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A nice, cozy night with a good steady fire is all sweet and good until you run out of wood and you have to go buy some again.
That’s why more and more people are now turning back to the basics.
And that is chopping and splitting firewood.
Now, that may sound like a daunting task, but not if you’ve got your own trusty splitting axe!
But not all axes are made the same. And to ensure that you won’t regret your purchase later on, we’ve got the best and most popular wood splitting axes today and tested them all out side by side so you won’t have to.
In this definitive guide for the best axes for splitting wood, we’ll be covering:
- The best axes for chopping firewood for all budgets and needs;
- Both heavy-duty and lightweight axes;
- How to choose your first best axe for splitting wood;
- The things you want to look out for;
- Lots more!
We’ve discovered many hacks along the way and we’re sure you’d benefit from them, too.
So let’s not keep you waiting…
Swing away!
Table Of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Not all axes are made equal. There’s the felling axe, the chopping axe, and of course, the splitting axe among many other kinds.
And that’s why buying an ax can be quite tricky as most are made to concentrate on one purpose so you really have to identify first why and for what you’re looking an axe for.
Most splitting axes are made quite differently from the usual axes.
Most of them have heads that are angled and shaped so that it slides effortlessly into the wood. The idea is for your axe to not get stuck as it’ll make the task of chopping logs harder and longer.
Aside from splitting logs…
You also have the splitting maul. A maul is usually a bigger axe. While bigger is not always better, a splitting maul is great if you’re splitting large pieces of wood.
On the other hand, if you’re not looking for something that heavy, you should look for a camping axe instead.
A camping axe is made to be lighter and smaller because it has to be perfectly portable enough to be carried from place to place.
Just make sure that the cutting edge is designed for splitting wood and you’re good to go.
For this article…
We’ve researched the market for days on end and narrowed down our list to just seven of the real best wood splitting axes. Each of us took turns on each axe so that the results would be accurate as the axes were tested with people of different weights and heights.
We’ve also agreed on 5 metrics which we used to measure the axes’ performance.
Not all of our needs are the same, so read on to see which of these babies are the perfect one for yours.
Best axes for splitting wood
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1 - Best Quality Axe For Splitting Wood - Editor’s Choice Award
Fiskars 378841-1004 X27 Super Splitting Axe
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Time Between Sharpening
8
Build Quality
9
Versatility
10
Ergonomic Design
10
Ease of Splitting
10
- Manufacturer: Fiskars
- Material: Steel and hard composite handle
- Weight: 5.85 pounds
- Blade Length: No information
- Overall Length: 36 inches
Bottom Line: The Fiskars X27 is designed for splitting your wood in one strike while still being lightweight, making it a go-to and one of the best axes for wood splitting.
Pros
- Good weight distribution
- Great for tall users
- The handle is lightweight
- FiberComp handle absorbs shock so as not to hurt your hands
- The advanced bevel convex geometry of the blade keeps it from being stuck in the wood
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
- Comes with a cover that also acts as a hanger
Cons
- The head could chip if used on very tough wood
- You can’t use the butt for hammering
- The blade must be sharpened regularly
SUMMARY:
If you’re into doing fast instead of heavy, then the crowd favorite Fiskars X27 is your best friend. In fact, after testing and evaluating all the best splitting axes on the market today, we’ve chosen this guy to be this review’s Editor’s Choice.
The merits of the Fiskars X27 are already quite well-known by now, but let me show you why.
At first glance, it really doesn’t look like anything special or exceptional. It doesn’t even look classic. It rather looks as practical as it could get with its black and orange handle.
But the thing is…
It’s made with tall people in mind and it can clearly be seen in its 36 inch handle.
The steel head is perma-molded so there’s no chance of it ever falling off or breaking, no matter how hard you strike it.
The blade’s geometry is also quite impressive as it’s different from the usual axes. Its profile is still wedged, but this one is an aggressive wedgy!
The blade itself is quite sharp with just the right thickness so it never got stuck in wood even once. But going outward, it begins to thicken with its bevel design that, no doubt, is made to let the blade glide smoothly like butter through the wood.
Every corner is pronounced, that’s why I said aggressively wedgy. This geometry helps in pulling the wood open after the strike so you’re doing it not only efficiently but quickly.
Didn’t I say fast instead of heavy?
Speaking of heaviness, the handle won’t give you a hard time, either. It’s unbelievably lightweight, which is just right because it’s so long that you’ll have to swing it real long and high.
So if you’re not very tall, you’ll have to extend your arms all the way to be able to swing this baby out.
But right after that, there’s nothing but lightness and speed. This excellent power-to-weight ratio makes it the best axe if you’re planning to split wood the whole day.
I did so for three hours straight then four more hours after a lunch break and I didn’t feel the slightest soreness after.
But that’s not all…
Aside from being as light as an aluminum baseball bat, the handle is also flared at the end and hollowed so that it would absorb all the shock that comes with every strike and you won’t hurt your hands even after prolonged use.
The Fiskars Super Splitting Axe handle is also well-textured to ensure that the axe won’t slip through your hands when you sweat.
Perhaps, one of the few let-downs of this guy that I found…
Is its sharpening needs. You might need to sharpen it regularly if you don’t want your X27 to go dull.
It doesn’t come with a sharpener but if you like Fiskars, they have this all-in-one sharpener that fits all Fiskars axes and some other brands of axes, too!
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2 - Best Budget Axe For Splitting Wood- Best Value Award
14-Inch Outdoor Camping Axe
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Time Between Sharpening
7
Build Quality
9
Versatility
9
Ergonomic Design
10
Ease of Splitting
8
- Manufacturer: UPHILL MERCHANDISE LLC
- Material: Hardened and forged alloy steel and fiberglass with rubber handle
- Weight: 2.38 pounds
- Blade Length: 3.5 inches
- Overall Length: 14 inches
Bottom Line: A good lightweight hatchet that’s most perfect for camping because it’s portable and versatile.
Pros
- Multipurpose and versatile
- The handle is coated with an anti-rust coat for longevity
- Good power-to-weight ratio
- Ergonomic handle shape and design
- Anti-slip and soft rubberized grip
- Very lightweight and portable
- Affordable
Cons
- You may have to sharpen it first before using
- This is not for heavy-duty use
SUMMARY:
If you don’t really need a big, old heavy-duty splitting axe and are just looking for a nice little hatchet that you can easily carry wherever you go or keep for emergencies, our Best Value, this 14-inch outdoor camping axe is your best bet.
It’s so affordable that we just took it without a thought as it won’t be such a loss if it turned out to be a disappointment.
But did it?
Well, this baby is complex. Its pros are as remarkable as its cons.
First off, it’s a portable little thing, measuring only 14 inches with a little more than a couple of pounds of weight.
That easily makes it perfect for camping and bugout trips.
It came in a good-looking box, well-protected but interestingly different.
And by different, I mean that its blade came almost without an edge and was a bit rounded.
It would most probably disappoint you at first glance, especially if the description said that it comes sharpened and ready to use.
But in reality…
It’s as blunt as a butter knife. So suffice to say, I had to grind it first before using it.
I only had to sharpen it for around 10 minutes and the edge was nice and sharp already, very much ready to swing.
If well-sharpened, it’s actually very dependable.
Well, not much with heavy chores such as splitting large sized logs, but many different lighter tasks such as limbing and making kindling.
Yep, camping tasks.
With its size and weight, it’s clearly made as a camping axe so you won’t want to use it for bigger logs if you don’t want your new splitting axe to break.
But then, that also gives it an additional point in versatility.
You can make kindling and even carve wood with this blade!
If you’re looking for an axe that you can bring anywhere without much difficulty, this versatile axe is for you.
Not to mention…
That it also comes at a very agreeable price so I didn’t feel bad or anxious about lending it to someone.
But for me, the best thing about this splitting axe is its handle. It’s not a wooden handle, which most people prefer. But it’s made from fiberglass so there are no disintegrating pieces of wood to bother your hands even after years of use.
But aside from that…
It’s seriously made to last what with its fully-polished finish and a good layer of anti-rust coating, so you can rest assured that this won’t leave you hanging even after years of use.
The handle’s shape is its pride, with its ergonomic shape and rubberized grip. Many users have already commented and sang praises about how good it felt on the hands. And boy, weren’t they right!
Its axe head is also equally thoughtfully made. The drop-forged alloy steel’s edges were treated with high-frequency heat for a satisfying performance.
It’s a very simple-looking little axe for light chopping wood but it comes in this vivid reddish handle color that I think is good as it lets me easily find it when I’m working with it out in the field.
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3 - Best Durable Axe For Splitting Wood - Top Pick Award
LEXIVON V28 Chopping Axe
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Time Between Sharpening
8
Build Quality
8
Versatility
8
Ergonomic Design
9
Ease of Splitting
10
- Manufacturer: LEXIVON
- Material: Grade-A Carbon forged steel, heat-treated blade, and reinforced injected fiberglass handle
- Weight: 5.549 pounds
- Blade Length: 3.5 inches
- Overall Length: 28 inches
Bottom Line: The Lexivon V28 is also another easy-to-carry chopping and splitting axe that’s made for the ultimate comfort of its holder’s hands.
Pros
- Optimized blade angles for clean wood splitting
- The blade is treated with heat to make it more durable
- The blade is also over-molded so it’s almost unbreakable
- Weather-resistant, shock-absorbing, and anti-slip handle
- This axe also has a balance point between the axe head and the handle for good power and weight balance
- Comes with a protective sheath with a handle
Cons
- You may also need to sharpen it before using
- Not for heavy-duty use
- The head is much lighter than most so the axe could bounce off the wood
SUMMARY:
In case you liked the features of the Fiskars X27 or just looking for a replacement for it, then I’d say this Lexivon V28 chopping and splitting axe is one great dupe for it!
It comes looking like our Editor’s Choice axe but at a much more affordable price.
But it’s not 36 inches long, though. It’s only 28 inches. Shorter than the Fiskars one but that also means that more people of different heights can use this one.
As a matter of fact…
It nailed our “ease of splitting” metric that we agreed for it to be our Top Pick.
So how easy was it, actually?
Well, let’s go straight to the handle. This axe was made to feel good and comfy to the hands, regardless of the hands’ size. It’s ergonomically rounded so that it feels easy to hold but with a couple of ridges at the bottom to act not only as a shock absorber but also as a grip for the hands.
But aside from that, it’s also a bit textured with a flare at the very bottom to ensure that the axe won’t slide through your hands while you’re in the middle of action.
And it’s got a nice yellow color, too! Small thing but it proved useful when I had to find my axe which turned out to be swallowed by the hay lump in my backyard. I didn’t have to look far because its color is very eye-catching.
The handle was made from reinforced injected fiberglass so it’s very, very tough plastic.
As a matter of fact, I did a few mishits but the handle didn’t crack one bit.
Now, I’ve heard some people saying the handle broke on them. If it wasn’t a mishit, I don’t know what else broke it because in reality, the handle actually felt solid and it proved to be so.
Now, going up…
It has this balance point between the handle and the axe head so the weight is equal on both sides. It’s a good detail that axe beginners would benefit from.
The forged steel blade is made from Grade A carbon steel, nothing spectacular. But it’s heat-treated so it’s actually more durable and dependable.
The blade came a little rough to the touch though but it’s not a big deal for me as it’s not something that would affect the axe’s performance, anyway.
Right out of the box…
I was a little dismayed to see that the blade wasn’t very blunt. Like our second axe on this list, I also had to take out my axe sharpener and grind it before getting into action.
But after sharpening it, I was unstoppable.
The blade was durable so I was confident to strike heavily. It’s also over-molded on its handle so I was assured that the head won’t come flying around and away anytime soon.
Like the Fiskar X27…
This one is also made with aggressive angles on the blade, so it slid easily and smoothly through the wood and pushed it open for the final strike almost effortlessly.
What’s more, it also comes with a very hard plastic sheath that protects your blade while allowing you to hang safely at home with its built-in handle.
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4 - Best Lightweight Axe For Splitting Wood
BRUFER 203651-3 Hatchet Axe
Time Between Sharpening
7
Build Quality
8
Versatility
8
Ergonomic Design
8
Ease of Splitting
8
- Manufacturer: BRUFER
- Material: Steel and Hickory wood
- Weight: 1.95 pounds
- Blade Length: 4 inches
- Overall Length: 14.5 inches
Bottom Line: A lightweight and portable axe with a Hickory handle that’s comfortable to the hands and takes vibrations well. It’s also good for throwing matches.
Pros
- Classic American Hickory wood handle
- Lightweight
- Can be used for axe throwing sports
- Wide cutting edge
- Meets most axe throwing competition requirements
- Affordable
Cons
- Doesn’t come with its own sheath
- The blade is thick for a throwing axe
- A wooden handle isn’t very durable
SUMMARY:
This best axe for splitting wood roundup list wouldn’t be complete without the classic wood axe.
There are some people who still prefer using wood axes as they feel way softer and better on the hands thanks to their excellent ability to absorb shock and vibrations.
Coming in at 4 inches of length, the blade of this simple beauty is longer than most axes on this list.
Most users of this axe use this for axe throwing competitions and most of the time, it performed well.
But as players know…
A thinner blade edge is preferable for competitions as it tends to stick better into the wood. This guy’s edge is thicker than needed, in my humble opinion.
But then, if you’re planning to just add this to your backyard or emergency tools box, then you’re in for a treat.
Though not so big, this baby can wield a great amount of power, making it great for splitting small logs.
And as mentioned, the handle is simple and can take shock really well so my hands felt like new even after splitting wood for three hours straight!
On the other hand…
Comfy as it is, you may still want to be careful with this as this Hickory wood material is less durable compared to, say, fiberglass or a metal one.
But then, if you bought this for fine woodwork, then you should be perfectly fine.
It doesn’t come with its own sheath which is also another little let-down. But then, it’s so light and portable that I didn’t have any difficulty storing it.
5 - Best Grip Axe For Splitting Wood
Estwing Special Edition Camper's Axe
Time Between Sharpening
9
Build Quality
10
Versatility
8
Ergonomic Design
8
Ease of Splitting
9
- Manufacturer: Estwing
- Material: Metal and rubberized handle
- Weight: 7 ounces
- Blade Length: 4.5 inches
- Overall Length: 26 inches
Bottom Line: This Estwing 26-inch axe is a one-piece all-metal tool that can last for years and even decades. It also has an excellent grip on the handle and absorbs shock well.
Pros
- Comes sharp right out of the box
- Full tang
- The thin blade can penetrate wood deeper
- The shock-resistant handle is rubberized and textured
- It doesn’t require much sharpening
- Comes with a fabric sheath
- You can use the back of its head like a hammer
- Powerful chopper
Cons
- It could tire you out faster than other axes
- The slim blade could get stuck in the wood
- Using it for super heavy chopping could cause the handle to bend
SUMMARY:
Some people hesitate to get an axe because of the fear of the head breaking from the handle and somehow flying and landing on them.
I had that fear before too. That’s why Estwing became my first and one of my favorite axes for more than two decades now.
Like, seriously, even my father liked to use Estwing back in the day!
And I’m talking specifically about this 26-inch Estwing Camper’s axe. Many people already know (or got) this but did you know that this well-loved model has a gorgeous 50th-anniversary special edition version?
You read that right.
And that’s what I got this time. This limited-edition axe is all black- yes, even the blade!
But aside from that, the features are still pretty much the same as the old Estwing axe.
Like I’ve mentioned, it’s a full tang tool. So it’s all made in one metal piece. So you don’t have to worry about a metal head flying off anymore.
Now, you might be wondering…
Isn’t a metal handle hurtful to the hands? A metal handle isn’t a very good shock absorber after all.
Well, Estwing is certainly on the top of the game with its well-made shock reduction grip.
Long story short, the metal handle is covered to absorb shock so each strike won’t hurt your hands.
The grip is also rubberized with deep crevices to keep your hands from slipping even when wet.
And by the way, the shock-reduction grip is Estwing’s own patented design, which is also quite badass.
Going to the blade…
Ever detail-oriented, the blade was made with the drop forging process and then, later on, tempered to make it last longer and more durable.
There’s a reason why it’s a favorite among the most seasoned outdoorsmen!
Perhaps the only drawback I noticed is that the blade is thin and tends to get stuck in wood more often than not.
The edge came razor sharp right out of the box, so that’s something. I didn’t have to sharpen it like I did with my other new axes.
But it’s sharp because it’s thin and it results in the blade sticking into the wood much deeper than needed. It’s not much of a big deal if you like to take your time while you chop wood but if you’re all for fast efficiency, this little mole might annoy you a little.
On the other hand…
You’d be glad to know that the back of the blade can also be used as a hammer! This comes especially useful if you’re trying to split larger sized logs without breaking your blade.
I had the help of another Estwing tool, the Sure Split Wedge, which you can simply insert into a small crack on the log, then hit it down with the hammer of your axe and watch your big piece of log split in a strike or two.
But even without the wedge…
This sharp blade is quite powerful on its own as I was able to easily split small or medium logs in just one stroke.
And have I mentioned how much I like its all-black look? It’s rugged and elegant all at the same time and I don’t even know how that could happen!
This wonder comes with its own ballistic nylon sheath to protect and preserve the axe in all conditions.
6 - Best Design Axe For Splitting Wood
WilFiks Chopping Axe
Time Between Sharpening
7
Build Quality
8
Versatility
8
Ergonomic Design
9
Ease of Splitting
8
- Manufacturer: WilFiks Camping Chopping Axe
- Material: Carbon steel and fiberglass
- Weight: 2.57 pounds
- Blade Length: 6.5 inches
- Overall Length: 15 inches
Bottom Line: A lightweight and small but impressive splitting axe that’s great for camping, backpacking, or other kinds of trips.
Pros
- Lightweight and perfect for camping and other trips
- Made to be simple and easy to use
- The heat-treated blade is smooth and durable
- Doesn’t need to be sharpened regularly
- Shock-absorbing, cold-resistant, anti-slip grip
- The blade’s edge can be filed and reshaped
- The wedge design is weighted and can make chopping and splitting wood a breeze
- Comes with a rubber blade covering for safe storage or transportation
Cons
- Not for heavy-duty use
- The axe head can crook if struck in the wrong way
- Some units come dull out of the box
SUMMARY:
Looking for a portable axe or hatchet to bring to your next camping or cross country trip? You certainly don’t have to sacrifice efficiency for portability, as we soon found out with this axe from WilFiks.
At just 15 inches of overall length and a cool lime green design, it looks like something you probably wouldn’t take seriously.
But it’s actually pretty efficient…
Especially with the simple and basic outdoor tasks such as kindle preparation or splitting logs for a backyard fire pit.
The blade is of good quality carbon steel that also underwent heat treatment so small as it is, it’s actually a force to be reckoned with.
As a matter of fact, I accidentally whacked it against a boulder not once but twice, and the steel didn’t even chip.
But here’s the thing…
While there are units that reportedly came sharp right out of the box, there’s a bigger chance that you’ll get the dull one. I did and I had to polish and sharpen it for about an hour before it was perfectly usable.
It’s tougher than most blades so it’s also tough to sharpen.
But the good thing is, you can reshape it with a file if you want to.
Unfortunately, the back of the blade is too narrow to be a hammer or anything.
Going down…
The handle is made from fiberglass, so it’s expected to be tough as nails, too. The handle was curved a little for ergonomics so it will still feel right in your hands however hard you go with it.
It’s also very finely textured to keep it from slipping. Furthermore, it doesn’t only absorb shock and vibration excellently, but this lightest axe is also cold-resistant too, so you won’t have to hesitate about bringing this guy to winter camping if you need to!
The color is nice too, which is lime green. It’s bright enough so that it’s easy to see and find in a messy workshop or in the grassy outdoors.
How about its splitting power?
Well, it is powerful when used right. And by right, I mean lighter tasks such as preparing your kindling, chopping or splitting small logs, or wood carving, if you may.
Yes, you can definitely use this for finer tasks that require you to work with smaller details!
Now, you definitely wouldn’t want to use it to chop fell trees, split wood that is fresh and hard, or completely take down a tree if you don’t want to see a flying metal head anytime soon (trust me)!
For storage purposes, this hatchet, like most chopping axes, comes with a hole so you can easily hang it if you want to, along with a protective blade covering for safe storage or transportation.
7 - Best Blade Axe For Splitting Wood
Fiskars IsoCore Maul
Time Between Sharpening
9
Build Quality
10
Versatility
7
Ergonomic Design
8
Ease of Splitting
10
- Manufacturer: Fiskars
- Material: Fiberglass and steel
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Blade Length: 4.5 inches
- Overall Length: 36 inches
Bottom Line: A very strong and heavy splitting maul, this Fiskars IsoCore maul is great for heavy-duty chopping and even felling trees.
Pros
- Features Fiskars’ own Patented IsoCore Shock Control System that absorbs shock better than other handles
- The head is riveted so it’s virtually inseparable
- Treated with a rust-resistant coating
- The handle’s sculpted profile is shaped for a more comfortable hold
- Soft grip for painless swinging
- The tough blade is very powerful
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not for axe beginners
- Too heavy
SUMMARY:
If you’re a heavy swinger, you need a splitting maul that won’t keep you back. I’m talking about this boss of an axe that is the Fiskars IsoCore maul.
Coming in at 36 inches in overall length, it’s one of the longest ones out there. That means it’s not for everyone.
But aside from the length…
It’s also quite hefty at 8 pounds, which means it’s one powerful maul. That makes it a favorite among the most seasoned outdoorsmen and axe users.
So if you don’t fancy the light and frail axes that are usually made for camping, this boss is your best bet.
In true Fiskars fashion, the handle is one of the highlights of this tool as it’s made with many advancements that are Fiskars’ very own.
Starting with the material…
The fiberglass handle is reinforced by Fiskars’ very own patented IsoCore Shock Control System that absorbs 2X the shock and vibration.
But that’s not all. The handle has a dual-layer and the extra layer takes care of taking any vibrations left so your hands won’t have to.
What does this mean for you?
Well, it only means that you can wield it as hard as you like! You can definitely take that Oak or Ash down without any worry about the stress it will give your hands and body.
That being said…
This also means that it’s not for everyone. Made for heavy chopping and splitting, you might get overwhelmed if you’re new to wood splitting or using axes so I suggest you get one of the more lightweight options on this list.
Going further down, the very end of the handle is flared quite widely to make sure that the axe won’t slip from your hands and cause an accident.
The orange part is the softer part, adding more comfort and softness to the grip. Furthermore, it also has deep dimples for better hold.
Going up the blade…
This may not be a one-piece axe, but I was able to use it while feeling assured that the head wouldn’t come off no matter how hard I used it. That’s because the metal axe head is riveted so it’s almost inseparable.
At 4 and a half inches of length, it’s great not only for small and medium logs but also the bigger ones too.
You might be glad to know that it came sharp right out of the box so I didn’t have to sharpen it immediately. Though, in case you want to, you can definitely file the edge and even reshape it to your liking!
The head’s back is nice and wide because I was able to use it as a hammer very easily among many other uses.
Buyer's Guide:
How To Choose The Best Axe for Splitting and Chopping Wood
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Things to Look Out For
Weight- Surprisingly, there are still people who think that the heavier the axe is, the better. But it’s never the case.
What you need is an axe with a weight that you can handle. More weight means more splitting power, yes. But what will you do with that power if the axe is too much for you to wield?
The length of the handle- Yes, handle length matters, too! You might have probably seen more people preferring long handles. But again, it’s not always the best.
The reason for this is most of the time, the longer the handle is, the greater the strike is. But as we’re all shaped differently, it doesn’t work for everyone and some people actually work best with shorter handles. It’s a personal preference thing, so make sure to know your comfort length before getting one.
The handle’s material- Yes, the handle is that important. We’re talking about the material this time. In the old times, people only had those axes with wooden handles. Now, you can have a plastic one or a metal one.
Some traditionalists still prefer the wooden handles and sometimes, they really feel better on the hands. But if you’re looking for a lightweight option, you can try the fiberglass or hard plastic ones. They’re good with absorbing shock as well.
If you’re all for safety, a metal handle won’t fail you. A metal handle usually comes in one piece with the head, meaning, it’s all made from one metal, body and head, so there’s no chance that the two will break apart.
Blade’s weight- Most of the time, I look for an axe with a heavy metal head. The reason for this is simple: when the metal is light, high chance is it will just bounce off the wood once you strike so your strike will be shallow.
It’s also better if your blade is shaped in a convex or a pronounced wedge so that the wood splits further apart without much effort with each strike.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Question 1: Is a heavier axe better for splitting wood?
A - Not always. But it actually depends on what you want to focus on. If you want to focus on precision when splitting your axes, then a heavy axe would work for you as it’s more powerful and will be able to cut through in less strikes. But if you’re all for speed, then you might want to get a lighter axe which will let you swing faster and yield more products.
Question 2: What's the difference between a chopping axe and a splitting axe?
A - Usually a chopping axe’s blade would be much thinner as it needs to bring the axe across the diameter of the wood. On the other hand, most splitting axes are much thicker and are usually shaped in a wedge to be able to split a log more easily.
Question 3: Do you need a sharp axe to split wood?
A - The idea is to crack open an existing crack on the wood or just create a new crack. And to achieve this, you need a sharp axe.
Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
Time Between Sharpening
If you’re planning to use your axe regularly, the frequency of its need for sharpening is also important. As much as possible, you don’t want to be stopping every now and then to bring out your sharpener and grind everywhere dullness finds you. That’s why you want to look for an axe that’s low-maintenance when it comes to sharpening.
Time Between Sharpening Rating
Estwing Special Edition Camper's Axe
Fiskars IsoCore Maul
Fiskars 378841-1004 X27 Super Splitting Axe
LEXIVON V28 Chopping Axe
14-Inch Outdoor Camping Axe
BRUFER 203651-3 Hatchet Axe
WilFiks Chopping Axe
Build Quality
Build quality refers to the engineering of the axe. It’s how well the head is attached to the handle, the angles of the blade, and even the make of the handle as all these aspects contribute to the efficiency of a splitter axe.
Build Quality Rating
Estwing Special Edition Camper's Axe
Fiskars IsoCore Maul
Fiskars 378841-1004 X27 Super Splitting Axe
14-Inch Outdoor Camping Axe
LEXIVON V28 Chopping Axe
BRUFER 203651-3 Hatchet Axe
WilFiks Chopping Axe
Versatility
What’s a bang for your buck? Well, it’s when you can actually use your axe in many other things aside from splitting wood! It also means that you can easily benefit from it in whatever situation you may be in, may it be in camping or just at home.
Versatility Rating
Fiskars 378841-1004 X27 Super Splitting Axe
14-Inch Outdoor Camping Axe
LEXIVON V28 Chopping Axe
BRUFER 203651-3 Hatchet Axe
Estwing Special Edition Camper's Axe
WilFiks Chopping Axe
Fiskars IsoCore Maul
Ergonomic Design
An axe is no joke to hold and wield, especially when you have to do it for hours. Chances are, your hands would either be numb or in extreme pain by the end of the day. That is why good ergonomics in an axe (or any cutting or striking tool) is very important. Certain curves and contours can make a difference in making your hands comfy even after hours of usage.
Ergonomic Design Rating
Fiskars 378841-1004 X27 Super Splitting Axe
14-Inch Outdoor Camping Axe
LEXIVON V28 Chopping Axe
WilFiks Chopping Axe
BRUFER 203651-3 Hatchet Axe
Estwing Special Edition Camper's Axe
Fiskars IsoCore Maul
Ease of Splitting
You bought an axe for a more efficient wood-splitting session. And that’s what you should get. Choose an axe that won’t give you a hard time splitting so you can do more.
Ease of Splitting Rating
Fiskars 378841-1004 X27 Super Splitting Axe
Fiskars IsoCore Maul
LEXIVON V28 Chopping Axe
Estwing Special Edition Camper's Axe
14-Inch Outdoor Camping Axe
BRUFER 203651-3 Hatchet Axe
WilFiks Chopping Axe
Our Final Verdict: Best Axes For Splitting Wood
Best Axes For Splitting Wood
Fiskars 378841-1004 X27 Super Splitting Axe
Estwing Special Edition Camper's Axe
Fiskars IsoCore Maul
14-Inch Outdoor Camping Axe
LEXIVON V28 Chopping Axe
WilFiks Chopping Axe
BRUFER 203651-3 Hatchet Axe
Conclusion: Best Axes For Splitting Wood
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Through decades of swinging axes for everyday wood, we’ve come to know that heavy isn’t always better and bigger isn’t always more efficient. And we’ve been reminded of this fact upon testing these guys out.
As it happened…
The Fiskars axes emerged victorious, thanks to its undying excellent quality that has served outdoorsmen for many years now.
So if you’ll ask me what the best splitting axe is, I’d say it’s the Fiskars X27, our Editor’s Choice, as many axe users would most definitely agree.
But if you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Best Value 14-inch outdoor camping axe is a great dupe to the X27.
On the other hand…
Life and the world moves really fast today and if you aim to do more, the Top Pick Lexivon V28 is your best bet as it has features that can make axing bearable even after hours and hours of swinging so you’re able to do more in a day.
So as you must have already guessed, it’s not always the weight or the size but your very own goals and needs that you need to consider when getting your own splitter axe.
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