Yxa

Yxa is the Swedish word for an axe, a hand tool used for cutting, shaping, and splitting wood. The term covers a range of implements with a metal blade fixed to a handle, typically used in forestry, carpentry, and general woodcutting. In broader English usage, it corresponds to tools such as hatchets, axes, and felling or splitting axes.

Design and variants are defined by the blade shape, weight, and the length and material of the handle. Common categories include felling axes, which have a long handle and a balanced head for chopping through trees; splitting axes, designed with a wedge-shaped head for splitting wood along grain; and carpenter or broad axes, used for hewing and shaping timber. The head is usually made of steel, and the handle is traditionally wooden, often ash or hickory, though fiberglass or polymer handles are also common. The head may feature a cutting edge on one side and a hammer-like poll on the opposite side for driving wedges or performative tasks.

Historically, axes have been used since prehistoric times, with metal versions appearing in the Bronze and Iron Ages. In Nordic and European contexts, the yxa has both practical and cultural significance, evolving through industrialization into a standardized tool for construction and logging. Modern axes range from small hand axes to large professional felling axes, with variations in balance, edge geometry, and handle design tailored to specific tasks.

Maintenance and safety are essential: the blade should be kept sharp, edges regularly honed, and the handle checked for cracks. Proper technique, protective gear, and secure footing help reduce the risk of injury during use.