• Gear
    • Gadgets
    • Knives
    • Pens
    • Tools
  • Health
    • Fitness & Exercise
    • Physical Health
    • Grooming
    • Face & Body
  • Home
    • Kitchen
    • Coffee
    • Food & Drinks
    • Furniture
    • Office
    • Books
    • Lawn & Garden
    • Pets
  • Outdoors
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Sports
    • Survival
    • Travel
  • Style
    • Apparel
    • Footwear
    • Watches
    • Bags
    • Wallets
    • Cologne
  • Tech
    • Audio
    • Displays
    • Drones
    • Gaming
    • Phones
    • Photography
    • Smart Home
    • Wearables
  • Gifts
  • Blog
    • Health & Body
    • Fitness
    • Grooming
    • Lifestyle
    • Life Hacks
    • Outdoor & Sports
    • Self Improvement
    • Style
    • Travel
  • Home
  • Gear
  • Tools
Last updated: 13 Feb 2020

12 Best Wood Axes (Review) In 2021

husqvarna 30” wooden splitting axe

Husqvarna 30” Wood Splitting Axe

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
crkt woods chogan tomahawk axe

CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk Wood Axe

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
ganfors bruks outdoor axe

Ganfors Bruks Outdoor Axe

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
Show contents
By Instash
Published 11:21 am
Contents
  • The Best Wood Axe
  • 1 Husqvarna 30” Wood Splitting Axe
  • 2 Fiskars x 27 Super Splitting 36” Wood Axe
  • 3 CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk Wood Axe
  • 4 Ganfors Bruks Outdoor Axe
  • 5 Fiskars Iso Core 36” Maul Axe
  • 6 Estwing Fireside Friend 14” Axe
  • 7 Husqvarna 19” Wooden Splitting Axe
  • 8 Helko Werk Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter
  • 9 Truper 30958 36” Splitting Maul Axe
  • 10 Estwing 16” Camper’s Axe
  • 11 Leveraxe 36” Vipukirves Spitting Axe
  • 12 Hults Bruk Bjork Splitting Axe

Pretty much since time began, man has fashioned together some form of an axe in order split, shape and cut timber for warmth and protection amongst other things. The axe, while certainly more sophisticated these days, is essentially still the same as it was all those millennia ago, consisting of two principal parts; an axe head with some form of a handle. These days, it’s not uncommon for the best wood axes to be fashioned from high-quality Japanese steel with handles typically constructed from either hickory or ash wood. That said, space-age fiberglass is also becoming increasingly popular, and plastic is always a cost-effective option if you need to slash the budget. So if you fancy yourself as some form of modern-day lumberjack and are ready to answer the call of the wild, spitting wood the old-fashioned way, then you’re going to want to read our review of the best wood axes around as the last thing you want, is a handle that splinters or flying picket mid wield! Let’s take a look then at our selection of the best axe models available right now.

The Best Wood Axe

1
Husqvarna 30” Wood Splitting Axe

See More Reviews
husqvarna 30” wooden splitting axe
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

When it comes to classically good looking and reassuringly old fashioned axes, Husqvarna has it down to a tee and their 30” Splitting Axe is a fine specimen, perfect for all kinds of general cutting purposes. There’s such a manly and empowering feeling about holding a solid wooden handled axe, and if you love the outdoors way of living and spend plenty of time camping or visiting a lodge for weekend retreats, then this Husqvarna 30” Wood Splitting Axe is going to be ideal for you. The long length handle which is made from hickory delivers plenty of leverage for powerful cuts, and the securely fitted axe head is constructed from high-quality Swedish axe steel. Our handy guide to the best circular saws features more great products like this.

Key Features:

Multi-purpose single-bit axe in traditional style

Swedish steel axe head securely attached to a long hickory shaft

Versatile for performing a range of wood chopping and tree felling functions

Includes a leather edge cover

Specification:
  • BrandHusqvarna
  • Model576926701
  • Weight3.5 pounds

2
Fiskars x 27 Super Splitting 36” Wood Axe

See More Reviews
fiskars x 27 super splitting 36” axe
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

If it’s the best axe for spilling wood that you’re looking for, then you can go wrong with this Fiskars X27 Super Splitting axe which happens to be one of the best in class. With its long 36” handle that features a textured non-slip grip alongside a Covent blade, this Fiskars axe provides the perfect balance and symmetry and has the kind of power to weight ratio that you experience when swinging a baseball bat. With this splendid axe by your side, you can confidently split just about anything, and it’s ideally suited to taller users. It’s responsive and powerful, and the handle absorbs most of the impact meaning you don’t have to.

Key Features:

Combines perfect weight to power distribution

Advanced blade geometry

Seriously sharp edge deliver one-swing splits

Long handle for increased leverage and maximum power

Specification:
  • BrandFiskars
  • Model378841-1002
  • Weight5.85 pounds

3
CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk Wood Axe

See More Reviews
crkt woods chogan tomahawk axe
See More Reviews
crkt woods chogan tomahawk axe
crkt woods chogan tomahawk axe
crkt woods chogan tomahawk axe
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

From Columbia River Knife and Tool company, their Chogan Tomahawk Axe is one of the best woodman axes around, and any lover of the outdoors is bound to be super impressed by its usability, versatility as well as its super quality. From hamming down tent pegs to chopping logs and so much more, this Chogan Tomahawk axe hot forged from 1055 carbon steel is second to none when it comes to splitting power. The lacquer coated handle not only looks great but it allows delivers a smooth and comfortable grip that won’t leave the user covered in splinters and blisters, no matter how much chopping work lies ahead of them. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best stud finders.

Key Features:

Constructed from hot forge carbon steel with a Tennessee Hickory handle

Lightweight and slim hatchet style with a full axe blade design

Lacquer coated handle prevents blisters and splinters

Versatile and dependable and perfect for all outdoor survival needs

Specification:
  • BrandColumbia River Knife & Tool
  • Model9001310
  • Weight2.14 pounds

4
Ganfors Bruks Outdoor Axe

See More Reviews
ganfors bruks outdoor axe
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Yet another superb example of a high quality, badass axe which has plenty of power per pound of steel. This Ganfors Bruks Outdoor Axe is ideal for felling larger trees and limbing felled trees too thanks to that seriously strong steelhead combined with a hickory handle. Your purchase from Ganfors Bruks also includes a leather sheath in good looking vegetable tanned leather along with a book entitled “Axe Book.” This really is a premium and exceptionally sharp blade, forged in a curved style which makes it even more suitable for cutting into fresh resinous wood types such as spruce and pine. Swedish made, it’s certainly impressive if a little expensive.

Key Features:

Comes with a 14.75” premium hickory handle

Includes a full grain leather protective sheaf

Quality Swedish steel full one pound weighted blade

Ideal for felling larger trees

Specification:
  • BrandGransfors Bruks
  • ModelDrake Off Road Tools
  • Weight1.2 pounds

5
Fiskars Iso Core 36” Maul Axe

See More Reviews
fiskars iso core 36” maul axe
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

We’re taking a look at a 36” wood maul axe next from the popular brand, Fiskars. This one features their IsoCore shock control system, expertly designed to minimize impact and to absorb shock and vibration for your comfort. With that balance and geometry between the blade and the handle, you can confidently swing this maul axe knowing that you will achieve the job in hand, with minimal effort and maximum results. The axe handle transfers 2 x less shock and vibration compared with wooden handles and has a strategic textured grip for non-slip performance. With long-lasting durability, this Fiskars Iso Core 36” axe is perfect for splitting wood as well as driving stakes and fencing. It’s versatile, a pleasure to use plus it comes with a full lifetime warranty. Be sure to also check out our list of the best cordless drills for more great items like this.

Key Features:

Combines perfect weight to power distribution

Optimized blade geometry

Seriously sharp edge delivers one-swing splits

Patented IsoCore shock control system

Specification:
  • BrandFiskars
  • Model751110-1001
  • Weight10.4 pounds

6
Estwing Fireside Friend 14” Axe

See More Reviews
estwing fireside friend 14” axe
See More Reviews
estwing fireside friend 14” axe
estwing fireside friend 14” axe
estwing fireside friend 14” axe
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

The only fireside friend you’ll ever need, this Eastwing 14” axe is guaranteed to make short work of all those splitting jobs around camp. With a sleek and compact looking design, this is one seriously powerful and mighty axe forged in one piece to ensure that it is supremely durable and powerful no matter how hard and furious you strike it. Available in Blue as well as a Special Edition black design that very neatly looks like it’s been made from wood, it’s hand sanded and then lacquered for a durable yet comfortable finish. Made from genuine and high-quality American steel, it’s been manufactured to the highest standards and firmly gets a thumbs up from us as one of the best wood splitting axes around. It also comes with a heavy-duty ballistic nylon sheath to protect those cutting edges.

Key Features:

Handle, and head is forged from 1-piece

Genuine leather handle, handed sanded and beautifully lacquered

Heavy duty protective ballistic nylon sheaf

Made in the USA to the highest quality manufacturing standards

Specification:
  • BrandEstwing
  • ModelE3-FF4
  • Weight7 ounces

7
Husqvarna 19” Wooden Splitting Axe

See More Reviews
husqvarna 19” wooden splitting axe
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Another classically good looking and excellent example of a small splitting axe fro Husqvarna, their 19” Wooden Axe is forged from supreme Swedish steel to deliver consistent high-quality and reliable results. The head has been uniquely designed to easily split wood with minimal effort required on the users part, and it’s perfect for cutting firewood for a campfire making it the ideal wood splitting axe for outdoor survival and wilderness enthusiasts. That sharp and efficient blade head is attached to a hickory shaft, and you purchase from Husqvarna also comes with a leather edge cover to protect the sharpness and integrity of your blade. Due to its smaller size, it’s also the perfect axe for convenient one-handed operation.

Key Features:

Ideally suited to basic wood splitting of lighter firewood

Hickory shaft with premium Swedish steel blade

Effortless results thanks to unique head shape

Includes a protective leather edge cover

Specification:
  • BrandHusqvarna
  • Model576926801
  • Weight2.2 pounds

8
Helko Werk Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter

See More Reviews
helko werk vario 2000 heavy log splitter
See More Reviews
helko werk vario 2000 heavy log splitter
helko werk vario 2000 heavy log splitter
helko werk vario 2000 heavy log splitter
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

As wood cutting axes go, they certainly don’t come much more stylish or beautifully hand-crafted then the Helko Werk exquisite range of high-quality German blades. Unlike many other blade heads which are made from high-quality stainless steel, this beauty is made from nothing less than C45 high-carbon steel which allows it to split wood with a fine and precise edge expertly. The handle is no less exceptional, treated with linseed oil so that it fits like a glove in the user’s hand. While it’s Swiss made, the wood is Grade A American Hickory, certified to withstand the extensive and extended rigors of both the weather and persistent use. It also comes with a vegetable tanned leather protective sheaf and a 1oz  bottle of Axe Guard protective oil so that you can maintain the quality and integrity of your Helko Werk Vario log splitter. It’s craftsmanship and powerful performance at its best.

Key Features:

Powerful heavy duty log splitting axe

Drop forged, heat treated and oil hardened grade carbon steel head

Handle crafted in Switzerland from American Hickory and lightly lacquered

Curved ergonomic design delivers perfect balance and control

Specification:
  • Brand1844 Helko Werk Germany
  • Model10058
  • Weight6.7 pounds

9
Truper 30958 36” Splitting Maul Axe

See More Reviews
truper 30958 36” splitting maul axe
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Our next recommendation has to be one of the best fiberglass handled options, and it’s the Truper 30958 8-pound splitting maul, measuring 36-inches overall. The handle isn’t wood like many of the other wood splitting axes we’ve reviewed today. Instead, the Truper is composed of double injected fiberglass which means that it is lightweight and easy to handle by all abilities of potential wood choppers but also durable too. It features an ergonomic grip rubber handle that puts less stress and strain on the user when operating and the head design has been beveled which means it produces clean, clinical cuts every time.

Key Features:

Double injected fiberglass handle

Rubber grip handle for enhanced comfort and control

Drop forged mail with round beveled edge for superior striking force

Rubber guarded overstrike protection handle

Specification:
  • BrandTruper
  • Model30958
  • Weight11.5 pounds

10
Estwing 16” Camper’s Axe

See More Reviews
estwing 16” camper’s axe
See More Reviews
estwing 16” camper’s axe
estwing 16” camper’s axe
estwing 16” camper’s axe
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Our next best woodsmen axe is the world famous Camper’s axe from Estwing, and it’s a 16-inch version with both the head and handle expertly forge from 1-piece and exquisitely finished and polished by hand. As such, it really does offer exceptional balance and temper as well as featuring the manufacturer’s patented shock reduction grip system for reduction of user impact vibration. It’s proudly made in the USA and built to last with forged precision and tempered for added strength. Available in two finishes, the Estwing Camper’s axe features genuine leather hand grip. A heavy-duty ballistic sheath is also included to protect your blade edge.

Key Features:

Handle, and head is forged from 1-piece

Genuine leather handle, handed sanded and beautifully lacquered

Heavy duty protective ballistic nylon sheaf

Made in the USA to the highest quality manufacturing standards

Specification:
  • BrandEstwing
  • ModelE44A-1
  • Weight6.4 pounds

11
Leveraxe 36” Vipukirves Spitting Axe

See More Reviews
leveraxe 36” vipukirves spitting axe
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Next up for something that certainly looks every bit as innovative as it performs. The Vipukirves Leveraxe is nothing short of groundbreaking and as wood splitting axes go is genuinely exceptional. Besides that fabulous standout design which we just mentioned it features a unique, patented leverage action which means it literally sinks into and splits the wood efficiently with minimum force and effort required. The hook on the back of the axe acts as the break and prevents the axe from going into the ground or the user’s leg. Not many other axes we found had this level of safety detail.  The axe itself is lightweight so can be used by men and women alike of all body sizes and abilities without causing too many difficulties. In a category that is very much about brute force and strength, the Leveraxe 26” Vipukirves splitting axe is also about finesse, efficiency, and safety.

Key Features:

Unique patented design for minimum effort and maximum results

Fast, safe and  efficient splitting of wood

Innovative patented leverage action

Safety brake feature on the back hook

Specification:
  • BrandVipukirves
  • ModelLeveraxe 1
  • Weight6.6 pounds

12
Hults Bruk Bjork Splitting Axe

See More Reviews
hults bruk bjork splitting axe
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

If you’ve got the checkered shirt and fancy felling some trees Lumberjack style, then you need a sharp axe, made from high-quality tempered steel which will make short work of cleanly and quickly taking down trees. Step forward then the Hults Bruk Bjork Splitting axe which is more than capable of doing just that. With a sharp head and slightly curved solid American Hickory wood handle, this bad boy has been designed to last. For less exertion but solidly reliable felling results, this is the axe you need by your side. It’s great for anyone who loves to spend time outdoors fending for themselves or who enjoys trips to that remote wilderness lodge to spend weekends in quiet contemplation reconnecting with nature. As well as that expertly forged solid Swedish steelhead, it also comes with a leather sheath.

Key Features:

Solid Swedish steel expertly forged for sharpness

Handle crafted from American Hickory wood

Perfect for camping, hiking and wilderness trips

Excellent at felling trees to create firewood

Specification:
  • BrandHults Bruk
  • ModelHults Bruk
  • Weight4.8 pounds

Wood Axe Buying Guide & FAQ

An axe is an incredibly versatile and useful tool, especially if you enjoy camping trips and will always ensure that you have a good supply of camp firewood. It’s also a useful means of cleaning through a forest if there are any obstructions in your path. As energy costs are skyrocketing, lots of people are also opting to go back to the good old days of an old fashioned log fuelled fire, so axes are in fact more popular than ever before. Let’s take a look at some of the key considerations when purchasing that new wood splitting axe.

Features To Look For In Wood Axes

There are plenty of crucial points to consider if you are looking to invest in a new wood chopping axe. Below we’ve listed out some of our suggestions of the critical criteria to consider before you go shopping for a new axe.

Job Type-It’s a good idea first to get real about the types of jobs you’ll be using your new axe for as well as the varieties of wood you will most commonly be working with. If you’re dealing with larger pieces of wood and felling trees, you will need something more substantial whereas if you’re splitting and chopping up smaller sized and softer variants of wood you can go for something more lightweight and smaller in size. Make sure you think about the job types first as this will to a certain extent determine the type of blade and handle that you ultimately go for.

Axe Weight-The weight of the axe and especially its head is directly relative to its overall performance. Heavier heads may well be more effective and deliver higher output, but they will also require more energy and exertion to hold, raise, operate and swing. A lighter axe will be more flexible and allow you to work for more extended periods without fear of fatigue so weigh up what’s most important. Power and weight or efficiency and accuracy.

Handle Length-The longer the handle, the more dynamic and forceful the swing will be but the less control you will have. You ideally need to find that sweet spot that works best for you between force and accuracy. The standard length for example of a felling axe is 36-inches, but unless you are taller in stature, you might find this unwieldy to use. A more appropriate length, ie more likely to be 28-inches deliver the oomph you require but also with the right level of control.

man with an axe

Handle Material-As you will have seen already from this best wood axes review, handles can be made from a variety of different materials including wood and fibreglass as well as plastic and also steel construction. Manufacturers may also additionally seal the handle with a lacquer finish so that aesthetically it looks more appealing and also provides a good, reliable and ergonomic grip. A popular choice is to go for a wooden handle made from hickory or ash as both these materials are long-lasting and also offer excellent quality and durability.

Grip-It’s vital that your axe feels comfortable to operate and hold and that you don’t feel like it will slip out of your hand when in use. Plenty of axes feature shafts that have slip-resistant, textured coatings or which have been ergonomically designed to comfortably and securely fit in your hand. If you are a novice, then it’s definitely a good idea to go for an axe that has a dependant and secure grip.

Solid Piece vs. Multi-Piece-Some people prefer the flexibility to have an axe where the handle and head can be detached to enable easier sharpening of the physical axe head. However, you do run the risk of the head flying off unintentionally if it’s not been adequately secured, so a one piece is safer and also more robust in that respect. The overall function won’t be affected, so it’s really a matter of personal preference.

Ease of Maintenance-It’s a good idea unless you are a big fan of honing, preparing and repairing your tools, to go for something that’s relatively low maintenance and that is designed to stay sharper for longer and require limited on-going maintenance. As a minimum, we recommend that you routinely check that your axe head is tithe screwed to your handle and that you administer a light coating of tool oil regularly to keep your axe head seasoned and free of damaging rust.

wood axe

Types:

Let’s take a quick look at the different kinds of axe heads commonly in use and what type of work each of them is most appropriate for.

Splitting Axe

These axes, as the name suggests, are purposefully designed with one critical task in mind, to cut wood effortlessly. They generally feature a large and heavy head, forged into a concave shape with a slim edge so that they can cap along the grain of the wood to split it neatly in half. That concavely shaped design means that the axe head doesn’t annoyingly get stuck inside the wood but cleanly and precisely splits the wood instead.

Splitting Maul

A splitting maul is instantly recognizable because of its longer style handle and an axe blade which is sharp on one side and blunt on the other. It’s a mighty axe that can easily cut through more substantial pieces of firewood and generally will weigh between 8 and 12 pounds. They’re heavy and require a good, solid and confident technique to operate efficiently.

Felling Axe

This style of axe is synonymous with lumberjacks and the traditional profession of wood cutting. Felling axes are super sharp and tend to be at least 28 to 36 inches in length with a head weighing up to 4 pounds. They’re relatively heavy but not as cumbersome as a splitting maul and are much more manageable, more effective and quicker to use.

Hatchet (Camp Axe)

A very popular style of axe, a hatchet is a more lightweight and versatile tool, especially popular with campers and fans of the outdoors lifestyle. They feature a sharp edge on one side and a flat edge on the other which can be used as a hammer if necessary. A hatchet is a really versatile and multi-tasking tool that can be used for many situations, making it the perfect survival tool. They’re great to take with you on hunting, hiking and fishing trips.

wood axes

Wood Axe FAQ

Tips For Splitting Wood With Axe

So you’ve gone ahead and invested in one of our axe recommendations, and you’re about to go away for the weekend on a camping trip, survival style, where you’ll be able to pit your wits and wield your axe, against the local trees in order to create chopped wood for that campsite fire.

Let’s explore then some of the top tips for getting the most out of your new axe when it comes to expertly splitting wood.

  • Do a quick visual check of your axe to ensure the head and handle are intact
  • Seasoned wood will split easier but green wood won’t need stacking first
  • Don’t split wood that has nails in it
  • Avoid wood which is particularly knotty or curvy
  • Where possible, we recommend you use a chopping block
  • Place the wood you are chopping on its end first
  • Always swing using a straight-armed action with your feet slightly apart
  • Raise the axe about your head and swing it in a straight forward movement
  • Don’t rely on your body strength, instead use speed and momentum
  • Don’t worry if it takes you several swings to split
  • Be patient and repeat the process as many times as necessary

With practice and patience, you will soon go from a wood chopping novice into a seasoned and professional lumber-jacking Pro!

Q: What is the difference between Chopping and Splitting Axe?

A: A chopping axe is characterized by having a lighter head as compared with some of the other models and also will feature a much sharper edge and will deliver an action which cuts against the grain of the wood. A splitting axe on the other hand typically features a duller blade that cuts with the grain and is better suited to prepare kindling and chopping limbs off smaller trees which have already been felled.

Q: How should the Axe be stored?

A: It’s always best to store your axe in a dry place at normal room temperature and humidity. You don’t want the axe to either rust order out and potentially shrink.

Q: How should I sharpen my Axe?

A: The process of sharpening your axe will depend upon the extent to which the axe head itself is physically worn down. Below are some recommendations according to various scenarios and the amount of physical wear and tear.

  • If the damage is fairly significant, then it’s best to sharpen your axe with an emery wheel
  • For regular wear and tear or minor damage then you should be able to hone using a bench grinder instead.
  • You can also sharpen by hand using a vice, an appropriate file and finishing off with a whetstone.
  • In all instances, we recommend that you use protective gloves and always safety goggles to protect your eyes.
  • You need to ensure that your axe has been cleaned and polished using steel wool before you commence sharpening it.
  • Once you are happy with the newly sharpened edge, we recommend you wipe the blade clean and then add a protective coat of machine or a beeswax and oil solution to prevent rust from forming.
Related Reads
10 best electric chainsaws in 2019
share icon
Read more
#Tools

10 Best Electric Chainsaws (Review) In 2021

see more→
best mitter saw
share icon
Read more
#Tools

9 Best Miter Saws (Review) In 2021

see more→
10 best hedge trimmers in 2019
share icon
Read more
#Lawn & Garden

10 Best Hedge Trimmers (Review) In 2021

see more→
You May Also Like
  • Bench Grinders
  • Digital Calipers
  • Multimeters
  • Tape Measures
  • Heat Guns
  • Bench Vises
  • Electric Chainsaws
  • Nail Guns
  • Work Lights
  • Multitools
  • Band Saws
  • Hearing Protectors
  • Portable Workbenches
  • Tool Boxes
  • Miter Saws
  • Cordless Drills
  • Laser Measuring Tools
  • Safety Glasses
  • Hedge Trimmers
  • Home
  • All Categories
  • About Us
  • Contact
Instash ©2023 Privacy Policy Affiliate Disclosure
DMCA.com Protection Status
Please Rate This Article
Rate this post, please!
Send