Axe makers since 1844
For over 180 years, Helko Werk in Germany has been manufacturing axes, hatchets & splitting tools that perfectly combine craftsmanship, precision and function.
Helko quality
Every Helko Our axes are crafted from high-quality materials ( C50 tool steel for the heads and US hickory for the handles) in our own factory. State-of-the-art machining techniques, experienced staff, and meticulous quality control guarantee durable tools that meet the highest standards. Helko Werk stands for perfection down to the last detail – designed, manufactured, and tested in Germany.
Since 1844
The history of Helko Werk began in 1844 in Cronenberg, now a district of Wuppertal, the historical center of German tool manufacturing. There, a worldwide reputation for outstanding axe quality developed over generations. Since 2025, Helko Werk has been producing in Waghäusel (Baden-Württemberg), where this tradition continues with modern technology, precision, and a passion for first-class tools under the umbrella of Josef Schmitt Werkzeug GmbH.
Manufacturing process
From raw material to perfectly balanced axe: at Helko Werk, all components – head and handle – are manufactured in-house. Every production step is carried out with state-of-the-art technology and meticulous craftsmanship. Thus, careful material selection, professional processing, and rigorous final inspection result in a tool that proudly bears the Helko Werk name.
Production at Helko Werk
How is a Helko axe head manufactured?
How is a Helko axe head manufactured?
Our premium axe heads are made from special C50 tool steel (carbon steel), which is forged with a forging hammer and in a die.
Each blow of the forging hammer initially compacts the raw material, thus improving its microstructure. This creates a high-strength steel with maximum fatigue resistance and exceptional durability – a characteristic that has distinguished Helko Werk for generations.
Experience is paramount when pre-shaping the glowing steel. The blacksmith holds the workpiece with tongs under the hammer and, with a practiced eye and several blows, pre-forms the steel. The pre-shaped blank is then forged into its final form in the die. This combination of mechanical force, control, and expertise is the key to the consistent quality of every Helko axe head.
After forging, the first 35 mm of the cutting edge are inductively heated to approximately 850 °C and then quenched. This hardening process ensures that the edge remains hard and retains its edge at around 60 HRC (Rockwell hardness), while the axe handle remains softer and thus less susceptible to cracks or breaks – for optimal performance and safety in use. In a further step, internal stresses in the steel are reduced by reheating (tempering). The finished axe edge thus has a hardness of 51-56 HRC.
After that, the heads receive their finishing touches: depending on the series, they are either lightly sandblasted or polished to a high gloss to give them their typical Helko finish. Then, all Helko axe heads are sharpened by hand and treated with a rust inhibitor – functional, high-quality, and aesthetically pleasing.
How is a Helko handle manufactured?
How is a Helko handle manufactured?
Our handles are made from Grade A hickory, which we source directly from the USA as logs. This is sawn into boards and then into squared timber, and air-dried for several months. In the next step, it is further dried in our modern drying chamber to guarantee a residual moisture content of 12-14%. This ensures that the handle does not lose any moisture in the finished tool, preventing the head from loosening.
Before the handle is milled, the wood is inspected for grain and fiber direction to ensure a perfectly balanced axe handle. Each handle is then finely sanded and given a protective coating of linseed oil. This protects the wood, enhances the natural grain, and improves the feel. The result is not just a functional handle, but also a piece of visible craftsmanship – robust, durable, and with a distinctive character.
How is a Helko leather cut guard manufactured?
How is a Helko leather cut guard manufactured?
Every axe and hatchet from Helko Werk comes with a robust blade guard made of genuine, high-quality, vegetable-tanned cowhide leather. The guard's construction features an additional layer of leather that rests against the axe blade, extending its lifespan. Nickel-plated rivets and an adjustable strap ensure a secure fit to the head and cutting edge. This safe and durable leather guard is manufactured in the EU and combines functionality, longevity, and classic design.