Best Overall
Fiskars X27 36-Inch Super Splitting Axe
Best Bang for the Buck
Estwing 14-Inch Fireside Friend Splitting Tool
Upgrade Pick
Gransfors Bruks Outdoor Axe
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Buying firewood to enjoy the warmth of a wood - burning fireplace can be expensive , but you could offset that cost by buy your own ax if you ’re lucky enough to have oak , maple , or ash tree Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and the know - how to harvest and split up your own firewood . A corduroy , which appraise 8 feet long by 4 feet wide-cut by 4 foot deep or 128 cubic feet , can head for the hills as much as $ 400 , depend on where you experience . If you are fail to split your own firewood , it ’s authoritative to select the correct creature for the job .
Axes can be , and most often are , job specific . Some of the best axes foroutdoor livingare specialized for sure type of splitting or felling , while a few offer multiple USA . To assist narrow the field of operation to the best axes for specific tasks , we considered 20 axes , essay 13 , and whittle those down to the top picks for our list . Our favorite was theFiskers X27 36 - InchSuper Splitting Axefor the virtuous ability and velocity it provided . Plus , the manufacturer ’s proprietary blade - grinding proficiency ascertain a penetrating blade that cut through round easily .
In our test , we used each axe to split rounds of cedar and cottonwood trees . And since many axes operate as multipurpose tools , we also attempt them out separate logs , making punk , pruning , and doing cosmopolitan clearing . An axe ’s handle length and weight influence effectuality and ease of use based on the user ’s stature and strength , so we had more than one person test these axes . Both a 5 - foot-11 - inch and a 5 - foot-4 - in examiner took swing with these axes , mention steel edge , head free weight , overall balance , and real timber . These features were appraise in accordance with the axe ’s design intention .
If you aim to split your own firewood , keep reading to learn what to look for in an axe . You ’ll also detect out why we chose the follow example as some of the good axes for most DIY lumberjacks .
Our Top Picks
Our examination revealed the features that facilitate make an axe stipulate as one of the good on the market . Handle length , head weight unit , and overall invention determine how easy and commodious an axe is to use . In testing , we launch that many of our favorite axis are made by brands with a long manufacture history and the knowledge and experience to create well - hone products . Still , some designs are practiced for certain types of tasks , such as making firing or splitting expectant wood rounds . We tested each of the surveil axes to mold if they view as up to the manufacturers ’ promises and see how well they worked in action mechanism .
For the power and velocity that only a long - handle axe can present , await no further than the Fiskars X27 Super Splitting axe . At 36 inches long and 6.3 pounds , it requires strength and coordination to golf shot , but once the steel strikes , it leaves a decisively hefty cut .
The Fiskars axe does n’t have a full maul head , but you could practice the back side to drive a splitting wedge if needed . The handgrip , construct from a fibreglass composite , absorb some of the shock of each strike , thin wear and tear on your munition . It also has a more or less textured but comfortable look and flame up close to facilitate you observe a steadfast grip .
During testing , this exemplar performed beautifully . One of our testers own an old role model of the X27 that ’s lasted 15 old age despite even use . This latest interpreting mat up just as good and did n’t disappoint .
What our tester says:“It ’s a heavy axe that takes durability and skill to ascendance . However , with a little pattern , I rule that the X27 could take on large stave that other axes flunk to tackle . ”—Stacey L. Nash , Product Reviews tester & writer
Get the Fiskars X27 ax atAmazon , The Home Depot , Walmart , orBlain ’s Farm & Fleet .
There ’s no need to struggle with a large axe when the Estwing Fireside Friend 14 - inch axe is powerful enough to effortlessly split chunks of wood into smaller musical composition or make lighting . The Estwing feature forged - steel building and a sledge head for driving splitting wedges .
The Estwing ’s handle is roll in a rubbery material that absorbs shock and provide a comfortable clutches . Aeration holes volunteer breathability and add a grippy texture , too . This ax ’s small size of it makes it a great choice to keep on a fireplace for ready splitting or to take camping to earn a situation , make kindling , and rive a few small rounds .
We like that the Estwing balances functionality with cost . It ’s not the type of ax used to split wood daily , but it works beautifully in a mite and for clean - tariff tasks . It ’s leisurely to stack away behind the stern of a motortruck or tuck away in encampment gear , so you always have a film editing tool on hired man . While it is n’t the most graceful axe / hatchet we tested ( the sound 4.3 - hammer header could well get out of control ) , it ’s perfect for driving wedges , ram down collapsible shelter wager , or taking out brush .
Photo: Stacey L Nash for Bob Vila Photo: Stacey L. Nash for Bob Vila
Get the Estwing axe atAmazon , Lowe’s , orWalmart .
Gransfors Bruks relish a well - deserve repute as a premier maker of axis of rotation and hatchet , and its out-of-door ax decease beyond outlook of what an ax or hatchet can be . The fast - grained hickory woodwind instrument handle is lightweight but feel unchanging and fits well in hired man . A lightweight 1 - pound promontory may not sound like it would split well , but it ’s deceptively acute — so acuate , that if we grade it on a shell of 1 to 10 for sharpness , it would get an 11 .
That sharpness comes into this axe ’s true forte : fine detail body of work . The Gransfors Bruks can operate as a traditional axe as well as a woodworking tool to carve and make furniture and art . The handle and head design offered excellent control condition , and the sharp head hollow into the wood with every swing . We also tried it as a woodwork tool by scratch up and carving a piece of wood . The foreland , which can be contain in hand for better command when doing hunky-dory work , strike through the block of Ellen Price Wood like indulgent butter . It ’s a beautiful axe that makes others pallid in comparison . However , the small size of it makes it better for split up spunk than large rounds .
Photo: Stacey L. Nash for Bob Vila
What our quizzer says:“It only took a few baseball swing for me to fall in love life with this ax during the testing process . It may get with a high-pitched monetary value , but it outshines any of the other models we tested . ”
Get the Gransfors Bruks axe atAmazon .
Best with Wood Handle
Husqvarna 26-Inch Swedish-Style Multipurpose Axe
When only the feeling of a material wood handle will do , check out the Husqvarna 26 - inch wooden multipurpose ax . Husqvarna might be best known for its chainsaw and lawn mower , but the brand perform with this manual cutting pecker , too . This model have a 26 - inch tight - grained hickory handle that ’s smooth to the touch and feel solid and strong in the hand .
The Husqvarna does n’t have a maul head , but the back side can function as a pounding to drive a splitting wedge or tent stake if needed . The 1.87 - pounding head is lighter than most , but it ’s well balanced , so needed momentum easy builds . In testing , the light exercising weight was an asset because the axe is balanced in a way of life that makes each strike good . The paying attention intention of this tool makes it gentle to use individual or double handed , depending on the job .
This model from Husqvarna comes with a leather masking that protect the sword and keeps it from damaging anything around it with its acute boundary . It ’s emphatically the kind of axe to keep along on a hunt or camping trip for any splitting or chopping jobs that arise .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Husqvarna ax atAmazon , Walmart , orHusqvarna .
Best Hatchet
Hults Bruk Almike All-Purpose Hatchet
The Hults Bruk Almike hatchet supply ample splitting power in a small package . It also acquit the Hults Bruk name , known for forging quality axes since 1697 . This model feature a 16 - in curved hickory grip with a plastered grain that adds strength and beautiful oiling that preserve the Mrs. Henry Wood and add up optical prayer .
This exemplar is incredibly comfortable in hand , and its lissom 1 - pound head equilibrize the plan . While it may be lightweight , the combination of the handgrip plan and head weight makes it easy to swing out over and over again . Its sharp sharpness easily glides through Sir Henry Wood , allowing for efficient splitting with minimum effort .
The ability of the Hults Bruk to split logs was surprising since hatchets are n’t commonly the most effective option for this task . Yet we found its design extremely efficacious for splitting and making touchwood . The Hults Bruk is on the pricey side for a tomahawk , but it ’s the character of pecker that will get travel by down and observe its functionality .
Photo: Amazon
What our tester says:“I did n’t get hackneyed when using it , and I get down incredible accuracy with each swing . ”
Get the Hults Bruk axe atAmazonorREI .
Best Splitting Maul
Fiskars Pro 36-Inch IsoCore Wood Splitting Maul
Fiskars knows axes , and the IsoCore splitting maul can take on those expectant Ellen Price Wood rounds that make other ax - heads bounce like a pencil eraser ball . A inflexible 36 - inch handle made of a quiver - reducing composite plant keeps it comfortable while beat through knots and other tough blot .
We used this 8 - pound axe for the most hard tasks we could find . Even large rounds take with knots and leg ( that typically call for a chain saw to split ) were no match for this maul . The head has a blade on one side and a sledge on the other for splitting chock . The sledge side is also nice and wide , making it loose to hit the target . Plus , the added weighting of the head drives the Italian sandwich in deep for a better , faster split .
While its system of weights goes above the more well-heeled 5- to 6 - hammering head , the additional pounds give it the power to build impulse that hardwoods and big round of drinks require . Just keep in judgment that the weightiness is overkill for everything but the thickest , toughest , largest wood rounds . And it will be too heavy for those with limited upper body strength .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Fiskars IsoCore ax atAmazon , Lowe’s , Tractor Supply Co. ,The Home Depot , Walmart , orFiskars .
Best Throwing Axe
Cold Steel Professional Throwing Axe
The sound of an axe embedding in a Grant Wood object is hard to beat , which is just one reason that axe throwing has grown in popularity . The Cold Steel professional throwing axe is plan and balanced to maximize accuracy and comfort for serious ( or casual ) ax competitions . It have a solid hickory hold that comfortably equip the mean manus . At 16 in , it ’s the perfect distance for throwing .
One of our favored feature of this throwing ax is the removable axe - headspring . It has two screws that relax or fasten with an Allen pull so you could replace a worn - out handle without replacing the intact axe . The head on our ax was a second loose when it arrived , but we easy adjusted it and started throwing .
The axe ’s 21 - oz. head weight enhances its throwing ease by creating the correct impulse for establishing a comfortable rhythm . The head is n’t sharp since bemuse does n’t require it , yet the axe stuck intemperately in a cedar turn . A 4 - inch carbon - blade sword meet the requirements for axe - throwing tournaments , so this is an fantabulous option for both practice and competition . The only issue we could see is that some hard - magnetic core users have had trouble finding replacement handles .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Cold Steel ax atAmazon , The Home Depot , orCold Steel .
Best Brush Axe
Woodman’s Pal Multiuse Axe
The Woodman ’s Pal multiuse ax make out with a high price rag , but it also comes with impressive craftsmanship and a various design . The question , made of spring steel , boast a sharp axelike side and a sickle - hook side , making it incredibly utilitarian for clarification brush . During examination , the sickle easily sliced through humble arm and overgrown shrubs . That side also feature a prophylactic notch that forbid your mitt from sliding into it , but remember never to hold any axe by its sword .
you’re able to purchase the Woodsman ’s Pal with one of two grip designs : wood or leather with a knuckle joint safety gadget . In our tests , we used the wood - grip adaptation since one of our testers already possess a leather - grip one . After using both , our tester preferred the leather handle because of the additional safety provide by the knuckle guard . However , they care that the wood handle offers additional grip from ergonomic finger grooves . Our tester with small hands found that the lower three digit grooves fit well , but there ’s also a fourth and large finger channel for those with bigger hands .
No matter which deal you select , you ’ll find that the Woodsman ’s Pal reduce through brush and arm with trivial drive . you’re able to also habituate it to split firewood and cut down modest trees . It handles these tasks with comfort and come with a sharpening I. F. Stone and protective leather sheath .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Woodman ’s Pal axe atAmazonorWoodsman ’s Pal .
Best Survival Axe
Camillus Camtrax 3-in-1 Hatchet
In survival billet , lightweight , multipurpose tools offer the beneficial versatility , and the Camillus Camtrax ax and fold power saw ’s three - in - one design is valuable in a tweak . At just over 12 inches long , it ’s gentle to throw in an overnight pack or getaway truck before heading into the mountain for a few days . Plus , it comes with a pliant head cover that snaps into place and attaches to a back pack or belt .
The compact capitulum of this survival ax work for chopping small tree or limbs and making tinder . The adage , which folds into the handle , can cut small arm or trees too , which it did during examination ( with a little muscle power behind it ) . A hammerhead on the axe - head ’s back side leave the final piece of the endurance tool ’s trifecta of use .
During testing , this model performed adequately in all three functions — as an axe , sawing machine , and hammer . Like standardized multipurpose tools , a tool consecrate to a single aim can perform well . But it works beautifully when you do n’t have all your tools at your disposal . Our only ailment is the emplacement of the saw release , which is on the back side of the handgrip . When using the Camillus as an ax , that serving of the saw cuts into the hand . assume baseball mitt helps , but if you ’re doing a lot of chopping or splitting , that design could be an proceeds .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Camillus ax atAmazon , The Home Depot , Camillus , Sportsman ’s Warehouse , orBass Pro Shops .
Best Felling Axe
Fiskars 28-Inch Chopping Axe
A felling ax need to dig deep into wood but does n’t necessarily need the longsighted handgrip of a splitting axe or maul . For those times a chain saw is n’t at hand , the Fiskars 28 - inch chopping axe fits the felling bill . The Fiskars ’ durable fiberglass composite handle feels strong and strong while absorb the seismic disturbance of each strike and reducing vibration . Texture near the handgrip ’s end adds grip , and the remnant also burn up to aid keep your hands in place while you make .
This ax was a superstar during overall testing , but it really excelled when felling trees . Its forefront - handle balance helped it stick around in control and precise while building momentum . The drumhead travail into the wood , providing more forward motion with every tap . It ’s also brood in a low - friction finish that makes it loose to pull the axe from the Ellen Price Wood .
The protective sheath that comes with this axe locks in situation , and we determine that feature of speech made it easier to lay in that axe without worry the top would slip off . The sheath protected the head from nick other detail and kept the fountainhead from getting nicked or scratched by anything nearby . Our only issue with this modelling is that it ’s very project and job specific . The handle is a bit short for splitting , yet it ’s too bounteous for make kindling and limbing trees . But if you require an ax that can take down a tree , this is the right-hand tool for the business .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Fiskars chop axe atAmazon , Walmart , orFiskars .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Axes
Swinging an axe is hard work , but a well - design pecker make that work more achievable . We scored each axe on performance and efficiency and noted their handgrip length and head system of weights . These measurements playact into an axe ’s balance , which greatly influences how well and how long they can be used . We rated each ax for usefulness and whether or not we would want to swing it again . radiocarpal joint tiredness factored into relaxation of use as well .
We tested the Axis using an establish statute title — splitting at least five firearm of wood and construct kindling with each one . If the ax had a specialty design , we also test that ax within its speciality — felling trees , throwing at targets , or doing some woodworking .
What to Consider When Choosing an Axe
bloc come in a variety of shapes and sizes , designed to do everything from strike down Tree and trim outgrowth to shaping wood for sculpture . However , not all axis are suitable for splitting firewood . Splitting is the process of striking the flat sawed end of a short logarithm to separate the Sir Henry Joseph Wood fibers , which causes the log to split apart along its caryopsis . The two principal types of axes used to glean wood are splitting and felling , and when you ’re trying to separate woods , you probably do n’t want to utilize a felling axe . In a pinch , you’re able to also split up Sir Henry Wood with a hatchet .
Type
Axe Handle
Splitting axe handles are made of one of three stuff : hardwood , fiberglass composite , or forged sword that ’s enshroud with safe or a similar cloth .
Length
When prefer an axe , the length of the handle is just as authoritative as what it ’s made from . Handle lengths run from 14 inch up to 36 inch . The longer the ax , the more velocity and power it can give .
Just think back that gain a precise spot on a logarithm becomes slimly more difficult with a long hold . Those just starting will want to consider an axe with a 31 - column inch handle . You may want to transition to a long grip as your technique meliorate . axe with scant hold are often designed for use with one hired man and are best for dissever tinder .
Weight
The heavy the ax - head , the more power it can generate when swing in an arc and brought down onto the log . However , if the head is too dense to control , it may throw off the aim and tire out the exploiter after a few cut .
Standard splitting axes do with heads that librate between 3 and 6 pounds . Mauls , with sledgehammer - eccentric head , can count as much as 8 pounds . Unless the architectural plan is to compete in Ellen Price Wood - splitting contest , it ’s usually best to go with an ax - drumhead that weighs 4 to 6 Syrian pound . Hatchet head are lightheaded , typically 1.5 to 3 pounds .
FAQs
A shiny new ax does n’t derive without a acquisition curve . If you ’re new to splitting , you may have more questions . To make it easier , we ’ve answer a few popular questions to ensure you ’ve get the proper axe for your needs and know how to take guardianship of it .
If you use the ax frequently , you may need to sharpen it regularly . Watch for mark of rust because notch are pretty vernacular . To forestall rusting , oil colour the question before putting it in the sheath . Sir Henry Wood - handled axes may also require occasional oiling to maintain the metier and show of the wood .
Splitting mauls are generally larger and have a brain that can move as a cock or be hammered once it ’s force in a large round . split up axis vertebra typically have sharper heads and do n’t have the maul head . They might have a level back side for hammering and a unforesightful handle . A splitting ax offers more versatility if you need an axe for more than splitting . Hatchets are shorter than either splitting mauls or splitting axes . They ’re a good pick if you only need to split now and again because they ’re loose to store and swing .
Photo: Amazon
If the only thing you ’re doing is ripping , a splitting sledgehammer or splitting axe works best . Splitting mauls are more efficient for large rounds , but their weight and length expect posture and practice . If you involve an axe that ’s penny-pinching to a maul without the operose sledge head , take a look at theFiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe . Splitting axes are n’t as effective on large rounds but work well for splitting stock rounds , make punk , and using for general design .
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America ’s Handyman since 1979 . As the boniface of darling and groundbreaking telly serial publication including “ This Old House ” and “ Bob Vila ’s Home Again , ” he popularise and became synonymous with “ do - it - yourself ” menage improvement .
Over the course of his decades - long life history , Bob Vila has helped trillion of mass build , renovate , stamping ground , and dwell well each daylight — a custom that continue today with expert yet approachable home advice . The Bob Vila squad distills want - to - know selective information into project tutorial , alimony guides , tool 101s , and more . These home and garden expert then thoroughly research , ex-serviceman , and commend products that hold up homeowner , renter , DIYers , and professional person in their to - do lists .
Meet the Tester
Stacey L. Nash has written about home and garden products , home design and decor , and worldwide indoor and outside dwelling improvement for 5 + years . She ’s passionate about inquiry and hands - on testing to find the products that add reliable economic value to homeownership and daily life . She populate on 12 heavily wooded Acre , where she and her family put home and outdoor products to the test while obviate bears and puma .
extra research leave by Glenda Taylor .
This Is the twelvemonth for a Kitchen Renovation
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Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we consider this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
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