How to Draw an Axe

Completed axe drawing with a curved handle, metal head, cutting edge, and light shading.

Using just a few very simple lines, you can learn how to draw an axe. Step by step, you will construct the basic shape of the axe and finally add shadows to give it a three-dimensional appearance.

We have already shown you how to draw a battle axe, but this time we will draw an ordinary axe used as a tool.

How to draw an axe step by step

Step 1: Outline the axe head

Sketch the main shape of the axe head. Make the lines light because we will refine them later, in the next steps. Axe heads can have different shapes. In our example the blade widens toward the cutting edge and the opposite side is shorter and narrower.

Sketching the broad axe head with simple light outer contours.

Step 2: Shape the curved handle

Now draw the handle extending downward from the axe head. It can be straight or slightly curved, as in our example. Make the handle narrower near the center and gradually widen it toward the both ends.

Adding the axe’s long slightly curved handle beneath the metal head.

Step 3: Mark the eye and cutting edge

Next, draw the eye of the axe where the handle passes through the head. Then add the line of the cutting edge near the front of the blade. Refine and darken the outer contours of the head and handle and erase any unnecessary construction lines.

Detailing the axe head with the eye, cutting edge, and clean contours.

Step 4: Shade the metal head

Now, add shadows and highlights to give the axe more complete and realistic look. Use simple hatching on the darker areas of the metal head. You can also add a few subtle strokes to the blade to convey the highlights.

Finishing the axe drawing with hatching and highlights across the metal head.

This tutorial on how to draw an axe was quite simple. You can also try drawing axes with different head and handle shapes for additional practice.

Now it is time for some deeper practice. As we said earlier, an axe can have a different blade shape and handle, so try sketching an axe with different outlines for these parts.

Next, move on to drawing other similar tools. For example, draw a hammer, a tool that also consists of a metal head and a wooden handle. Then draw a hand saw, which also has two basic parts but a different overall shape.

Despite their very different appearance, all of these objects are very easy to draw.

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