Why we stock Adler at Crib Goch Outdoor
An axe is one of those tools where the quality is immediately felt rather than read about. You can feel the balance and weight of the axe head, and the way the hickory handle absorbs shock on a hard swing. Adler gets it right at a price point that does not ask you to spend Gransfors Bruks money for a tool you are going to use regularly in camp and in the woods. We find the C60 forged steel holds an edge well, sharpens easily with the Adler puck and the construction is built to last. Adler describes their axes as tools with metal parts that will last a lifetime, which is an honest statement so far from our own experience.
Adler is also genuinely sustainable, the factory runs on energy generated from the wood waste produced during handle manufacturing, up to 700kW of self-generated power, and all paints used are water-based. The company holds the certified "Deutsches Werkzeug, Made in Germany" designation. These are verified claims.
What we stock and why we chose it
The Super Splitter is the largest and heaviest axe in our Adler range, built specifically for splitting logs and firewood. The wide, flared head geometry drives wood apart rather than cutting through it. If you are processing firewood at camp or at home, this is the model to reach for. The Rheinland Axe at 700mm is the all-round full-size axe: suited to camp use, light felling, and general outdoor tasks that need a longer handled Axe with proper swing weight. The Rheinland Hatchet at 360mm is the packable camp alternative: enough head weight to be genuinely useful for kindling, stakes, and camping tasks without weighing you down too much. The Scout Hatchet is the smallest and lightest option in the range, sized for day packs and lighter use where a compact tool is more practical than a full hatchet. The Adler Sharpening Puck is a dual-grit sharpening stone in an 80/220 combination, designed for maintaining the edge on axes and hatchets in the field. We believe strongly in looking after your kit, products should be built to last but you play a key role in the process by with proper use and product care.
Looking for guidance on choosing an axe for camp and outdoor use? Read A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Knife or Axe or Mastering the Edge: A Guide to Sharpening Hultafors Axes alternatively come in to our stores in Llanberis or Beddgelert for more personalised advice.
Adler Axes FAQs
Are Adler axes hand forged? +
Adler axes are drop-forged and machine-forged from C60 German steel, then hand finished and hand sharpened. They are not hand-forged in the traditional individual blacksmith sense, but they are forged rather than cast, which is the important distinction for edge steel quality. Forging aligns the grain structure of the steel and produces a stronger, more resilient head than casting. The hand finishing and sharpening means every axe leaves the factory with a working edge rather than needing additional preparation. Adler is one of the last companies in Europe to combine woodworking and blacksmithing under one roof, and the quality of the finished tool reflects that integrated approach.
What is the best German axe brand? +
The main comparison in the UK market is between Adler and Helko Werk, both German forged axe brands with century-long heritage. Helko occupies a more premium price point and their axes are known for exceptional fit and finish, with a slightly more refined aesthetic. Adler is the more accessible choice: comparable steel quality and construction, proven over a century of manufacturing, at a price that makes the investment straightforward for regular outdoor use rather than a collector's piece. For most camp use, bushcraft, and firewood processing, Adler delivers excellent performance at a fair price. If you want the premium German axe experience and the budget supports it, Helko is worth considering alongside.
What pound axe is best for splitting wood? +
For splitting firewood, head weight and head geometry matter more than overall axe weight. A splitting axe has a wide, flared head designed to drive wood apart along the grain rather than a narrow cutting edge designed to bite into it. The Adler Super Splitter is built specifically for this purpose with a head designed for splitting rather than chopping. For a camp axe splitting smaller pieces and kindling, the Rheinland Hatchet provides enough head weight to be effective without the bulk of a full splitting axe. As a general guide, a 1.5 to 2kg head weight is appropriate for medium splitting tasks, while larger logs benefit from a heavier head of 2.5kg or more.
Is it illegal to carry an axe in the UK? +
UK law prohibits carrying an axe in a public place without good reason. An axe is legal to own and to use for its intended purposes including camping, bushcraft, and firewood processing, but carrying one in public requires a legitimate reason such as travelling to and from a specific outdoor activity. Transporting an axe in a vehicle to a campsite or outdoor activity could be considered a legitimate use. Carrying one in a town or public space without clear purpose is definitely not. If you are in any doubt about the specific circumstances of your intended use, we recommend checking the current guidance from the UK government. We sell Adler axes for outdoor and bushcraft use and ask that customers use them responsibly and in accordance with UK law.
Are you supposed to sharpen an axe and how do you do it? +
Yes. A sharp axe is safer and more efficient than a dull one. A dull edge requires more force, increases the risk of glancing blows, and fatigues the user faster. Adler axes come hand sharpened from the factory but will require maintenance with regular use. The Adler Sharpening Puck we stock is a dual-grit 80/220 stone designed for field sharpening of axes and hatchets. Work the coarser 80-grit side first to remove any nicks or restore a badly blunted edge, then finish with the 220-grit side to refine the edge. Use circular motions on the bevel, maintaining a consistent angle, and work both sides of the blade evenly. A sharp axe should bite cleanly into end grain wood without requiring excessive force.
Can I see Adler axes in store in North Wales? +
Yes. We stock Adler axes and hatchets in our stores in Llanberis and Beddgelert. For an axe, handling it before buying makes a significant difference. The balance and swing weight are things a product page cannot convey as well as picking it up. All axe purchases are subject to age verification as required by UK law. Come in and we will help you choose the right model for your intended use.