Louis Martin Custom Knives
Handmade Axe Knives
Quick Answer
An axe knife combines the chopping geometry of a hatchet with knife-level craftsmanship and portability. Louis Martin axe knives are hand-forged with high-carbon steel heads and fitted handles, ideal for camping, bushcraft, and collection.
The axe is humanity's oldest manufactured tool. Louis Martin's handmade axe knives bring three generations of blade expertise to this fundamental form — each piece individually forged, fitted, and finished for decades of hard use or proud display.
Characteristics & Construction
Head Geometry
Our axe knives feature convex-ground bits (the traditional forged edge) which provides superior wood-splitting performance compared to flat-ground edges, and is more resistant to damage from knot contact.
Handle Options
American hickory (traditional, available everywhere for replacement), ash, and fiberglass handles. All handles are hand-fitted and wedged for positive head retention.
Care & Maintenance
- 1
Oil the head
Apply a coat of linseed oil or axe wax to the head after use. This prevents rust and maintains the forge-finish appearance.
- 2
Season the handle
New hickory handles benefit from 3–4 coats of boiled linseed oil, applied one week apart. This seasons the wood and swells the fibers for a tighter head fit.
- 3
Sharpen with a file
Use a 10-inch bastard mill file to sharpen the axe bit. Work from the cheek toward the edge at the existing bevel angle. Finish with a whetstone for a refined edge.
Axe Knives — Frequently Asked Questions
What is an axe knife?
What are axe knives used for?
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