From the brand
Axe Makers since 1844
Recognized as a producer of premium world-class handmade axes and is one of the oldest axe manufacturers still operating in Europe.
Shop All Axes and Accessories
Helko Werk Classic Line
Helko Werk’s Classic range combines versatility, performance, and aesthetics to create a premium line of pristine working axes.
Helko Werk Traditional Line
Helko Werk’s Traditional line is a premium collection of hand-forged German heritage axes.
Helko Werk Vario 2000
The Vario 2000 is a patented design using a German engineered fastening system that introduces incredible versatility and efficiency.
Helko Förster 7 Axe Set
Förster by Helko is a commercial line of professional axes and forestry tools manufactured by the Helko Werk company.
Helko Werk Frontier Collection
Our signature Frontier Collection includes an assortment of top-quality outdoor and travel gear.
Helko Werk Tools & Accessories
Premium sharpening, maintenance and tools for keeping your leather and axes looking and working their best.
Helko Werk Leather Shop
We carry an assortment of sheaths and leather products, made in the USA from full-grain, vegetable tanned cowhide leather.
Helko Werk is widely recognized as a producer of premium world-class handmade axes. It is one of the oldest axe manufacturers still operating in Europe. The story of Helko Werk began in the village of Cronenberg, Germany, now part of the city of Wuppertal. It was there, in 1844, that August Helsper founded the August Helsper Werkzeugfabrik (the Helsper Tool Factory) and began producing axes for the region.
The Helsper Tool Factory increased its export of axes beyond the borders of Europe during the early twentieth century, and by the 1930s was regularly shipping axes to countries in Africa, Asia, and South America. It was also around this time that the Helsper family formed a partnership with the Kotthaus family, setting the stage for exponential growth and giving the company its current name: Helko (an amalgam of Helsper and Kotthaus).
Handmade in Germany: This Universal is an excellent felling and splitting axe for general purpose, in a midsize for most users. The universal axe is capable of delivering incredible striking power. This axe is designed to handle most common felling and splitting tasks. The curved, ergonomic handle creates excellent balance and minimizes fatigue. The Universal blade design will perform well as a cutting axe, but also makes an exceptional splitting axe for splitting firewood.
Patented Interchangeable Head Design: with C50 High Carbon Steel – 53-56 HRC – The Vario 2000 uses Helko Werk’s patented axe design – a German engineered bolt-on fastening system that introduces incredible versatility and efficiency across the Vario product line. All Vario heads, handles, and fastening components are fully interchangeable and inter-compatible. The heads are assembled with bolts which are driven through the handle and secured by a butt-plate retainer cap.
Grade A American Hickory: Matte Lacquer Finish, 150 Grit Sanded Lightly lacquered with black-dipped grip, individually selected for grain orientation and density, and sustainably sourced grade A American hickory
Includes Full Grain Leather Sheath – 1 Oz. Bottle of Axe Guard Protective Oil All Helko Werk Axes include a vegetable-tanned premium leather axe sheath to protect the blade of your axes and hatchets
Dimensions – Head Weight: 4.25 lbs , Total Weight: 5½ lbs, Handle Length: 30 in
