In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

New Helko Werk Forster Set

Discussion in 'Axes, Mauls, and Hand Saws' started by KSPlainsman, Nov 11, 2025.

  1. KSPlainsman

    KSPlainsman

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    Got this set on closeout, which is about what the set cost 3 years ago. Lol They were sold out of the maul, which I really wanted, but the rest of the set is pretty nice as well, for a "budget" line.

    Got them all soaking in BLO. So, it'll be just a bit before I put them to use.
    IMG_2025-11-11-12-40-19-626.jpg IMG_2025-11-11-12-40-43-572.jpg
     
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  2. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

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    Thats a nice set. Im liking the mini hookeroon. Id use that more than tongs to carry rounds.
     
  3. KSPlainsman

    KSPlainsman

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    Thanks.

    Yeah, that should come in handy. I have a few pickeroons already, but they're all longer handles. This shorter on should be nice working my piles, or moving rounds in the back of my pickup.

    I also have a couple sets of hand tongs and they work OK, but they're a little awkward to use, in my opinion. Pickeroons and hookeroons are just easier for me. Then again, I'm not carrying firewood longer distances either.
     
  4. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

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    I don't like the tongs even though I have a pair. Too clumsy for my liking. I've used the long handled pickeroon to carry rounds a good distance and prefer it as well as my Fiskars "cleaver"
     
  5. KSPlainsman

    KSPlainsman

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    What's your Fiskars "cleaver"? I'm not sure what that is.
     
  6. Paul bunion

    Paul bunion

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    Nice looking set.
    I have a mini pic also. It doesn’t get much use as I find pulp hooks more comfortable to hold and swing.
     
  7. KSPlainsman

    KSPlainsman

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    Thanks. I'm liking them.

    I've thought about pulp hooks, and I think they'd work just fine, too. Maybe that'll be the next purchase.
     
  8. woodsman416

    woodsman416

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    Nice set! I have a Helko Werk Tasmanian Racing axe that's a pleasure to swing. How long do you soak the handles for?
     
  9. KSPlainsman

    KSPlainsman

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    Well, I usually stand them on their heads in BLO for a couple weeks to get the wedge and eye to swell up and tighten up the head. Then I strip the lacquer off the handles and put BLO on it everyday for a week. Or, until it quits soaking in. So, about 3-ish weeks total.
     
  10. Cold Trigger Finger

    Cold Trigger Finger

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    I'm a pulp hook guy also. Been swinging them for over 50 years . I like and prefer my 7 and 12 " tongs for certain things. I often use the 7" with my pulp hook loading poles on the truck.
     
  11. Cold Trigger Finger

    Cold Trigger Finger

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    Nice looking set . What is the weight of the large axe ?
     
  12. KSPlainsman

    KSPlainsman

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    3.5lb, 32" handle
     
  13. Cold Trigger Finger

    Cold Trigger Finger

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  14. RGrant

    RGrant

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    Glad I read the comments before posting mine, because I was going to ask the same exact question.
     
  15. KSPlainsman

    KSPlainsman

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    I'm not too much of a stickler about it. They're actually still standing on their heads in BLO. I haven't had the time to get back to them. So, it does fluctuate a bit, for me.
     
  16. JD Guy

    JD Guy

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    Question for you pickaroon experts. I have an old hay hook and wondered if I modified that somewhat and sharpen it if it would work well for sticking smaller rounds and splits for moving around. Anyone ever tried this? I’m quite a few years past making any hay so this thing just hangs in the barn looking kind of forlorn :rofl: :lol:
     
  17. Cold Trigger Finger

    Cold Trigger Finger

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    You would have to get it real sharp for it to stick reliably. Been there , done that . As a general rule, it don't work well .
    There is a certain amount of kinetic energy and inertia that has to be applied to Stick into wood . Especially hardwood and even more , hard frozen wood perpendicular to the grain .
    A pulp hook or a pickaroon are designed to Stick, and release when u want them to .
     
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  18. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

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    If you can make the point like a pickaroon then it will "stick" better in a round. I made one from an old Fiskars x27 handle and a carriage bolt sharpened to a point and it didn't work well.

    Give it a try. Can't have forlorn looking tools now can we? :D
     
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