Not just a random chunk of iron/steel from your tool shed will be a great woodchopper.
And why do we say that?
Perhaps, just like any other tools, axes come with a wide range of variety in functions and designs. And when it comes to serious work like splitting woods, a random choice of axe may lead to difficulties in use, pain, and distress.
Long story short, you need to be an expert or consult with one to find the best axe for splitting wood.
In today’s post, we have the exact same intention to give you a hand in this regard. We’ve done week-long research to go through 57(approx.) of the popular chopping axes and ended up with a shortlist of 11. Later on, our in-house experts have broken down each of their features, specs, and real-time benefits. The article you’re in right now is the final crafted copy of the whole research data we’ve gathered.
So, give yourself a few minutes, and let’s get going-
In a hurry? Here is our top pick that you can buy right now –Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe.
Best Axes for Splitting wood-Comparisons
| Product | Blade |
Length | Handle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe | Forged |
25” | Hickory |
| Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe | Bevel |
36” | Tapered |
| Husqvarna 576926501 Carpenter's Axe | Long & |
19” | Wooden |
| Helko Vario2000 Heavy Log Splitter | Deep |
36” | American
|
| Estwing Camper's Axe Wood Splitting Tool | Forged |
16” | Rugged |
| LEXIVON LX-V28 Chopping Axe | Proprietary |
28” | Composite |
| Leveraxe Ultra - the Smart Splitting Axe | Levering |
36” | Wood |
| CS90TA-BRK Trail Boss | Forged 1055 |
26” | American |
| Gerber Power Splitting Axe [31-003636] | Forged |
36” | Composite |
| Fiskars Iso Core Maul | Forged |
36” | IsoCore |
| Estwing Fireside Friend Axe -Splitting Maul | Weighted |
14” | 1-piece |
Best Axe for Splitting wood-Review
You might wonder;
How will this review be beneficial to you?
We hope, at the end of the review you will get your answer and be capable of finding out the best axe that will fulfill your need. Furthermore, we have also added a buying guide from the buyer’s point of view for the more specific result.
Take a look one by one.
1. Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe
If you’ve been around woodworking, you might have known this brand as a Swedish hand tool manufacturer. They’ve been in the hand tool business for over 100 years now. On that consequence, we’re glad to showcase you one of their finest axes and that’s the one we’re up to right now.
This axe is a professional-grade product which is an idea for the felling of large-in-size trees and to limb it afterward. With a good quality handle, a rugged blade, and a compact size, the axe has everything that you would love to love.
Let’s have a look at the key features for now-
Key Features at A Glance
- Forged, grounded blade with a razor-sharp edge.
- The handle is forged to form a curved bit.
- Easy-to-grab and curvy handle for even using with wet hands.
- Comes from a prominent Swedish manufacturer with the promise of durability.
- Only 25 inches in length(including the blade).
- Around 2 and a half pounds in weight.
It’s Forged to A Curved Bit
One of the finest facts about this axe is, it is designed with a forged and curved bit. The benefit of such a design is, you can easily cut resinous woods with super comfort. Some of such woods are the spruce, the pine etc. In terms of a softer kind of wood, the answer is also a ‘yes’!
Forged, Grounded Blade
This is another of the strong reasons behind us rewarding the #1 rank to this axe. And that is it’s hard, sharp, and grounded blade.
The blade is quire forged and grounded afterward to give you a uniform cut. Also, it is honed several times until it achieves a razor-sharp edge.
Such a blade is something that every woodworker dreams of while working.
The Handle and The Sheath
After the blade, the next thing you would think about is the handle and the sheath.
The handle is made of hickory, and the sheath is leather. Thanks to Gransfors for making both of these parts super rugged and durable.
Along with the structure, the handle comes in very good shape as well. For this very reason, it’s easy to handle. And the chance of slipping off the hand is quite low. Even when you’re operating with wet and sweaty hands.
Compact Size and Light Wight
The last important feature that we would like to mention about this product is its size and weight. As we’ve told you before, the size is quite compact, and the length including the blade is 25 inches only.
Moving forward to the weight, the total weight of the axe comes to be 2.6lbs only. Comparing to many other axes that serve similar purposes, the weight is quite low.
- Super comfy and easy-to-grab.
- Razon edge blade with a grounded design.
- Forged and rugged to be super durable.
- Perfect for cutting hardwoods as pine and spruce.
- Sheath in vegetable-tanned leather.
✕Cons
- Because of the length, it’s not a great fit for tall carpenters.
2. Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe- Best Overall
Fiskars x27, one of the best splitting axes today and our crown winner of the list. No matter it’s the efficiency, the blade quality, power-to-weight ratio or the handle, it checks all the boxes. Also, in terms of price-quality ratio, our impression reached even at a higher bar.
We’re going to break down every detail we’ve noticed so far. Let’s start-
Key Features at a Glance
- Sharp and forged steel blade.
- 36″ long Handel maintains balance.
- More one strike splits than most of the other models.
- Lightweight handle, yet stronger than steel.
- The bevel convex blade geometry makes it easy-to-remove from wood.
Ideal For Tall People
Sadly, tall people often face swing problems. Especially, when it comes to woodworking.
But this 36 inches handle of Fiskars X27 is the sweet remedy for tall. Along with longer handle sizes, it offers great balance and features an improved power-to-weight ratio.
Though it comes with 36 inches handle, it does not mean only tall people can use. It has other versions ranging from 17″ to 36″.
Blade Function
At the point of blade work which is perhaps the main feature of an axe, Fiskars X27 is a bang for the bucks.
Here’s why-
The blade is designed with advanced bevel convex geometry that effectively cut the targeted wood at one-strike splits. Moreover, the bevel complex makes the blade easier to detach from the wood when it gets stuck in it.
Talking about the blade material, it’s made of forged steel which is proven to stay sharp for years.
Handle Design
The handle is made of fiber comb material, very light weighted and also comfortable to use. Even that it has non- slip grip at the end which balances security while working and also has a vibration absorbing chamber. Furthermore, don’t need to worry about breakage as it is somehow unbreakable and damage-free.
Durability
Another couple of benefits the axe brings on is the ultimate safety & lifetime durability. The high-quality steel fiber comp handle and the forged steel blade: both are super long-lasting.
- Perfect power-to-weight ratio.
- Weighs only 5.85 pounds.
- Easy-to-remove blade from wood.
- Ideal for medium to large-sized wood logs.
- Non-slipable Fiver comp handle.
✕Cons
- Not ideal for short users.
- Blade required frequent sharpening.
3. Husqvarna 576926501- Best Wood Handle Splitting Axe
Want to know about the carpenter’s axes? Carpenter’s axes are small axes that are designed for traditional woodwork like splitting wood or felling trees.
Husqvarna brand is another popular and reputed company in axe manufacturer world especially for carpenter’s axes. The mentioned-model comes with a traditional look with gray color and best for those who like camping and often find themselves on the trap in the jungle. It is best fitted to the cutting of thicker wood.
Have a look at the key features-
Key Features at a Glance
- Suitable length of 19″
- High-quality curved wood handle
- Great for using in camps
- Suits for carpentry and other splitting woodwork
- Sharpen axe head with steel material
Handle Design
This particular design includes a curved wood handle that’s coated with linseed oil which gives it a traditional finish. Handle size is 19 inches and there is a minimum gap between the cutting edge and handle. Overall, it makes it easy for you to control it. At the same time, you can do the job perfectly with it by focusing on the targeted wood.
Weight
The good news is that the axe is very lightweight, which weighs not more than 3 pounds. As we mentioned before, you can easily carry it while camping out. Being lightweight, it does not mean that it won’t work properly. Don’t worry! It is heavy enough to do its job.
Blade Structure
Blade or head being the most important part of an axe, this model brings a smile on the user’s face. The head is made of high-quality steel that turns it into not only good-looking but also easy to enter wood grain with low force by the user.
Likewise, the edge design allows easily sharpening and effortlessly cutting small trees, splitting log or hewing etc.
Edge Cover
In case of security, the axe comes with a leather edge cover that really brings additional benefit which makes your device secure at traveling time and also protects it from damage while storage. The steelhead and wood body makes it super long-lasting and durable.
- Easy-to-sharpen blade.
- As lightweight as 2.4 lbs.
- Comes with a leather edge cover
- Durable & comfortable hickory handle
✕Cons
- Not a good fit for heavy woodworking.
- Not for tall users.
4. Helko Werk Vario 2000: Best Weight Axe for Splitting Logs
We are taking our step now in another best wood splitting axe, Helko Vario made in Wuppertal, Germany. The model is a great combination of fundamental styles and terms. And compared to the load level it can handle, it’s the best weight axe for splitting logs of our list.
Key Feature at a Glance
- Can maintain the well balance between head and handle
- Provide an extra 1 oz bottle protective oil for axe care.
- Able to split anything from big log to firewood
- Interchangeable axe head
- Comes with vegetable tanned real leather sheath
- One of the best weight axe for splitting logs
The Design
Helko Vario 2000 is not shaped like a traditional axe in design. Long handle and sharp head are united with one another. The interchangeable head is joined into the handle by the screw which has been secured by the retainer cap. In addition, the design of the head is slightly different from other splitters with a load of center and then normal again.
High-Quality Head
This is the best feature of the whole product. The head is made of high-quality German-made C45 carbon steel which is heat-treated and oil-hardened. The blade or head is good enough to cut any size of wood and log in a couple of minutes. Mainly the material used in the blade adds extra hardness and durability in it.
Summary line? The model is appropriate for heavy-duty work.
The Handel
Besides the head, the handle of the axe is another plus point which is crafted in Switzerland by A-grade American hickory. The handle has been designed especially to provide balance efficiently. Moreover, it comes with over-strike protector shields that retain damage against harmful swings.
Safety
Speaking of the safety detail, it comes with a leather sheath cover that protects the blade from the accident and keeps the blade sharp. In fact, the cover also defends moisture buildup that can make the blade less lasting.
Needless to say, if you are looking for something strong, slightly different in look but hard at work then you can definitely check it out.
- High-grade carbon steel made head
- Grade A Americal Hickory handle
- Protective oil provided
- Long-lasting durability
- Great for any kind of hard woodwork
✕Cons
- Comparatively expensive
- On the whole, little heavy
5. Estwing Camper’s Axe- Best Splitting Axe for Camping
Estwing brand always met the buyer’s expectations as they meet the standards in every sense. Eventually, Estwing Camper’s Axe has no compromising in quality besides adding a number of additional features. In every sense, we found it as the best splitting axe for camping.
Key Feature at a Glance
- 4 inches cutting edge that make faster and easier cutting
- Comes with a ballistic nylon sheath
- Best for splitting and chopping wood, cutting branches and small to medium trees
- Crafted in the USA
- One-piece design with a modern look
Excellent For Camping
The name of the model itself shows that it is a great choice for camping. But the secret is, it does not mean that only for camping use. You can spontaneously use it for various woodworks and home use like firewood chopping and many more. The one-piece design actually made it perfect for all types of woodworks.
4 Inches Edge
Again, this powerful 4 inches cutting edge makes it perfect for dealing with heavy woodworks. The edge allows the user to cut anything deeper even in a short period of time. So, you can do a number of efficient jobs by it and at the same time can save energy and time.
Two Sizes Available
In addition, it comes in two sizes one is 26 inches and another is 16 inches. Though we here describing the larger one, both are of the same in quality and differ is the size. According to your need, you can choose one.
Steel Made Body
The company features forged perfection with the finest tool grade steel that makes is super durable and stylists. Also, they add patented rugged shock reduction leather grip which not only provides comfort in use but also reduces impact vibration at using time.
Leather Sheath
The sheath is always needed to protect your axe from damage and secure from disaster. For your need, the axe comes with a high-quality leather sheath that meets your exception.
- Sharp blade
- Leather grip handle
- Steel made body
- Comes with leather cover
- Perfect for all type of cutting
✕Cons
- Heavy in weight
- Comparatively low efficient at wood splitting
6. LEXIVON LX-V28: Best Axe for Felling and Splitting
We have yet another great axe to show you. And this time, it’s Lexivon LX-V28. It’s one of the best brands in axe manufacturer world. It’s blade grinding technique along with three times deeper cut, are great features. First, take a look at the technical specification.
Key Features at a Glance
- Perfect for felling trees
- Lightweight handle with shock-absorbing chamber
- Product dimension is 9.2x2x31.5 inches
- Comes with a steel blade which remains sharp for a long time
- Swinging is easy
- Very first in chopping
Length of The Handle
28 inches length axe is highly appropriate for tall people who are often facing trouble for their height. Besides, short people can easily use it and keep balance.
Perfect Balance
Want to know the truth?
The axe is mainly on our list for those who want perfect balance while doing any home projects. It provides you with great balance and can improve the power to weight ratio. Furthermore, the handle reduces vibration on impact and again helps to keep balance.
Easy To Swing
A noticeable fact about the axe is that it is very easy to swing.
Though it is lightweight the weight and power ratio increase swing speed much like an aluminum baseball bat. You will get to wonder when you actually able to use it by the moving power it has.
Sharpness
At the point of sharpness, the axe is excellent. It comes in a hardened forged steel blade which provides excellent sharpness that can bite any kind of wood.
Sounds good?
But wait – there’s more
The model is mainly ideal for fleeing trees. It can chop three times deeper comparatively than others axe because of ultra-sharp edge. Moreover, the low friction blade coat power through wood and prevent the head from getting pierced.
Sheath
In case of safety, it comes with plastic sheathing that keeps the axe safe from the jam and also maintains security.
- Really Lightweight
- Comparatively reasonable in price
- Very sharp edge
- Easily swingable
- Perfect for tall people
✕Cons
- Too brittle for regular use
- The plastic edge cover is not up to the mark
7. Leveraxe Ultra-The Smart Axe, 36-Inch Splitting Axe
If you live in a winter base country then you must need wood for warming your home. Truly speaking, then the Leveraxe Ultra smart axe can be the excellent choice for you. The nice red color head and black body of the axe is nice to look at as a modern axe. It does not only look modern as well as useful and actually work like fire.
Key Feature at a Glance
- It is best suitable for splitting firewood
- Unique design with two head
- 36 inches length
- Safest and most effective tool of wood splitting
Unique Design
Leveraxe 2 comes with an excellent 2 head design.
At the first look, you may get confused with how it works and is it safe.
Well, let us tell you.
It does not work well but excellent. The strong handle prevents the head bounding over the wood while you are cutting it.
Moreover, the two head design helps you to put off your axe easily without striking it into the wood while splitting.
Splitting Any Size of Firewood
Another noteworthy thing about the axe is that it has the ability to cut any size of wood you desire. The head nicely fits on the log and cuts it into your desired piece and for doing so you don’t need to pay more attention.
Safety In Use
The hole of the mentioned-axe is larger than the other ethnic axe. So it restrains the axe from swinging over the head and leg. Even you don’t need to rotate it while splitting wood. It also repels back injuries. The axe allows using it any constant top of any kind of log.
Comfortable
36 inches length axe provides comfort in use. It does not require force to do the job. So one can use it from the comfort zone. The material used in the handle also absorbs vibration and again gives a cozy feeling.
- Less power needed
- Safe in use
- Never get stuck in the wood
✕Cons
- Expensive
- Rough handle
8. CS90TA-BRK Trail Boss
The model we are going to describe now comes with a cold steel trail boss which exactly looks like a traditional axe. Only one exception we find in it is the handle of the axe. And like the ethnic axe, it’s also good in splitting and chopping.
Key Feature at a Glance
- American hickory handle
- Weigh Not more than 3 pounds
- Comes with overall 26 inches product length
Hickory Handle
Though it comes with a very ordinary look, the axe proves itself good enough at splitting wood. The hickory handle gives you perfect balance and helps to chop any size of wood and log.
But beware:
As the handle is so close to the head, so you have to hold it carefully and tightly for having a good balance. Otherwise, there is the possibility of imbalance.
Carbon Steel Head
The head of the axe is made of 1055 carbon steel with 4.5 inches edges blade that is fine enough for chopping. It also remains sharp for a long time and that makes the axe durable.
In proof, some users claim that they are happy with the axe blade’s sharpness.
Light Weight
As you can see, in the description that it weighs less than 3 pounds, it is not much heavy. But it cannot be used as a camping tool as we researched and found it as not good enough to carry out. Although it can be happily used in farm work or gardening.
Reasonable Price
Though there are no exceptional things that we found in the axe, we found one thing and it is that its price is somehow low than other axes. So, if you just want an efficient as well as a cheap axe, then get started with it.
- Carbon steel head
- Reasonable price
- Traditional look
- Wooden handle
✕Cons
- Lack of balance
- Not comes with head cover
9. Gerber 36-Inch Power Splitting Axe [31-003636]
![Gerber 36-Inch Power Splitting Axe [31-003636]](https://toppickguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Gerber-36-Inch-Power-Splitting-Axe-31-003636.jpg)
According to our research, the Gerber brand always provides high quality and high-performance axe which, most of the time, become long-lasting. The above-mentioned model is mainly best for occasional use but if anyone wants to take it for their regular wood splitting, then better take a look at the feature.
Key Feature at a Glance
- Comes with different size
- Best for camping use
- Head structure with forged steel
- PTEF coated blade reduces friction
- Have enough Sharpness
Design And Size
Though this product comes in different sizes such as 9 inches, 14 inches, 17.5 inches, 23.5 inches, and 36 inches, but we have actually described here about 36 inches which is big in size and comes in solid construction with extra long handle.
As a matter of design, it looks good with the black color body and slightly green color handle.
Steelhead And Sharp Blade
We think we have already given you some ideas about the steel head before and how it can be beneficial for you.
Well, this particular model also comes with a forged steel head that gives extra support to cut off any big tree or wood. Moreover, the blade of the axe is coated with black PTEF which provides extra sharpness and also reduces friction and splits wood finely.
Good For Camping
Camping lover?
Then it’s good for you. Because the model is best fitted if you carry it for your camping days. Also, It weighs less than 6 pounds and the extra-large handle brings comfort in use. Besides, much easy while swinging and take less effort.
- Budget-friendly
- Good design
- Great for camping
- Sharp enough to cut wood
✕Cons
- Easily fed out its green color
- Blade’s edge is shorter in length
- Requires frequent sharpening
10. Fiskars Iso Core 8 lb Maul
Fiskars is a brand that provides a number of different kinds of axe in the market. Most of their product is best in quality and of course, in performance. Fiskars Iso core maul is a great multi propose tool as it works as both splitting axe and splitting maul.
Key Feature at a Glance
- Perfect for splitting wood
- Features with Dual-purpose steelhead
- Dual-grip composite handle
- Minimize muscle and joint pain
- Ideal for all time use
Iso Core Shock Control System
Want to know the best part of this maul?
Here’s the thing.
The Iso control system that has been built into the body of the axe mainly absorbs struck and reduces vibrate more efficiently than any other wooden axe. It also provides optimize blade geometry that can enable the penetrated into any kind of wood easily and cut it down.
The company claims that their maul is perfect and two times better than any other maul in the market because of their feature.
Dual Head Design Bring Benefits
Unlike many other axes, this one has a dual face that is able to do multi works. The forged steel main head is Sharpe enough to easily split any kind of wood and log. And one can use the driving face for driving wedges and stake. Specifically saying, the dual head mainly adds extra benefit and makes it super unique.
Grip Handle
It is 36 inches length brings balance and allows your hand swings easily. Moreover, the dual-layer handle makes it comfortable and great to use again.
The lower part of the handle includes a soft grip that is made of thermoplastic rubber. Also, the limb is designed to lessen vibration in working time.
Durability
Most of the axe and maul manufactured by Fiskars is super long-lasting and comes with like lifetime durability as they claim so. As mentioned model, we found that it is not different that you can easily use for all the toughest work without fear of its durability.
- Two head
- 36 inches overall length
- Comfortable handle
✕Cons
- Too Heavy
- Don’t provide much balance
11. Estwing Fireside Friend Axe – Wood Splitting Maul – E3-FF4
“Fireside friend”, what you mean by the name?
Well, it is another great wood splitting tool from the Estwing brand that the company says a friend of fire woodcutter. Their claim is somehow true that the design and quality of the axe are great in aforesaid work. It is designed and made in the USA.
Key Feature at a Glance
- One-piece design
- Great for firewood
- Full steel body
- Small in size
14 Inches Length
Overall 14 inches length maul is small in size which is easily carriable and at the same time, can be used for indoor use. Although it is good at cutting, it requires much power from the user to do its job because of its small size.
But it can chop wood from big to small size as your require. Also, the size is good enough for camping.
One Piece But Dual Head
The one-piece still body axe has come with two heads. The front is thin enough to cut the wood cleanly and does not strike into the wood. And the back part of the head is plain which you can use as a hammer. In the case of head edge, it is a fine sharpener that you can use it as soon as out of the box.
Handle
As for the handle, it is well constructed and comfortable. They use grip leather that gives the user hot and cold fleeing and also reduces vibrate on the impact on wood.
Best For Firewood
If you are looking for the best wood splitting maul for you firewood and want a kind of thing that easily uses indoor then undoubtedly this one is for you.
As we all know cutting firewood is hard work but with this, it becomes easy.
- Great for indoor use
- Have multipurpose benefits
- Best for camping
- Perfect for Hard firewood
✕Cons
- Don’t come with the edge cover
- Very small in size and not suitable for tall people
The Items Also Required For Your Splitting Axe
For your axe safety, sharpening, storage purposes you need these items-
- Leather Axe Sheath (Our pick: Helko Premium Leather Axe Sheath)
- Axe Sharpener (Our pick: Smith’s 50582 Axe and Machete Sharpener)
- Axe File (Our pick: Helko Werk Dual Sided Axe Sharpening File)
- Coating Oil (Our pick: 3-IN-ONE Multi-Purpose Oil)
Best Wood Splitting Axe -Buying Guide
As we hinted before that you are going to add a buying guide so that you can figure out what are the most considerable facts about the splitting axe. You must consider these facts before making the final decision of buying a splitting axe.
If you carefully follow the instruction and then layout for shopping, undoubtedly you will be benefited.
»Handle Length
The handle is the first considerable thing that you must carefully notice when you want to buy an axe for splitting or cutting wood, log, or other purposes. Because it is a part by which you keep balance and make target to cut the thing you want.
If the handle is not perfect in size or not well balanced then you may fail to work well. Moreover, the handle ensures that how much energy you need while working and it is easy to swing or not.
How long should my axe handle be?
The perfect length of an axe is 28 to 36 inches. A long handle helps you to get swing with more force but it is hard to control. If you think you need a 36 inches axe, it is wise to pick the 31 inches. Though 36 handle is a standard length of splitting axe that perfect for the average 6 feet tall man.
»The Material of The Axe Handle
There are three types of wood handles available in the market. Those are:
Wood Handle: It is most popular because of its lightweight and easy handling. The wood handle can absorb the shock that makes the axe more convenient. But the wood axe handle is weaker. Good news: It can easily replace. If you want to buy a wood handle axe, pick the axe that handle makes of hickory or ash.
Fiberglass Handle: It is also lightweight and has a soft grip. It can also absorb shock when striking the axe. But sometimes It can break into pieces.
Forged Steel Handle: It is a forged handle that joined with the axe head that makes the axe very durable. But the main problem is its resonance because it has not shock-absorbing chamber.
»Varnish or No Varnish Handle
A lacquered or varnish axe handle is a bad idea. It can only protect the handle and make it more attractive but make the handle slippery. You can sand off the varnish to get a better and comfortable grip.
»Solid Piece or Multi Piece
The solid piece means you can’t separate the axe head and the handle. Both are forged together. On the other hand, a multi-piece axe can separate, If you need to change any parts of the axe.
If you think about safety, then the solid piece is the right choice but you can’t make it apart while needed.
»Curved Handle Vs Straight Handle
The curved handle is the wise pick for the wood splitting. Basically curved handle gives you a good grip. The straight handle may a good choice if you pick the double bit axe. The manufacturer builds a double bit axe with the straight handle that you use both bits easily.
»Axe or Maul
Axe has a thin lightweight blade. On the other hand, maul has a heavier head and a bulky pull that also used as a hammer to knock wedges in the wood. Here is our “What’s better for splitting wood AXE or maul?“ The article will help you to understand better.
»Head and Cutting Edge
The head of the axe is the most important part by which you have actually done your job. You must be sure that the head is made of the exact material.
Your first priority should be the head and be sure whether it is sharp enough to penetrate into the wood and heavy enough to cut the things. But keep in mind, not only the heavy head is good for splitting wood, it must be made but good material. Besides, check out how the head is connected to the body of an axe.
»Weight of the Axe
As we use the axe for our own sake; so measurement of weight should get consideration. You should select such kind of axe which offers a balanced weight to carry and also in work time.
Cutting wood is a physical job, so consider the tool weight is somehow important.
»The Material of the Axe Head
Another thing to consider before buying is what is the material the axe manufacture used in the axe. Like, whether the handle is made of wood or steel body. How the brand join its axe head and body? Is it one-piece or two-piece or comfortable in holding? And some facts according to your needs.
»Grip & Balance
Just think somehow your axe slip out from your hand lack of proper balance while swinging
Too dangerous. Most of the user makes mistake avoiding this noticeable feature. Non-slip grip and proper balance speed up your work.
»Multipurpose Axe
It is a wise idea to choose a multipurpose axe. If you choose a multi-purpose axe that also has a maul function. And you know maul is required for splitting wood with splitting wedges. So, choose a multipurpose axe to mean buy one tool and get another.
Pros and Cons of Having an Axe
Advantages of Using Axe
- It can split wood quickly and can shape up your logs according to your wood stove.
- Axe is a more convenient and portable option for splitting firewood.
- Splitting wood with an axe is a healthy task. It is a great exercise and stress reliever. So, It can be an alternative to your morning exercise.(Read more: Health benefit of chopping wood manually with the axe)
- It is not costly because axe doesn’t require fuel or electricity like a chainsaw or log splitter.
Disadvantages of Using Axe
- Lots of energy need to using an axe.
- It is time-consuming and tedious if you have lots of wood for splitting.
- It is too risky. Miss swing or broken handle may cause of the horrific accident.
Axe Safety and Precautions
- Never use dull, rusty, and loosen axe head for splitting wood.
- Clear the work area is free from any obstacle and also notice that is there any man or animal in front of your splitting block.
- Always use a splitting block or old car tire and put the log far side of the block to prevent the missed swing to hit on the ground.
- Spread your legs more than your shoulders for a long-handled axe and take a knee or use the mallet to drive the axe blade to prevent the accident when using small size axe or hatchet.
- Swing the in a well balanced and comfortable manner.
- Keep the leather sheath cover on it and hold the blade pointing down when carrying the axe.
Wood Splitting Axe FAQ
What Is The Ideal Size of Axe For Splitting Wood?
Many axe buyers who want to buy axe for splitting wood for the first time get confused regarding the size of the axe. A common question peeps in their mind- what is the ideal size of axe for this purpose?
Generally, the axes that are suitable for splitting wood come in small (23″), large (27″), large (31″), and extra-large (36″) – these several seize. But the point is that though the axe has its different size, the heads of the axe come in the same size for all the axes.
But to have the ideal size, you can choose the big size- large (31″) and extra-large (36″). Because these sizes of axe appear with a long handle and that help to split the wood in an easy way. These sizes are perfect for solely splitting round of wood.
How to Lengthen The Lifetime of Axe?
Really, it is a very crucial part of the axe maintenance. When you are using your axe for splitting wood, you should have a concern about the maintenance so that it cannot be out use quickly.
By maintaining some simple steps, you can easily lengthen the lifetime of your splitting wood axe. Check them out:
- After doing splitting the wood, always store your axe in its case. This will prevent the axe from rusting.
- If your axe gets wet, let it be dried up before keeping in the case. Otherwise, it may be rusted that eventually shortens the lifetime of an axe.
- Do not keep the axe in extreme hot or cold places. Both of the weather condition can shorten axe lifespan.
- Any product can fall in the thread of existence just for overusing. Though it is a cutting tool, try not to use it for a long time without giving an interval.
Chopping Axe vs Splitting axe: What is the Main Difference?
To understand this topic, first, you have to the difference between chopping and splitting wood. Chopping wood refers to the horizontal action and splitting wood refers to the vertical action.
Now:
The chopping axe has a very narrow and sharp blade to cut a log into small pieces horizontally. This axe is perfect for a clean cut.
The splitting axe is designed for vertical or downward action. This axe is suitable to split the log in one stroke.
Now the question is can we use a chopping axe to split wood? Yes! You can. But you may need to swing the axe with extra forces that makes you tried within a very short time.
What Are The Best Wood Splitting Axe Brands?
As I already mentioned the different type of splitting axe. But why I am telling you this here? Because different brands are renowned for different types of the axe. As an example, Fiskars is most popular for fiberglass handle axe and Husqvarna is popular for traditional hickory handle axe. Thereafter, I have told you a few popular axe brands and It is my recommendation to pick the best wood axe from these brands.
Here Is a List of The 5 Best Axe Brands:
- Fiskars
- Husqvarna
- Gransfors Bruks
- Helko Werk
- Estwing
Can I Use Splitting Axe To Make Kindling and Felling Trees?
Basically, you need a small axe or hatchet to make kindling. A long-handled axe can’t maintain or swing with one hand. For make kindling, you should pick the kindling axe or hatchet.
Yes! you can cut and fell down the trees with splitting axe but it is not the right choice. You should pick a felling axe for felling the tree.
What is The Importance of Absorbing Axe Handle Shock?
Axe handle shock is the pressure and stress that can make resonance in your arms. Shock can make an axe inconvenient. It also can a cause of the accident.
Should A Wood Splitting Axe Be Sharp Enough?
Yes! It should be. If your axe is not sharp enough, the axe will kickback while swinging that may the cause of the accident. On the other hand, splitting wood with a blunt axe is more tedious and annoying.
Where to Buy a Wood Splitting Axe?
You can buy an axe from your closet tools shop or from an online store like Amazon, eBay, etc. No matter where to buy, you have to just consider that the product is in good condition.
Our Top Pick Axe for Wood Splitting
Every axe in our list is worthy to take into consideration because of their unique features and benefits.
But as the tools researcher, we recommend the Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe, 36-Inch and there are obviously some reasons behind.
It is one of the best axes which is reasonable in price and perfect in size, work, and comes with the essential feature which should have in an axe.
At the same time, Fiskars is so far, the best axe manufacturer brand in the global market and they made every best thing according to customer demand.
Read More: Fiskars X27 vs X25: The Hands-on Comparision
Final Verdict
Overall we cannot deny that an axe is an important tool that should be taken into consideration. Hopefully, our listed best axe for splitting wood helped you to select the best one for you. Most of them are excellent at work and great in look- whether you are looking for classic or modern.
We value your choice and demand. So we have tried our best to assist you in your shopping.
We wrap up our article with the wish that you will find something that will help you to pick up an excellent splitting axe for you from our selected products. Tell me in the comments below what is your favorite axe for wood splitting. We always love to know your thoughts.
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