The Best Axes
Whether you’re a homesteader, an avid outdoorsman, or a homebody with a fireplace, you know that an axe is an essential tool for splitting wood. It’s always an option to head to the supermarket to buy some overpriced bundles of firewood, but those bundles will add up over time and burn a big hole in your bank account. Chopping your own firewood is a far more cost-effective venture. Not to mention, it’s also a great workout. But before you can start chopping like Paul Bunyan, you need to find yourself a quality axe. There are plenty of details to consider when purchasing an axe, and every person has different needs. To help you start down the path of firewood freedom, we’ve put together this list of the best axes available today.
What to Look For
In our research, we found that the best axes are durable, affordable, and user-friendly. For example, Fiskars’ X27 splitting ax is strong enough to take on stubborn trees and split firewood. If you’re looking for a camp-friendly option, consider WilFiks hatchet. It’s small, but the shock-absorbing grip ensures you’ll be able to chop with ease. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Fiskars X27 36” Splitting Axe
Has the chops
If you’re in the market for an axe to help you do some heavy-duty tree removal in the yard, look no further than this beauty from Fiskars. Built to split logs in one strike, this 36″ powerhouse is perfect for both firewood gathering and yard maintenance. This is a long axe built for big two-handed swings that make easy work of those pesky trees you need to clear out of the yard. Fiskars perfected their power-to-weight ratio with this axe, so you can do some serious splitting without overspending your energy. Whether you need an axe for chopping or splitting, this high-quality beauty won’t let you down.
Pros:
- 36” length is perfect for two-handed swings on bigger logs
- Great for both chopping and splitting
- Lightweight considering the size
Cons:
- Steep asking price
Lexivon V28 Splitting Axe
Split and save
Sized at 28 inches in length, this axe from Lexivon is the perfect option for those who aren’t super tall. It will give you the swinging power you need from a two-handed axe without being too unwieldy. The axe is made out of hardened, Grade-A, high-carbon steel that’ll give you many years of successful splits and chops. The wedge-shaped blade makes one-strike splits a cinch no matter the firewood size. Not to mention, this highly affordable axe also comes with a carrying sheath for blade protection.
Pros:
- Comes with a carrying sheath
- Made of hardened Grade A, high-carbon steel
- The length makes it very manageable
Cons:
- Might be a little too lightweight for some
WilFiks 15” Hatchet
Handy hatchet
If you’re on the market for something smaller, we’ve got you covered with this handy little hatchet from WilFiks. This affordable 15” option is perfect for one-handed swings on small or medium-sized pieces of firewood and small branches or brush. The portable size makes this a smart choice for campers and hikers who need to chop wood on the go. The fiberglass handle is coated with a shock-absorbing anti-slip grip that softens impact and prevents slipping. WilFiks also includes a protective rubber sheath for travel.
Pros:
- Portable size perfect for camping and hiking
- Wedge blade makes one-strike splits easy
- Shock-absorbing non-slip handle
Cons:
- You probably won’t be able to split larger logs or chop down trees with this hatchet
Liantral Camping Axe Kit
An axe is an essential tool to have for any serious camper, but it’s not the end-all-be-all of camping accessories. That’s where this incredible axe kit from Liantral comes in handy. This kit has it all. It features an axe that can screw on different interchangeable attachments such as a knife, compass, whistle, and more. That means while you’re out looking for wood, you can unscrew your axe and have it double as whatever tool you want it to. What’s more, Liantral includes two extender pieces to screw on and give your axe a little more length and swinging power. Liantral also provides a sheath for the steel blade to ensure safe traveling and protection. If you’re a camper looking for a one-stop shop for camping survival essentials, this is the axe kit you’ve been waiting for.
Pros:
- Convenient one-stop-shop for camping accessory essentials
- Allows for length extenders
- Very affordable
Cons:
- The blade dulls quicker than some of our other picks
Estwing Sportsman’s Axe Camping Hatchet
Compact camping companion
When most people think “hatchet” or “axe,” something that looks a lot like this classic-looking hatchet from Estwing comes to mind. This is the kind of hatchet that wouldn’t look out of place in your grandfather’s tool shed. We know that looks don’t mean everything when it comes to hatchets, but we couldn’t help but notice the timeless nature of the Estwing. Looks aside, this thing really performs well. At a highly manageable length, it’s the perfect hatchet for those looking to chop firewood for fireplaces and backyard bonfires. This hatchet is forged in one piece, so you never have to worry about the blade loosening or falling off. Estwing prizes durability and quality over everything, and it’s easy to see in the presentation and performance of this little beauty.
Pros:
- Great, classic-looking hatchet
- Comes with a sheath for travel
- Forged in one piece for maximum durability and a long lifespan
Cons:
- The sticker that comes on the side of the hatchet is a pain to get off
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a hatchet and an axe?
A hatchet is just a smaller axe made for use with one hand. Both perform very similar tasks, but you’ll get better mileage out of each when you use them for their intended purpose. For instance, hatchets are perfect for chopping small pieces of firewood and clearing brush by chopping small branches. The axe is better for chopping larger pieces of firewood or cutting down small trees. You can perform any of the above-mentioned tasks with either, but you’ll have a much easier go at it if you choose the right size for the job.
How do I sharpen my axe?
There are many ways to sharpen an axe. Some lesser-known methods include using belt sanders, Dremel power tools, or even river stones. But the easiest (and most common) way to do it is by using a whetstone or sharpening stone. These are cheap and easy to pick up online or at a hardware store. The process is fairly simple: rub the stone along the edge in a circular motion until the axe is sharp and free of burrs. After this, you can apply a layer of beeswax, oil, or Vaseline to the edge to prevent moisture from dulling your edge.
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