Broad axes have evolved to meet the needs of builders who create straight, square timbers from logs.
Gransfors Bruks straight broad axe
Model 1900
is more challenging to use than right-hand or left-hand broad axes, but considerable more versatile. The blade is in line with the eye, and the edge is beveled on both sides like a regular axe. It can be used to hew either side of a timber or its horizontal surface, too. On straight-grained wood it leaves surfaces nearly as clean as a right-hand or left-hand axe. Like those, this axe has a 3-lb. head with 7" face and 20" handle.