Firefighters rely on various specialized tools to perform their life-saving duties, and among the most iconic is the firefighter’s axe. These axes are not just symbols of the profession but critical instruments that serve multiple functions in emergency situations. But what exactly is a fireman’s axe called? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of firefighter axes, their specific names, designs, and applications in both structural and wildland firefighting scenarios.
Types of Firefighter Axes and Their Names
Firefighters use several specialized axes, each with unique features designed for specific purposes. Here are the main types of firefighter axes and what they’re called:
Pick Head Axe
The pick head axe (also called a pickhead axe) is perhaps the most recognizable and versatile firefighter axe. As the name suggests, it features a traditional cutting blade on one side and a pointed pick on the other. This design allows firefighters to both chop and pry with a single tool.
The pick head axe is particularly valued in structural firefighting for its versatility. The pointed pick can be used to:
- Punch through walls and roofs
- Create ventilation holes
- Provide anchoring when working on pitched roofs
- Pull ceiling materials during overhaul operations
The cutting edge is used for chopping through doors, windows, and other obstacles when creating access or escape routes.
Flat Head Axe
The flat head axe features a traditional axe blade on one side and a flat hammer-like surface on the opposite side. This design makes it especially useful as both a cutting and striking tool.
The flat head is particularly valuable when paired with other tools such as the Halligan bar (more on this combination later). The flat hammerhead can be used to:
- Drive the Halligan bar during forcible entry
- Strike locks, hinges, and other hardware
- Break glass and other brittle materials
- Serve as a hammering tool for various applications
Pulaski Axe
Named after its inventor, Ed Pulaski, a heroic forest ranger who saved the lives of a firefighting crew during the Great Idaho Fire of 1910, the Pulaski axe combines an axe blade with an adze (a curved digging tool similar to a hoe). This design makes it especially valuable for wildland firefighting, where creating firebreaks often requires both cutting vegetation and digging soil.
The Pulaski is primarily used for:
- Cutting through brush, small trees, and roots
- Digging fire lines and trenches
- Breaking up root-bound soil
- Removing bark from trees
- Clearing paths through vegetated areas
Unlike the pick head and flat head axes, which are mainly used in structural firefighting, the Pulaski is the preferred axe for wildland firefighting operations.
Historical Context of Firefighter Axes
The Seagrave Axe
One of the most famous and historically significant firefighter axes is the Seagrave Axe. This pick head axe was originally manufactured by the Collins Company in the 1800s and later became associated with the Seagrave Corporation, which provided them as standard equipment on their fire engines.
The Seagrave Axe has several distinctive features:
- Longer overall length compared to standard pick head axes
- Thinner blade profile
- Pick angled slightly downward
- Diamond-shaped “axe-lip” where the handle enters the head
Though production of the original Seagrave Axe ended around 1921, its legacy continues to influence modern firefighter axe design. Modern replicas and variants of the Seagrave Axe are still produced by specialty manufacturers like Fire Axe Inc. and are particularly prized by firefighters in departments like the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
Evolution of Firefighter Axes
The design of firefighter axes has evolved over centuries, adapting to changing building materials, firefighting techniques, and safety requirements. Early firefighters used simple tools similar to logging axes, but as firefighting became more specialized, so did the tools.
By the early 20th century, specialized axes like the Pulaski and standardized pick head and flat head designs became common. Modern axes benefit from advances in metallurgy, with heat-treated steel that maintains a sharper edge and resists damage even when cutting through nails and other hardware.
Handle materials have also evolved from traditional wood (usually hickory) to modern fiberglass composites that resist breaking, are impervious to water damage, and provide better grip in wet conditions.
Technical Specifications of Firefighter Axes
Understanding the technical specifications of firefighter axes helps explain how they’re optimized for their intended use.
Weight
Firefighter axes typically come in various weights, with common specifications including:
- Pick head axes: 6-8 pounds (head weight)
- Flat head axes: 6-8 pounds (head weight)
- Pulaski: 3.75-5 pounds (head weight)
The weight of an axe affects both its striking power and the user’s ability to carry and wield it effectively over extended periods. Structural firefighting axes tend to be heavier for greater force when breaching barriers, while wildland firefighting axes like the Pulaski are somewhat lighter for extended carry and use in remote areas.
Handle Length
Handle lengths for firefighter axes typically range between:
- 28-36 inches for structural firefighting axes
- 32-36 inches for wildland firefighting axes
The handle length affects leverage, striking power, and portability. Shorter handles (28-32 inches) are more maneuverable in tight spaces and can be secured to a firefighter’s belt or gear, while longer handles (34-36 inches) provide more leverage and striking power but may be more challenging to use in confined areas.
Materials and Construction
Head Materials
Most quality firefighter axe heads are made of high-grade tool steel, heat-treated to achieve a Rockwell hardness of 50-58 HRC. This hardness balances edge retention with resistance to chipping or breaking when striking hard objects.
Handle Materials
Firefighter axe handles are typically made of:
- Hickory wood: Traditional, provides good shock absorption, but requires maintenance and can degrade with moisture exposure
- Fiberglass: More durable, resistant to weather, chemicals, and insects, often with non-slip grips for use in wet conditions
Many modern axes feature design elements like extended guards below the axe head to protect the handle from damage during overstrikes.
The “Irons” – Combining the Axe with the Halligan Bar
In structural firefighting, the flat head axe is often paired with a Halligan bar to create what firefighters call “the irons,” “married set,” or “set of irons.” This combination creates a highly versatile forcible entry toolkit.
The Halligan bar, invented by FDNY First Deputy Chief Hugh Halligan in 1948, features:
- A claw or fork on one end
- A blade or adze on the opposite end
- A tapered pick in the middle
When combined with a flat head axe, the two tools complement each other perfectly:
- The axe can drive the Halligan bar for forcible entry
- The Halligan can be used for prying while the axe is used for cutting
- Together they provide options for almost any forcible entry situation
Many fire departments design their axes and Halligan bars to “marry” together for easy carrying, with special slots or designs that allow the tools to partially interlock.
Structural vs. Wildland Firefighting Axes
The tools used in structural and wildland firefighting differ due to the unique challenges each environment presents.
Structural Firefighting Axes
In structural firefighting (buildings and vehicles), firefighters typically use:
- Pick head axes for versatility
- Flat head axes for forcible entry (often as part of “the irons”)
These axes are designed for:
- Breaking through doors, windows, and walls
- Creating ventilation openings
- Overhaul operations (removing damaged materials to check for hidden fire)
- Striking other tools like the Halligan bar
Wildland Firefighting Axes
In wildland firefighting (forests, brush, grasslands), firefighters typically use:
- Pulaski axes as their primary axe
- Single or double-bit felling axes for larger trees
These tools are designed for:
- Creating fire lines (strips of cleared land to stop fire spread)
- Clearing brush and small trees
- Digging into soil to expose and extinguish ground fires
- Removing fuel from the fire’s path
Proper Use and Maintenance of Firefighter Axes
Safe Handling
Proper carrying techniques are essential for firefighter safety:
- Pick head axes should be carried with the pick pointed up and the blade facing away from the body
- The blade can be covered with a hand or pointed downward
- For longer distances, the axe may be carried with the head up and the handle resting on the shoulder
Maintenance
To keep axes in optimal condition:
- Clean after use (especially after exposure to smoke, chemicals, or saltwater)
- Remove rust with steel wool or a wire brush
- Apply a light coat of oil to the metal parts
- For wooden handles:
- Clean with mild soap and water
- Sand if splintered
- Apply boiled linseed oil to condition
- For fiberglass handles:
- Clean with mild soap and water
- Check for cracks or damage
- Ensure the head remains tight on the handle
Sharpening
Maintaining the edge of a firefighter axe requires proper sharpening techniques:
- Use a file rather than a grinding wheel, as grinding can generate heat that affects the temper of the steel
- Maintain the original bevel angle
- Sharpen until a clean, consistent edge is achieved
- Remove any burrs or wire edges
- Test the edge carefully using appropriate methods
Training and Proficiency
Effective use of firefighter axes requires proper training and regular practice. Firefighters train in various techniques including:
- Proper striking techniques for maximum effect with minimum fatigue
- Safe handling and carrying methods
- Specialized breaching techniques for different construction types
- Coordinated tool use with other firefighters
- Tool maintenance and care
Many fire departments have specialized training props and programs dedicated to forcible entry and tool use, recognizing that proficiency with tools like axes can be critical in emergency situations.
Modern Innovations and Specialized Designs
While the basic designs of firefighter axes have remained relatively stable for decades, manufacturers continue to refine and improve them:
- Lighter, stronger alloys that reduce weight while maintaining strength
- Improved handle materials and designs for better grip and durability
- Specialized coatings to reduce friction during cutting
- Advanced heat treatment processes for better edge retention
- Ergonomic design improvements to reduce fatigue
Some manufacturers also produce specialized variants, such as axes with built-in hydrant wrenches or other multi-tool features, though these tend to be less common than the standard designs.
Choosing the Right Firefighter Axe
For firefighters or departments selecting axes, several factors should be considered:
- Primary use environment (structural vs. wildland)
- Local building construction types
- Compatibility with other department tools
- Handle material preferences
- Weight preferences (balancing striking power with usability)
- Budget constraints (quality axes represent a significant investment)
Many experienced firefighters recommend handling and testing different axes before making a selection, as personal preference regarding balance, handle material, and weight can significantly impact usability.
Conclusion
The fireman’s axe goes by several names depending on its specific design – pick head axe, flat head axe, or Pulaski – each serving unique functions in firefighting operations. These specialized tools represent the evolution of firefighting technology, combining traditional tool-making with purpose-built features for emergency operations.
Beyond their practical utility, firefighter axes have become powerful symbols of the profession, representing the firefighter’s preparedness to overcome barriers and challenges in the service of saving lives and property. Understanding the different types of firefighter axes and their applications provides insight into the complexity of firefighting operations and the specialized tools that make them possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a regular axe and a firefighter’s axe?
Firefighter axes are purpose-designed for emergency situations, featuring specialized head shapes (like the pick or flat hammer on the back), balanced weight distribution for control, and often protective features like extended guards to prevent handle damage. They’re also typically made of higher-grade steel able to withstand cutting through nails and other building materials without damage.
Why do structural firefighters prefer pick head axes over Pulaski axes?
Structural firefighters deal primarily with buildings and vehicles, where the pointed pick of a pick head axe is ideal for punching through walls, ceilings, and roofs to create ventilation or access. The Pulaski’s adze (hoe-like) end is less useful in these environments but excels in wildland scenarios where digging fire lines is essential.
How heavy should a firefighter’s axe be?
Most professional-grade firefighter axes have head weights between 6-8 pounds, with total weights (including the handle) of approximately 8-10 pounds. This weight provides sufficient force for breaching operations while remaining manageable for carrying and controlled use. Personal preference and physical capability also play roles in selecting the appropriate weight.
What is the best handle material for a firefighter’s axe?
Both traditional hickory wood and modern fiberglass handles have advantages. Hickory provides better shock absorption and grip feel but requires more maintenance. Fiberglass is more durable and weather-resistant but may transmit more shock to the user. Many departments now use fiberglass handles for their durability and reduced maintenance requirements.
How do I maintain the edge on my firefighter axe?
Regular maintenance with a file (not a grinding wheel, which can affect the steel’s temper) is recommended. Clean the axe after use, check for damage, file to maintain the edge when needed, and store the axe in a dry location. For wooden handles, periodic treatment with boiled linseed oil helps prevent drying and cracking.
