Buying an axe for splitting wood might seem like an easy task, but in reality, it is as tricky as chopping a tree down. A woodcutter is only as skilled as his axe, and a small mistake in his choice can lead to wasted effort and money. Make sure that you buy an axe that suits your requirements and helps you in getting the job done in minimum time.
Contents
- 1 Best Axe for Splitting Wood – Top Picks!
- 2 Best Axe for Splitting Wood 2023 – Detailed Review!
- 2.1 #1 Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe
- 2.2 #2 Husqvarna 30-Inch Wooden Splitting Axe
- 2.3 #3 Helko Werk Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter
- 2.4 #4 Husqvarna 19-Inch Wooden Splitting Axe: Best for Use with Lighter Firewood
- 2.5 #5 Fiskars Iso Core Eight Pound Maul
- 2.6 #6 Gerber 36-Inch Power Splitting Axe
- 2.7 #7 Estwing Fireside Friend Axe
- 2.8 #8 Estwing Camper’s Axe
- 2.9 #9 Truper 30958 8-Pound Splitting Maul
- 2.10 #10 Fiskars x27 Super Splitting Axe: Best Wood Splitting Axe for Taller Individuals
- 3 How to buy an axe for splitting wood?
- 4 Conclusion on the best axe for splitting wood
We have done thorough research to find the 10 best axes for splitting wood available today. Take a good look at each one of them and find the most suitable product for you.
Best Axe for Splitting Wood – Top Picks!
Best Axe for Splitting Wood 2023 – Detailed Review!
Let’s take a look at 10 of the Best Axe for Splitting Wood for the year 2019-20 money can buy.
#1 Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe
The portable axe is only 19 inches long and weighs not more than two pounds. Specially designed for your backpack, the Axe is capable of anything a regularly sized axe can do. This is the Best Axe for Splitting Wood and is recommended to buy.
The tool can easily chop limb wood and smaller ranches. Furthermore, recycled steel has been used to create its head that is ideal for undertaking moderate tasks or delicate work. Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe is the best small-sized axe for use on softwoods.
Advantages:
- Has a hickory handle
- 19 inches long
- Head made from recycled steel
- Great for pine, beech or birch
Disadvantages:
- Not made for harder wood
#2 Husqvarna 30-Inch Wooden Splitting Axe
The 30 inches long Husqvarna 30-Inch Wooden Splitting Axe is perfect for splitting logs from hardwood trees. You do not have to worry about the solidity of the axe as its head has been attached to a hickory shaft through a blend of wood and steel wedge.
This Best Axe for Splitting Wood is capable of sinking through toughened wood without much effort. It is possible due to the extra-long handle that allows the user to go for a two-handed grip and exert a more significant force in a single swing. The company also provides a leather edge sheath to prevent damage and keep the axe’s head sharp. The head is hand-forged that offers more magnificent room for craftsmanship and originality.
Advantages:
- Suitable for hard and thick wood
- Has a 30-inch handle
- The head is and forged
- Durable and robust due to the dual attaching process
Disadvantages:
- The head demands high maintenance and can break off when misused.
#3 Helko Werk Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter
Popular as one of the most robust axes available today the Helko Werk Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter is best suited for heavy-duty tasks possible due to its weight and deep wedge. It is the most suitable for people who have previous experience with wood axe chopping and is considers as Best Axe for Splitting Wood.
Due to the bigger size of this axe the user must exercise sheer strength and maintain an excellent level of control over it while splitting wood. The head of this beast has been created with a German C50 high-grade carbon steel, and wood chopping beginners must think twice before buying it. Made from hickory, the shaft is then dipped in lacquer to compliment the head’s strength and take care of wood’s grain. The tool has an unmatched brute force but can become inconvenient sooner than expected.
Advantages:
- 36-inch handle
- Comes with a vegetable-tanned leather sheath 8- inch blade and protective oil
- Good for heavy-duty jobs
Disadvantages:
- Not recommended for inexperienced people
#4 Husqvarna 19-Inch Wooden Splitting Axe: Best for Use with Lighter Firewood
The axe is specially designed for light firewood splitting. It is durable and robust with the head made of steel. Not only you can easily slice through softwood but can also handle and carry the ax conveniently. It is great for use with lighter firewood, so don’t use it on hardwoods or for heavy-duty applications.
The axe is excellent for beginners as it only weighs three pounds which does not pose extreme upper body strength. To boost the performance the head has been attached with a combination of wood and steel to handle smaller pieces of wood.
Advantages:
- Great durability
- 19-inch long handle
- Only weighs three pounds
- Comes with a leather edge cover
Disadvantages:
- It does not work for large and hard pieces of wood.
#5 Fiskars Iso Core Eight Pound Maul
The 36 inches long Fiskars Iso Core Eight Pound Maul is 10 pounds heavy and is best suited for substantially vigorous jobs. You will be amazed by force this tool exerts while it maintains a balance between hard strokes through its patented IsoCore Shock System that absorbs vibrations and shocks. Thanks to this thoughtful feature, the axe does not put a toll on your body and keeps fatigue at a distance.
Most heavy duty axes are known to cause fatigue in the body in no time but not this one. To maximize the durability designers have sprayed a rust-resistant coating over its heat treated forged steel. However, even with these nifty features, we would not recommend it for beginners. Handle this only if you have sufficient woodcutting experience.
Advantages:
- Suitable for hard and bigger pieces of wood
- Has a 36-inch handle
- It is rust resistant
Disadvantages:
- Not recommended for inexperienced woodcutters
#6 Gerber 36-Inch Power Splitting Axe
The USP of the 36 inches long Power Splitting Axe is its composite handle. It is capable of absorbing shocks and vibration experienced during a wood cutting session. Even the strongest and most experienced woodcutters experience pain and fatigue on using heavy-duty axes like these.
However, the shock absorbing capability of this Gerber axe ensures that you can do your work faster and for longer. Gerber has also coated the blade with PTFE to minimize friction that results in extremely clean cuts. The head is also developed from forged steel that guarantees its durability in harsh working conditions.
Advantages:
- It is durable and suitable for hardwood
- A minimal strain on hands
- PTFE coated blade
- Weighs eight pounds
Disadvantages:
- Does not comes with a sheath to protect the cutting edge
#7 Estwing Fireside Friend Axe
This Estwing Fireside Friend Axe is another axe developed for hardwood cutting. Being forged into a single piece, provides you high strength and durability without any the risk of a loosehead or cracked edge, which is essential in heavy-duty operations.
Loose heads can often cause injuries and cause unnecessary strain on your body. However, the axe for splitting wood is still better suited for camping and other outdoor activities instead of hardcore wood chopping.
Moreover, it comes with a shock reduction grip which not only enhances the grip but also reduces the impact’s vibration by seventy percent. The head is home to an edge that provides fast and easy results without much effort.
Advantages:
- It is safe and durable
- Has a 14-inch shock-absorbing handle
- Made from construction grade steel
- Suitable for pros and newbie’s alike
Disadvantages:
- It does not come with a sheath for head protection.
#8 Estwing Camper’s Axe
The inexpensive Estwing Camper’s Axe should not be overlooked as it does not compromise on strength. It is made with quality forging that makes it’s safe and durable. It is best considered for cutting down small trees, chopping logs and splitting wood for the fire. The handgrip has been hand-sanded and lacquered to improve comfort and maximize durability. It comes with a ballistic nylon sheath for further protection. It is quite preferable for budget travelers and campers who are looking for an inexpensive and efficient option.
Advantages:
- The handle is comfortable and shock-resistant
- It is safe and durable
- Useful for pros and newbies alike
- Great for cutting small trees and logs
Disadvantages:
- It is heavy
#9 Truper 30958 8-Pound Splitting Maul
The 36 inches long Truper 30958 8-Pound Splitting Maul axe is made up of double injected fiberglass that makes it lighter than other axes from its segment. Due to its rubber grip, the user never feels strain and pain compared to axes with a wooden handle.
Besides, the axes also have a rubber protected overstrike for accidents. Its head has been designed as a beveled-edge striking face for smoother and cleaner cuts.
Advantages:
- It is 36 inches long
- Weighs around 8 pounds
- Has a double injected fiberglass handle
- Less tension on hand due to a rubber grip
Disadvantages:
- Not made for people who prefer wooden handles
#10 Fiskars x27 Super Splitting Axe: Best Wood Splitting Axe for Taller Individuals
The axe is quite popular among taller people who want to work with large to medium-sized logs. The 36-inch handle works great for people with longer limbs, and the 5.85 pounds of weight is no hindrance either.
The tool has been designed for better efficiency that results in more strikes in less time. The blade gets extra power from convex blade geometry which also allows easier removal. All in all, it has one of the better control to weight ratio among the axes available today.
Advantages:
- Better for tall people
- Has a massive impact on wood
- Has a greater strike rate
- Weighs less compared to its power
Disadvantages:
- Shorter people will have difficulty in handling the axe
How to buy an axe for splitting wood?
The first thing to consider while buying an axe is your job requirement. To cut smaller wood logs a more massive axe is overwhelming which goes the same with hardwood and a small axe. However, always remember that more significant axes are harder to handle.
The weight of your axe’s head is also important as a heavier one will require more strength but will result in mightier blows while a lighter head will help you in working longer. If you are buying an axe for the first time than anything above five pounds is unnecessary.
You must also take note of the material used in building the head and also the impact design has on its sturdiness. Finally, check the price and choose an axe that fits your budget.
Conclusion on the best axe for splitting wood
The wisdom of buying the best axe comes with experience. You are bound to make mistakes, but the points mentioned above will guide you towards skipping the majority of them. Becoming a seasoned pro takes time, effort and practice especially when one has to indulge in a psychically demanding job.
We hope that the guide will play a significant role in your next purchase. There are axes available for various needs; you just have to pick the right one.
