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Adrian White is a professional health, wellness, agriculture, and sustainability freelance writer and herbalist for nearly a decade, and an organic farmer for over a decade. She is co-owner and operator of Jupiter Ridge Farm, growing diverse vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms in the Driftless Area of Iowa in the Midwest.
Anna Ryan is a writer, copywriter and editor. She has a wide range of knowledge and, because of this, has been able to contribute to a variety of different genres, including article and blog writing.
As an editor, she has polished and perfected an array of pieces for diverse readerships and audiences.
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Axes and hatchets are important tools, even in this modern world. Just think about when it comes to log burners! Log burners are very trendy and are also efficient ways of heating your home. But if you want one, you’ll need an ax to cut the wood down.
Axes are also great tools for camping or basic woodworking, where you can downsize the log to what you need. There is, of course, ax throwing too, which is increasing in popularity as a competitive sport.
The huge range of axes and hatchets on the market can make it seem impossible to find the perfect one, but luckily we have done some of the research for you. We consulted experts, bloggers, and customer reviews to bring you the best hatchets and axes of 2022 – as well as what factors to consider before you buy.
Axes are like knives: there are many types for different uses. Some are for removing small limbs or clearing brush while others are for chopping firewood. Some are referred to as hatchets, others as mauls. Be sure you’re buying the right axe for the right purpose.
View the Best Axe on the Market, Below.
Fiskars x27 Super Splitting Axe
Helko Werk Germany 1844 Forest Woodworker
Gerber Pack Hatchet Camping Axe
Husqvarna S2800 Composite Splitting Axe
LIANTRAL Multi-Tool Hatchet Survival Kit
Estwing EBDBA Double Bit Axe
CRKT 2730 Chogan Tomahawk Axe
1. Fiskars x27 Super Splitting Axe
A Powerful All-Rounder Axe for Splitting Wood
Splitting axes (also called splitting mauls)  are known for their power, and this model is no exception. Thanks to excellent customer reviews and a sturdy design, this axe from Fiskars has been awarded Amazon's Choice for axes. It's perfect for all users.
Chop logs with ease. The 36 inches in total will easily cut through larger logs. It's designed to make sure you can cut as many logs as possible in a single strike. Not only that, the weighted handle makes sure it has a balanced feel when held properly. The thin handle should fit in any axe belt loop.
This axe is such high quality that Fiskars provides a one-year warranty. It weighs a total of 5.85 pounds, so it's easy enough to carry but also heavy enough to make its way through tougher logs. According to customer reviews, these axes last for a very long time.
This is a very powerful all-rounder and, for the price, has plenty of great features. If you're looking for an axe or splitting maul that makes chopping logs and splitting wood easier, this is a great starting point.
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Great splitting maul for tall users
Durable and sturdy for all kinds of wood splitting
Can cut medium logs in a single strike
Not a good product for inexperienced choppers
2. Helko Werk Germany 1844 Forest Woodworker
A Stylish Forest and Felling Axe
Aiming for a more traditional vibe? This beautiful ax is handmade in Wuppertal, Germany, and has a very classic look. The wood itself is Grade A American Hickory. It's carved in Switzerland and then sent to Germany, where the precision-crafted blade is attached. The blade is made from German carbon steel and requires less maintenance than other blades.
A tanned leather sheath is included, handmade in the United States. The blade is heat-treated, and the handle is sanded and oiled for ultimate durability. This is Amazon's Choice for forest ax, and it's easy to see why - wielding it will take you back to a simpler time. This felling ax is 3.5 pounds in weight, ensuring it's light to carry and easy to work with.
Though not as powerful as some of the other axes, this is an excellent aesthetic choice with a classic look that really adds to the atmosphere of chopping your own logs.
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Made in the US, Switzerland, and Germany
Good for felling small trees
Comes with a leather sheath
Gives an efficient split
Less powerful than other axes
3. Fiskars X7 Hatchet
Best Axe for Splitting Firewood
This 14-inch hatchet is perfect if you're looking for something you can use with just one hand. Thanks to excellent customer reviews and a great reputation, it's been awarded Amazon's Choice for hatchets.
Build a small fire with ease - this axe is perfect for splitting kindling and tackling small to medium-sized logs. It's comfortable to use, with an ergonomic handle and good balance.
The blade is weighted to cut deeper every time you hit the log; you should get through most medium-sized logs in no more than a couple of hits. As with other Fiskars products, this axe comes with a lifetime warranty to reassure you of this hatchet's excellent quality. It's nice and sharp, and customers love how easy it is to use.
This is a fantastic option if you're just looking for a small hatchet. It's durable, comfortable, and you can easily get a replacement if anything goes wrong.
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Comfortable axe handle material
A great camp axe
Great for splitting kindling
A smaller axe than others on the market
This is especially important for large axes chopping large pieces of firewood, and using lots of upper body work. Tall or long-limbed people will need longer-handled axes, while the shorter in stature will get a lot more power out of axes that are likewise shorter in length.
4. Fiskars 375581-1001 Chopping Axe
A Great Forged Steel Felling Axe to Make Light Work of Most Trees
Looking for something with a bit more power behind it? This Fiskars ax is designed to fell trees in seconds and is an excellent product for more heavy-duty tasks. Also awarded Amazon's Choice for axes, it comes with many great customer reviews and will make light work of large logs. Each hit cuts even deeper than the last, meaning you'll get through your task in no time.
The sharp blade is made from forged steel. It's hardened during the manufacturing process to ensure it lasts longer than many other axes. The edge is already very sharp to begin with, and will stay that way for a long time - even with extended use. This felling axe is well balanced for use with two hands. It's a perfect choice if you need something to cut down entire trees in a short amount of time.
This is an excellent option if you just need an ax with a lot of power. It can fell trees with enough time and patience, making light work of most trees the average person needs to cut down.
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5. Gerber Pack Hatchet Camping Axe
A Great Axe Gift for Any Survivalist
This hatchet comes fully endorsed by Gerber Gear and would make an excellent gift for the survivalist in your life. The blade is 2.5 inches, allowing you to make more precise cuts than with the larger blades. As with most hatchets, it can easily make its way through small logs and kindling wood. The handle is ergonomically designed for comfort and made with non-slip rubber for easy use.
It has been extensively tested out in the wild before being released to receive approval from Gerber Gear. It features a nylon sheath made out of a special material that prevents mildew and mold from gathering. In addition, the blade is made out of high carbon steel for ultimate durability.
If you're considering an ax or hatchet as a unique gift for someone outdoorsy, look no further than this hatchet. It gets the job done, is very durable, and comes endorsed by Gerber Gear himself.
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The sheath can be tricky to remove
6. Husqvarna S2800 Composite Splitting Axe
Best Axe for Log Splitting
This ax is specifically designed for splitting logs down the middle, making it perfect for quickly arranging firewood. At 27 inches, it's well-sized to make its way through larger logs and thicker chunks of wood. The composite fiberglass handle will last forever without splitting.
It also has a hammer on the reverse side, which is great for smashing through logs that are already halfway split. Axes with a hammer are also great for camping. You can use them for kindling and to hammer tent stakes into the ground.
Most of the weight is balanced on the head of the ax, giving full power behind the blade. This feature makes sure chops are as efficient as they can be. The blade is made out of reinforced steel for durability and strength. You can split logs and other wood with ease.
This is a very reliable model if you need to split thicker logs for firewood. It's durable, well-weighted, and will make light work of most logs you'll need for indoor purposes.
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Great for larger logs
Best for log splitting
Pricer than other models
7. Fiskars X15 Chopping Axe
An Excellent Felling Axe for Tackling Trees
This ax is slightly longer than other models, at 23.5 inches. This makes it great for taller users and people who want a bit more force behind hits. It's designed for felling trees, so it will work through most tasks. Like all Fiskars axes, the company has designed it to hit deeper into the wood with each swing.
The handle is made with composite fibers stronger than steelhead to help absorb shock and prevent damage. The blade is made with carbon steel and is weighted, so you get a comfortable swing as well as a good chop. It's ergonomically designed for ultimate comfort, and customer reviews love how easy this ax is to use.
This is another fantastic option for completely cutting own trees, and is a very powerful ax for a much more reasonable price than other tree-felling axes. It is comfortable to use, and very durable.
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Good for felling small trees
Chop wood with ease
Comes with a plastic sheath
Too heavy for one-handed operation
8. Estwing Camper’s Axe
A Great Camp Axe Perfect for the Outdoors
Axes are handy tools for taking along camping. This Estwing ax is Amazon's Choice for exactly that, due to excellent customer reviews and a great company reputation.
The axe made out of one single piece to provide maximum force and ensure it stays together. This axe features a leather grip on the bottom half, ensuring it stays comfortably in hand; use it safely and with ease.
Estwing designs all of its tools in the United States, so you know it's stood up well against American safety and manufacturing standards. The axe comes with a nylon sheath, protecting the blade against damage and ensuring the cutting edge retains its sharpness. It's the perfect hatchet for cutting firewood and smaller logs.
Camping hatchets are a great option if you need one for outdoor activities, and this is one of the best available. It's very sturdy, and the steel axe head makes splitting wood a dream.
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Made in the US
Drop forged to perfection
Great for splitting kindling for fires
2 axe head finishes
Heavier than most other models
9. LIANTRAL Multi-Tool Hatchet Survival Kit
An Axe That Makes a Perfect Gift
Is the survivalist in your life not impressed with Bear Grylls branded products? This is another excellent survival axe, awarded Amazon's Choice for the survival ax category. It comes with two ax blades and extendable handles, meaning you can perfectly customize it to your preferences. It also has a compass; you can even use one of the axes to start a fire. In addition, this ax comes with a leather sheath that protects the axe blade and makes it safe to carry.
It features a lifetime guarantee, meaning you can be sure of the quality. Despite all of this, it also comes in at a very budget-friendly price point, making it a great option if you're looking for a unique gift in the form of a survival ax. It also features a bottle opener, whistle, and fish scaling tools, amongst a whole host of other cool features.
If you're looking for a bargain, look no further than the LIANTRAL Camping Axe. This has everything you could need from a survival tool and comes in at an excellent price. If you need an ax for camping or are looking for a unique gift, this is a fantastic option.
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A small axe, perfect for camping
Might need tightening every so often
10. Estwing E24ASEA Sportsman’s Axe
A Camping Axe That Will Split Wood Effortlessly
This Estwing Sportsman's Axe is another great option from the Estwing range. It comes in at fourteen inches, which is perfect if you're looking for a tool you can use one-handed. But don't let that fool you - this camping hatchet still has plenty of power behind it. Like the other single hatchet from Estwing, this model is made of carbon steel. This keeps it sturdy and prevents any risk of snapping.
The handle features a leather grip that adds a sleek finish and ensures the axe won't fly out of your hands. All Estwing tools are made in the United States, so this conforms to manufacturing and safety standards and helps support the local industry.
The sheath is very hard-wearing and will keep the blade mold and mildew-free throughout the product's lifetime. This axe is great for small to medium-sized logs and kindling branches.
Like the previous Estwing ax on this list, the Estwing Sportsman's Axe is a great quality camping ax, and also comes in a very cool style.
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Will split kindling effortlessly
Includes sheath to protect blade edge
Lightest axe on our list
May have to sharpen it when it arrives
11. Estwing EBDBA Double Bit Axe
A Double-Sided Axe for Durability
Our final selection from Estwing is slightly different as it comes with a double-sided blade. This gives it a cool, medieval feel and allows you to switch between blades for multiple purposes, helping to keep the blades sharper for longer. The included nylon sheath covers both blades and helps to protect them against mildew, mold, and forces that may blunt them.
The grip at the bottom reduces the shock force that travels up the handle when in use. It's great for chopping small to medium logs and splitting large logs for fires. As with all of the other Estwing products, it's fully made in the United States. It conforms to local manufacturing standards and contributes to the nation's economy.
Just like the other Estwing products, this model is very high quality. The double-sided blade will last longer than a lot of their single-sided hatchets.
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Made in the US
Double sided blade edge
Split kindling with ease
Can't be used for axe throwing
12. CRKT 2730 Chogan Tomahawk Axe
Best Multi-Purpose Axe for Wood Splitting and More
Made in the style of a Native American Tomahawk, this hatchet is very powerful, featuring a hammer on the opposite side. This makes splitting logs easier and adds more functionality to the blade. The handle is made entirely out of Tennessee Hickory wood. It's fully sanded and treated to ensure it remains sturdy. The blade is made out of carbon steel.
The multiple functions of this ax make it a great option for camping, survival scenarios, and even for regular wood chopping. It can easily chop most medium-sized logs and make its way through logs larger than other similarly sized hatchets. It also features a stylish design and will sit pride of place in your tool collection.
For an all-in-one camping and log cutting tool, this is an excellent multi-purpose axe. It comes in at a decent price but doesn't skimp on power, thanks to the hammer and quality craftsmanship.
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May not come sharpened
To Sharpen or Not to Sharpen?
It’s wise to have a sharpener and sharpened tools. But a sharpened axe isn’t always an effective axe. Be careful not to over-sharpen, specifically for chopping wood. Slightly blunted blades are much better, while for cutting limbs and brush, sharpened small axes are best.
If you want to hold the tool in one hand, you want a hatchet. If you need to work on bigger jobs, you need an ax. Anything under 14 inches is considered a hatchet, whereas a traditional axe length is anything over that 14-inch mark.
If you’re only working on kindling or small logs, then a hatchet is probably your best option. When you’re not used to working with axes, these are safer to use and make easy work out of smaller jobs.
But if you have big tasks to work on, especially thicker logs that need splitting, then look at full-sized splitting axes. These also vary slightly in what they can and cannot cut, so make sure to double-check the description and reviews. Splitting axes (or a splitting maul) are good to split wood. But if you want to cut down small trees, you’ll need a felling axe.
Some of the best axes out there include Wilfiks chopping axe, Fiskars Super Splitting Axe, and any Gransfors Bruks models.
You want to be able to use the ax safely without injuring yourself, and many features can help with this. First of all, look for a model with a grip at the base; this will help it stay in your hand and ultimately improve the steadiness when you’re working with it. You should also make sure it’s a reputable company, and that they comply with United States manufacturing and safety standards.
In terms of durability, stainless steel blades will last longer and be less likely to rust over time. Solid handles are also an excellent option, and with modern technology, they come in a variety of far stronger materials than traditional wood. If you opt for a wooden one, try to get a sanded and varnished model, as this will help reinforce its strength.
Different models come with different features, depending on what you need them for. The right tool for you will depend on what you need it for. For example, some axes are good for wood splitting and shaping wood. Others come with a hand-forged axe head or Swedish steel for extra durability when splitting mauls.
Some camp axes double as a hammer to help with wood splitting for fires and also to hammer tent stakes into the ground.
Finally, where possible, try to get an ax or hatchet that comes with a warranty. These vary anywhere from a few months to an entire lifetime. You should aim to get one that lasts as long as possible. These protect you against general wear and tear and assure you that you’ll get a replacement if the original breaks for any reason that was not your fault.
It’s also a good sign that the company trusts its own product. Companies are hesitant to spend a lot of money replacing broken items and will only provide a warranty if they genuinely believe most customers won’t need it.
How do you Sharpen an Axe?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that, while you do want a sharp ax, it shouldn’t be as razor-sharp as you’d expect a knife to be. And also sharpening isn’t something you can avoid – even the best steel axe heads need sharpening.
Your first step is to file the edge to remove any nicks and other irregularities. Don’t file too fast; take it slow so you don’t ruin the file. Always stroke the file away from you. You can purchase special files for axes, which we highly recommend. You can also lightly treat the ax with oil or wax to help protect it against rust.
How do you Throw an Axe?
If you want to throw an ax competitively or simply as a game with other ax enthusiasts, it’s important to know the right technique to do it safely. Your bottom hand should grip it like you would grip a baseball bat. Your top hand should grip in the same manner, just on top of the bottom hand. Keep the blade completely straight, pointing in front of you. You can then swing back (overhead) and then release as you bring the ax back forward.
We suggest practicing with a hatchet first, which you can throw using a similar technique but with one hand. Release the hatchet when your arm is in a straight line, parallel to the ground.
How do you Replace an Axe Handle?
If you ever break an ax handle, your only options are to get a new ax entirely or replace the handle. Never try to fix the handle back together, as it just won’t work.
Hatchets and splitting axes typically feature a wedge-shaped head. To remove the old handle, saw it off. Then, soak the blade in the water, which will expand the wood. The wood will shrink when it dries, making it easier to remove.
Fit the head to the vice, and clear out any remaining wood pieces. Sand the edges of the new handle down so it just fits in, but you should need a bit of effort to push it in. Once it’s in, the wedge-shaped head of the hammer should expand the wood for a perfect fit. If you’re not confident of your abilities, consider asking someone else to do it or buy a new ax entirely.
The range of axes and hatchets available is vast. We suggest thinking about what kind of tasks you need to perform before going ahead and purchasing. If you want to save money, cut costs on the size and additional features. Never compromise on safety or quality of materials – it will cost you more in the long run through replacement costs or even medical costs.
The best way to save money is to consider getting a hatchet instead of a full-sized ax. Most households won’t need anything more than this unless you find yourself regularly cutting huge logs.
This list merely serves as a guide to what the best options are. There are thousands of great axes and hatchets out there, and we’re sure if you follow our tips, you will be able to find the perfect product for you. As always, be sure to double-check customer reviews before every purchase, so you know the manufacturer can live up to the claims they are making.
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