{"id":1102,"date":"2021-03-15T23:11:20","date_gmt":"2021-03-15T23:11:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.timbergadgets.com\/?p=1102"},"modified":"2021-05-14T14:54:10","modified_gmt":"2021-05-14T14:54:10","slug":"pulaski-axe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.timbergadgets.com\/pulaski-axe\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is A Pulaski Axe?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Pulaski axes are one of the most commonly used types of axes. But in an interesting twist, they are less known by the general populace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Pulaski axe is a tool that combines the sharp, cutting edge of a traditional axe and the curved, hoe-like blade of a mattock. It\u2019s useful for a wide variety of uses, from creating firebreaks to chopping firewood. Traditionally used for fighting wildfires, it has since expanded into commercial markets.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pulaski axe was designed with combating wildfires in mind, but its design also lends itself to many other activities. Because of this, it\u2019s remained popular and a core part of firefighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep reading to learn more about Pulaski axes, their uses, pros and cons of these axes, and the rich history behind this axe\u2019s invention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All About Pulaski Axes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pulaski axes are a combination of traditional axes and adzes. One side of the axe head features the sharp cutting edge of an axe, while the other side of the head has a curved mattock blade. The cutting edge is parallel to the handle and the mattock blade is perpendicular, similar to that of a hoe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The axe head is typically made of steel, while the shaft is usually wooden with a reinforced steel core. This helps balance the axe and evenly distribute weight, so that it doesn\u2019t feel top-heavy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More modern versions of the Pulaski feature shafts made of plastic or fiberglass. These materials can further reduce the axe\u2019s overall weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also known as a cutter mattock, you\u2019ll be able to tell a Pulaski axe from other axe types by its distinct head shape. Pulaski axes will always feature these two specific edges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An axe with two cutting edges is a double-bit axe, while an axe with just a mattock blade is an adze; either way, it\u2019s not a Pulaski.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This design makes the axe easy to carry and lighter than traditional or other double-bit axes. It also maximizes its versatility by combining the uses of an axe and an adze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Beth
Forest entomologist Beth Willhite holding a Pulaski Axe. Photo Credit: R6 Forest Health Protection (public domain).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Pulaski axe is still primarily used to fight wildfires, but there are several other common uses for it, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sharp edge is useful for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n