If you’re buying an adze online then you’ll want to know as much specific information about it as possible.
Different sites will concentrate on different information, but most will tell you the weight and length of the tool.
There are no standardised sizes for adzes as they are mostly hand crafted. This means you have more freedom to choose the size you feel you will need for whichever job you’re planning to do.
Measurements may be provided in metric (millimetres), imperial (inches) or both.
Overall length
The overall length of an adze is the distance from the bottom of the handle to the top of the head.
Weight
A weight is often provided, either for the entire tool or just the head. The website you are looking at should specify which weight they have provided.
The heavier the adze, the easier it is to shave off larger chunks of wood as the weight of the tool adds more force to your swing.
Weights can also be provided in metric (g) or imperial (lbs).
Width
Where a width is listed, it refers to the width of the tool’s cutting edge. Sizes usually range from 1/2″ to 5 1/2″ in half inch steps, although more specific sizes, such as 1 3/8″ do exist.
The wider the adze blade, the larger the surface area you can smooth with each swing.
Thickness
Blade thickness may also be provided. This will usually take the form of a measurement, followed by the type of material the blade is made of, such as 3/8″ steel.
Sweep
If you are buying a lipped adze then there may also be a reference to sweep. Sweep refers to the amount that the blade is curved.
Sweep will be indicated with a number between 1 and 11, where 1 is flat and 11 is semicircular.
The smaller the number, the shallower the curve of the blade. This is measured on the London Pattern system, which is also referred to as the Sheffield system.
The lower the number of the sweep, the straighter the blade. If you’re carving tight corners, you will need an adze with a higher number sweep.
