The Rhineland axe pattern is one of the most commonly known designs still in use today. Although some people may not know the name they will recognize the shape.
The broad range of weights and large cutting edge have made it a very versatile tool. Whether felling, splitting, limbing, timber framing, even carving this design can do it all.
Eventually, manufacturers from outside Germany decided to make their own versions. Along the way coming up with new names to aid in marketing and adding to the confusion.
In Canada, the Walters brand used names like “chainsaw axe”, “Canadian chopping” and “pulpwood axe” in order to appeal to the logging industry. The catchy names and beautiful artwork stood out in a market that was rapidly losing ground to the chainsaw.
Across the ocean the Swedish forges where doing the same thing. Producing “Canadian” and “Montreal” axes identical to the original Rhineland axe pattern. Compounding the confusion was the fact that there already was a distinct Montreal axe pattern.
Occasionally larger manufacturers wouldn’t even bother to name the newly produced axe, instead simply giving it a number.
>Keeping in mind that by the 1930s their production was around 400,000 pieces per year with hundreds of patterns being produced.
Current manufacturers seem intent on continuing to use vague names. Stihl has their “Forestry Axe” and Prandi their “German Type Axe.” With only Helko Werk actually marketing a “Rhineland pack axe.” The only saving grace is that they all use the traditional German D shaped eye.
Ultimately, in a world where sales were and still are king, names and patterns mean very little. Truthfully the whole exercise is a little pedantic but for those interested in history there are a few classic patterns that stand out no matter what they’re called.
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