely

Before swinging, check that the head is tight, the edge is sound and there is nothing in your swing path, including overhead branches. Keep other people well back. Stand so that if the axe glances or misses, it goes into the ground or the block, not into your leg or foot. Wear eye protection, gloves and sturdy boots.

Limb from the opposite side of the log where possible, so the log is between you and the edge. Do not chop near rocks or dirt; they ruin the edge and can make the head bounce. When you are tired, stop. Most axe injuries happen late in the day.

Sharpening and care

Keep the edge sharp with a file or stone, holding the original bevel. A sharp axe bites; a dull axe glances. Wipe the head after use and keep a light coat of oil on it to prevent rust, especially if it rides in a damp truck. Keep the edge guard on in transport and storage. Inspect the handle regularly and replace the axe if the handle or head cracks.

Use a guide or a puck-style stone for sharpening in the field, and save heavy reshaping for the bench with a file and vise. Never use a bench grinder at high speed without cooling the steel, since overheating can ruin the temper of the edge.