I am a retired blacksmith who has forged all types of tools over the years, and this Vario 2000 splitting axe looks as beautiful as it works. I tried out the Helko "classic" splitting axe, but did not like the balance in the swing, so I decided to try this one out. It is perfect for the person who likes speed and momentum to split wood, instead of the weight and mass of a heavier splitting maul. I also tried out a Fiskars splitting axe, and while it is very similar in performance, it is lacking in asthetics, and I don't trust the plastic "unbreakable" handle that I would not be able to fix myself! There are several pictures on the internet of Fiskars axes that broke when used in very cold weather.....not a problem with a wood handle. However, while the Helko is much more costly, I still prefer using the Vario 2000 over the Fiskars.

Bit is malformed and "curves" to the right when looking at it from the poll end. This is not just a "minor variance due to the head having been drop-forged by hand", it's a lack of care and quality control. To be fair, it's not just Helko that is (apparently) focusing on quantity over quality...this is becoming increasingly common with most manufacturers (yes, even European and American), and I've come to expect that any contemporary made axe (with the usual exception of Gransfors Bruk) is going to need an hour or more of filing/reshaping right out of the box. I'm not going to bother returning/exchanging it because there's no guarantee that the replacement would be any better. In any case, this axe is a commodity, not an heirloom. It's not "perfect", but can be made sufficient, with a little work. Grain orientation is acceptable and sheath is decent.

This is a great tool. It's very well made and and has a beautiful handle.

I purchased the Pioneer, actually my third axe from Helko Werk this summer. Upon arrival, the bit was sharp and the handle smooth - but the sheath was nowhere to be found! I contacted Helko North America and explained the situation to them, and they agreed not only to replace the missing sheath - but to upgrade mine to the leather premium sheath for free! The one that even says "Wuppertal, Germany" on the side - the hometown of the company's main facility.

This July, some friends and I took down a 45' white ash tree, mainly using the Pioneer as my workhorse - no chainsaw. It took the better part of an afternoon, but everyone was safe and we had a good time. Out of all the tools we considered for felling, this was both the most efficient and coveted axe. From the friend who used to fell trees for money, to the guy that had never swung at a tree before, everyone found the Helko Pioneer both easy to handle, and very forgiving during fatigue.

Like all axes in Helko Werk's traditional line, the head is very easy to maintain, and the bit easy to sharpen. The included axe guard oil is a great product to use in between landscaping projects. It's easy to apply, and even smells awesome. Apply the axe guard gives you the same feeling of petting a wolverine's claws to coo it asleep.

Very well made. The little extra weight and length are great. Great Product.