Best Splitting Wood Axe Reviews

Difference Between Axe and Maul Which One You Should Buy

Last Updated on October 10, 2020

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You know a tree dreads an axe whereas its handle is constructed with the part of the tree itself. Irony isn’t it?

However, axe happens to be a great mate for people who are into woodworking stuff. And it is a great pick as well if you wish to chop off wood manually but with ease.

No matter what you get for yourself, be it an axe or a maul, you will need something that will satiate you.  

If you think your axe is not giving you gratified result, then brace yourself because this write will highlight top 10 axe for wood splitting.

Comparison Chart

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Fiskars 378841-1002 X27 Super (36″) Splitting Axe
Husqvarna 30″ Wooden Splitting Axe, Large
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1844 Helko Werk Germany Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter – German Made Splitting Axe and Splitting Maul and Best Axe for Splitting Wood 10058

Editor Choice

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Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe

Designed for maximum efficiency to give you more one-strike splits. Textured non-slip grip reduces hand strain and improves control

  • Ideal for taller users splitting medium- to large-sized logs
  • Perfected balance and power-to-weight ratio
  • Lifetime warranty

Top Choice

Husqvarna Wooden Splitting Axe

Best suited for splitting thicker wood. Lightweight, Solid and durable.

  • Long handle creates extra power and Utilizes a two-hand grip
  • 1055 Carbon Steel
  • Includes a leather edge cover

Best Value

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1844 Helko Werk Germany Vario 2000

German made splitting axe delivers incredible striking force, capable of splitting tree trunks, large rounds, and heavy firewood.

  • Heavy-duty wood splitting axe
  • grade an American hickory handle
  • c50 high carbon steel

Best Splitting Wood Axes

Comparison Chart

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Fiskars 378841-1002 X27 Super (36″) Splitting Axe
Husqvarna 30″ Wooden Splitting Axe, Large
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CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk Axe: RMJ T-Hawk Lightweight Outdoor Camping Axe with Hammerhead, Forged Carbon Steel Blade, and Hickory Wooden Handle 2730
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Estwing Fireside Friend Axe – 14″ Wood Splitting Maul with Forged Steel Construction & Shock Reduction Grip – E3-FF4
Fiskars IsoCore Maul, 36-Inch (751110-1003)
Hooyman Splitting Maul with Heavy Duty Construction, Convex Grind Blade and Ergonomic Non-Slip Handle for Felling, Hunting, Landscaping and Outdoor
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1844 Helko Werk Germany Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter – German Made Splitting Axe and Splitting Maul and Best Axe for Splitting Wood 10058
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Estwing Camper’s Axe – 16″ Hatchet with Forged Steel Construction & Shock Reduction Grip – E44A
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Cold Steel Trail Boss Axe, 27 Inch
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Snow & Nealley SNOW11-BRK Penobscot Bay Kindling Axe
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Gerber 17.5-Inch Freescape Hatchet [31-002536],Black
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Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe 19 Inch, 420

1. Fiskars x27 Super Splitting Axe

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Specifications:

  • Steel: 1055 Carbon Steel
  • Length: 36″
  • Weight: 5.85 lb
  • Handle: Fiber composite handle

Sometimes being tall helps you build confidence and sometimes it helps you cut down wood. Surprised? Well that’s quite expected because cutting it down with an axe is not an easy thing for tall people. But now, there won’t be any struggle as you can have this Fiskars x27 which is not only the best log splitting axe but great for taller peeps.

Help yourself get the maximum power by owning this 36-inch-long axe that gives you one-strike splits. So, there is no question on its sharpness.

Besides, this best wood splitting axe has got an ideal power to weight ratio that will not only offer a perfect balance but also upturns swing speed so you can add power to your strength.

About the blade, it’s sharp and clever enough to not only just split with one strike but remove itself from the wood with ease. And this is only because of its advance convex blade geometry. However, sharpening it could be a little tedious but that’s okay.

The hollow handle is extremely strong and does manage to absorb vibration, yet you might somewhere find awkward to hold it. And as it’s a non-replaceable part, it adds another drawback about the axe.

How to replace handle on Fiskars Axe?

Life time warranty. Contact them and they will send you a new one.

Where is this axe made?

Made in Finland

Is it possible to split actual hard wood with this axe? Like oak, cherry, with knots and twist?

Absolutely

Pros

  • Great for taller.
  • Blade is sharp enough to split with one strike.
  • Great balance.
  • Perfect power to weight ratio.

Cons

  • Handle feels odd to hold.
  • Non-replaceable handle.

2. Husqvarna 30″ Wooden Splitting Axe

Specifications:

  • Blade Length: 4″
  • Steel: 1055 Carbon Steel
  • Length: 30″
  • Weight: 3.5 lb
  • Handle: Hickory

No matter how much the world comes up with new style and design for making an axe, there will still be some people who will be daft about traditional axe. If you are one of them, then you might love having this 30-inch Husqvarna. It has this traditional woody body and you can call it the best axe for splitting wood.

As for the weight, it comes only in 3.3 pounds which means the axe will feel reasonably light. Moreover, the item comes with a leather edge cover as well.

It is stated to be best-suited for all purpose, and you can count splitting thicker wood as well.

Its all-metal head has been clipped to hickory shaft with wooded as well as steel wedge so it can fortify fastening. And the head works so great that stating it the top log splitting axe won’t be wrong.

But one problem is that it does not have any shock absorbing technology. It means, while you will be using the weapon, you might feel the shock. So, you can count it as a drawback.

Another problem with the axe is its handle. The finishing of the body is not really up to the mark. It has been sanded but not coated well with oil or grits. So. it might push you to sand the axe yourself to make it perfect.

Would it be suitable for choping?

Yes, It is heavy and works good for splitting.

Does it come with a sheath?

Yes

How would this be for bushcraft?

Perfect axe for bushcraft

Pros

  • Great for splitting thick wood.
  • Solid and durable.
  • Lightweight
  • Traditional look makes it classy.

Cons

  • No shock-absorbing technology.
  • Has not coated well with oil and grits.

3. CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk Axe

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Specifications:

  • Blade Length: 3.500″ (88.9 mm)
  • Steel: 1055 Carbon Steel
  • Blade Thickness: 0.52″ (13.21 mm)
  • Weight: 1.99 lb (0.9 kg)
  • Handle: Tennessee Hickory
  • Style: Tomahawk

A razor might be way sharper than an axe but it cannot cut down wood like an axe. Hard to believe? Then why not try this axe that you can get from Columbia River Knife & Tool.

The brand boasts it to have been made from a solid marque of carbon steel so it is able to withstand a lot of strikes. The axe has been hot shaped into sturdy rock head so it can make it firm and stable.

As for the handle, it has been made from Tennessee hickory proving it to be qualified enough to use the axe. However, before you go for it, make sure you sand it off to get a good grip as it feels slippery to hold.

The axe is skilled enough to cut through the wood like a butter making it the best chopping axe and its slim design is a big plus. But that’s not the end, you can also remove the head to sharpen it on a stone which makes it another reason to buy the axe.

Is this a good tomahawk for throwing?

Yes,  one of the best tomahawks I’ve ever had.

Is the axe made in the USA?

The handle is made in USA, the head is made in Taiwan

Is it good for splitting wood?

It is a throwing axe. But you can split wood in an emergency. Not big or heavy enough for daily splitting use

Pros

  • Cuts through the wood with ease.
  • Can remove the head for sharpening.
  • Designed with good cutting surface.
  • Head fitted to the handle firmly.

Cons

  • Handle feels slippery.
  • Needs to be sanded off to enhance the grip.

4. Estwing Fireside Friend Axe

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Specifications:

  • Made in the USA
  • Steel: Solid American steel
  • Length: 14″
  • Weight: 4 lb
  • Handle: Rubber

Do you have a loyal friend? If not then you should definitely try this avatar-like Fireside Friend Axe you can have from Estwing. This is not only the best from the brand but also the best mate for such work.

It has been forged in one piece and you can expect it to be durable enough to last long. So the axe can be called solid. Perhaps it’s just the design that might not win you.

However, you might love the blade because it feels sharp enough to cut through the wood with just one strike like a breeze. It also needs to be mentioned that the head is somewhat heavy thus some of you might have issues with balancing the axe. But that’s not really drawback, because the heaviness makes the job easier to split the wood with a strike.

You will get a ballistic nylon sheath that can be counted as a plus point as it will help protect the sharpened cutting edge by covering it.

The leather handle has rubber that offers a great grip. And it has also been boasted to have a comfy finish to make the product the best.

Pros

  • Durable and solid.
  • Cuts through wood with a strike.
  • Comes with a sheath.
  • Handle has a good grip.

Cons

  • Might have issues with balance.
  • Not a very well-designed.

5. Fiskars Iso Core Maul, 751110-1001

Specifications:

  • Blade Length: 4″
  • Blade Width: 3.25″
  • Steel: Forged, heat-treated steel
  • Length: 36″
  • Weight: 8 lb
  • Handle: Fiber Composite 

You surely won’t like to get axed by a bad axe that has been giving you nothing but pain. At this point, getting a great one becomes a must. If that is so, then you should certainly have a look at this splitting axe from Fiskars.

Apart from offering lifetime warranty to their products, they are also known as the brand that provides their best splitting axe items. And when it comes to this product, you will find it just fine for splitting wood as well as driving stakes and wedges.

The brand also offers enhanced blade geometry that feels great for superior penetration by blasting the most stubborn logs part.

The best part about this 36-inch product is that it features shock absorbing technology. With its Patented Iso-Core Shock Control System, the axe will be able to absorb impact and brunt, so you can split the wood with ease. Not only that, the steel feels great too for being coated with rust-resistant material.

However, you might dock one star just for the plastic collar below the head since it can get cracked on you. Otherwise, it is great for wood splitting.

Pros

  • Cuts through wood with ease.
  • Shock absorbing technology.
  • Steel has rust-resistant coat.
  • Durable and well-built.

Cons

  • Plastic collar is flimsy.

6. Hooyman Splitting Maul

Specifications:

  • Blade Length: 4″
  • Steel: Solid Stainless steel
  • Length: 36″
  • Axe Head Weight: 4 lb
  • Handle: Fiberglass 

Having all the woods quashed with a bad hatchet can be a pain in your cheeks. To avoid the pain, you will need a great weapon. So, if you are looking for one then check out this best splitting maul from the brand Hooyman.

You can already guess it from the name that this maul is stated to be a PRO so chopping down wood with this will be an easy job. Hence, the reason says it all why it has all the positive splitting maul review.

Coming with a fiberglass handles, the whole item have proven it to be very solid and resilient. Although, some mauls are notorious for having blunt head but this one is different. You will get a much sharpened head to make the splitting process easier.

You will also find it classy and chic in the bazaar out there.

However, the only thing that the axe lacks is its shock absorbing technology. So, you will indeed feel the impact while using it. Besides, the heaviness can also be counted as a little con but that won’t be a big concern.

If you want the Best Axe For Chopping Wood, then this product makes a great choice.

Pros

  • Comes with a sheath.
  • Includes a bottle of protective oil.
  • Well-built and solid.

Cons

  • Sometimes the blade gets stuck.

7. Helko Werk Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter

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Specifications:

  • Head Weight: 6.7 lb
  • Steel: German C45 carbon steel
  • Length: 36 in.
  • Weight: 8.5 lb
  • Handle: HICKORY
  • Style: Axe

An axe can bring a lot of good solutions. It does not only chop off the wood but also amputate your anger and frustration. If you don’t believe then try it with this best wood splitting maul from Helko Werk and see it yourself.

This axe has been stated to be made up of high-quality brand of carbon steel so that it can ensure durability and stability.

As for the handle, it’s one of a kind as well. Despite not having the shock absorbing technology, it still manages to give a great use. It’s long and comes with a head that has been fixed firmly to it. So, it won’t wobble.

Now let’s talk about the blade. Yes, it is able to cut through the wood but still sometimes it tends to get stuck which can be little annoying. Other than that, it’s amazing to use.

You will also get a veg tanned leather sheath so you can protect the axe for long. And to add cherry on the top, there will an ounce bottle of protective oil included with the axe so you can use it in a better way.

Pros

  • Heavy-duty and durable.
  • No vibration in handle
  • Cuts through the wood with ease.
  • Classy and chic.
  • Comes with sharpened edge.

Cons

  • Does not have shock-absorbing tech.
  • A little heavy to affect the balance.

8. Estwing Camper’s Axe

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Specifications:

  • Grip Type: Shock Reduction
  • Steel: 1055 carbon steel
  • Overall Length: 16 in.
  • Weight: 3 lb
  • Handle: solid steel
  • Made in the USA

Wanna have some axetra power with this wonderful axe from Estwing? Because other rivals might come up with a chance to disappoint you but this one won’t do.

This is a another entry from Estwing that can be expected to have all the qualities just like the previous one. So, yes, the axe will do its splitting job like slicing a butter.

Coming in steel construction, the axe can boast it to have both durability and power to please you. Although, it might not be ideal for heavier work, yet it is able to do small bites out of giant logs.

This weapon is perfect for cutting through woods as well as kindling.

And the handle is a top-notch part as it comes with a fine finish so it can give a good grip. But wait, there is a little gripe which is the shock. So, you will feel the impact while swinging the stuff.

Moreover, you will also get a ballistic nylon sheath so it can protect the axe’s sharpness for longer time. 

Pros

  • Can chop off kindling as well as other logs.
  • Durable and well built.
  • Comes with a sheath for protection.
  • The steel is great.
  • Looks simple and classy.

Cons

  • No shock-absorbing tech.
  • Might not be perfect for heavy work.

9. Cold Steel CS90TA-BRK Trail Boss

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Specifications:

  • Hawk Length: 6 1/2 – Inch
  • Steel: 1055 Carbon Steel
  • Overall Length: 26″
  • Weight: 2.70 lbs
  • Handle: American Hickory
  • Style: Tomahawk

Have you ever met a mate that is brawny enough to chop off wood like a pro? If so, then meet this fellow CS90TA-BRK that is known as a great chopper from the brand Cold Steel.

This cold-blooded beast cuts through the wood heartlessly with just one strike and you will find yourself amazed.

Although you will find the handle a bit on the short side. And if the head would have a little more back weight for preventing the minor wobble, then it would be just seamless.

But these cons should not sidetrack you because the positivity of the product outclasses the negatives. That being said, the axe has a great balance for your contentment.

This 26-inch axe is able to cut through logs, kindling and firewood with ease, but using it for bigger and hard tress and knotty oak won’t be a great idea.

The steel is great for taking an amazing edge. And with just 2.7 pounds, the axe gives a lightweight feel to make the work painless. One of the best wood splitter axe in the market.

Pros

  • Cuts through logs, kindling, firewood etc.
  • Head is heavy but balanced.
  • Handle has a good grip.
  • The steel can take a great edge.
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Handle is a little short.
  • Might not cut bigger trees

10. Snow & Nealley SNOW11-BRK

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Specifications:

  • Handle Length: 15″
  • Steel: 1055 Carbon Steel
  • Overall Length: 17″
  • Handle: American Hickory
  • Style: Axe

Do you want some woods to get killed by something that will satiate your inner soul? Then go and grab this SNOW11-BRK that is not only a great axe itself but also a cruel weapon to chop off wood.

The American work might already make you notice the item. But let’s not just look into the place of manufacturer rather focus on its performance.

Coming from the brand Snow & Nealley, the axe seems to have  perfect size overall. Not too big like a full-sized felling axe, not too small like a hatchet. It is able to perform like the both.

The weight of the axe is pleasing as well since it will not strain your forearms for being a lightweight fella. However, the hawk might come semi-sharp and that’s something to cheese you off. But once you are done sharpening it on a stone, you will love to use it.

Having said that, strike it a number of times on a number of trees, you will still find the blade sharp. The handle does not feel a high-quality one, but still it manages to have a decent grip, or just a little average.

Pros

  • Comes in ideal size.
  • Does not strain forearms.
  • Can cut through the woods easily.

Cons

  • The handle is not really high-quality.
  • The hawk comes in semi-sharp.

11. Gerber 23.5-Inch Axe

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Specifications:

  • Overall Length: 23.6″
  • Blade Length: 3.5″
  • Made in Finland
  • Weight: 3.35
  • Style: Axe

Looking for a great all-around axe to take on your trip of use for your mundane chores? Here’s the Gerber 23.5” Axe. The Gerber 23.5” Axe offers easy and solid swings. It’s such a great tool to have in your arsenal anytime you have some hacking and chopping to do. It’s got a super sharp blade that’s no in any way be underestimated. The blade is made from forged steel with excellent edge retention. It won’t let you down we assure you.

This axe boasts chopping three times deeper than your average one. It should then result in greater productivity and efficiency. You get to do your job right and fast so you get to rest more not straining your body so much.

The handle is shock absorbent and will lessen strain further for prolonged use. This Gerber 23.5” axe is super durable, and offers max strength plus it’s very easy and safe to store. The axe is also quite lightweight and the grip offers smooth control over it.It’s a go-to brand and product and it’s got rave reviews online. Grab yours now!

Pros

  • The blade is PTFE coated
  • Steelhead and forged construction
  • Composite shock absorbent handle
  • Slim sheath
  • Tactile grip

Cons

  • The handle is not really high-quality.

12. Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe 19 Inch

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Specifications:

  • Overall Length: 19″
  • Stee: High carbon steel
  • Handle: Hickory 
  • Weight: 2 lb
  • Style: Axe
  • Country of Origin Sweden

Looking for a good quality log splitter axe? This Gransfors Bruks entry is more than capable to take on the challenge. Let’s check it out!

A small forest axe is always nice to have whenever you go on camping trips or just about any kind of adventure. It’s handy, it’s efficient, durable, and packs a powerful swing and chop. This Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe is highly recommended as it’s got qualities you would want as your camping or outdoors buddy.

This small forest axe is perfect for splitting small sticks and cutting limb wood. Felling trees would never be easier once you tried this one. It’s got a good quality axe head that is super reliable and the sheath is of fine construction and would add needed protection. The handle is solid and feels well-balanced.

This tool has so much to offer and is definitely will be a great bang for your buck. As for the user reviews? Well, it’s getting quite positive feedback in Amazon with an average of 83% customer rating. Go ahead and order one now!

Pros

  • Overall length plus the handle is 19″
  • It includes the original “Axe-book” from Gransfors
  • Vegetable-tanned leather sheath
  • Weighs 2 pounds
  • RAZOR sharp. Never had an axe that was this sharp

Cons

  • The handle is little short.

What to Look for When Choosing a Wood Splitting Axe

Single or Double Bit:

A single bit axe is something that owns a blade on one side only. And as for the double bit, it possesses blade on both the sides. While the single one offers you extra weight to the poll giving you access to chop off swiftly, the double one comes with more balanced since it has weight equally on both sides. That said, it will be easy to swing the double bit ax since it possesses more flexibility. Not only that, you will also find it fairly precise. Not only you can use it for splitting woods but also for lumberjack games as well.

Weight of the head:

The axe that comes heavy in weight will provide you more force as you swing. You will find many peeps who opt for an axe weighing 6 pounds or more. However, the axes that are lighter in weight provides more precision in cutting through the woods. And people who prefer precision over force go for lighter axes that weigh around 3 to 5 pounds.

If you find yourself stronger or you think you are almost on the way to become stronger then you can shift to an axe having maximum weight. As you get more proficient in the cutting field with the axe and with precision, you can switch to an axe coming heavier in weight.

Length of the handle:

The handle that comes longer in size offers more force to chop off the wood with each swing. So, if you prefer power then you might prefer axe with longer handle. Besides, with long handle, you will have less control. If you cannot handle the force to swing the ax then it is better you go for shorter handled one. Because this might give you some ease in the job.

Banking on your height, you might moderate the axe length to around 31-inch as it lets you balance both the amount of precision as well as force. You can also opt for 28-inch long handle since it is also a decent length for most purpose.

Material of the handle:

A traditional axe is built with wood handle of various kinds. There are many types of materials that are used for the handle. Out of them, hickory or ash can make a great choice. But do not only focus on the type of woods.

You should also ensure that the grain runs equivalent to the blade since it will make the axe sturdier. The grain which goes vertical is usually weak and can have a chance to fall to bits Besides, you should also consider getting narrower growth rings that must be tight to each other. This will make the wooded handle more powerful.

However, there are other types of handles available in the market as well such as plastic or metal. But these types make the axe much heavier and can trigger unbalanced results. Also, look for the handle that will not only be strong but also be durable enough to last long.

Curved or Straight handle

Basically a single bit axe comes with a curvy handle that makes it have a good grip. And you might find it a better pick for the type. Then again, a double bit axe possesses straight handle. The plus point about this is that you can use such type of handle in both the directions while curvy ones can be used in one.

Chiseling wood depends greatly on the types of handles. However, it would be great if you go for double bit ax since the single bit ones can feel odd while using it. And if you do not want any awkwardness, then go for the one that is suggested.

Lacquered or not

There are different ranges of lacquer when it comes to ax handles. However, lacquer generally makes the axe pretty slippery so it will be difficult to hold the handle well. However, if you sand off the lacquer then you can easily have a good grip as well as better friction that make it easy to hold and control the handle in a better way. Contrariwise, lack of lacquer has its drawback as well. it’s because it can cause blisters more easily.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Using Axe

Just like human has their own negative and positive sides, axe got them too. No matter how much great an axe can be, no matter how much perfectly it works, it will have its own disadvantage despite being the best. So, before you get an axe for yourself, here are some basic pros and cons that an axe possesses.

Advantages:

Quickie Split:

The best thing about using an axe is that it is tremendously great at splitting wood quickly along with the grain. Suppose, if you are chopping of a log perpendicularly, an ax a will be an impeccable weapon. It will just take a swing to be able to chop off 13-inch log. No other tool can give you this much ease as an axe can give. It’s because using it takes lesser energy to get the job done.

Shaping Wood:

It would simply be wrong if you think that an axe can only get one task done which is the splitting job. Why just limit yourself to chopping when you can give the wood different shape? Exactly, one of the plus points of using an axe is that you can shape up the log to build different stuffs.Read Also: Difference Between Axe and Maul Which One You Should Buy

A lighter option:

If you are confused between getting an axe or a maul for chopping wood, then it is recommended to go for the former. Because a splitting axe happens to be quite lighter than a maul. Besides, it is even lighter than many other tools that are used for chopping off wood.

Tool of entertainment:

Not only you can use the axe for splitting wood but also you can use it for fun. If you ever want to get involved in Lumberjack competitions, then you will surely need this weapon. Who knew that using this tool to split a piece of wood with just one well-placed swing can be entertainment as well.

Disadvantages:

Takes a lot of your energy and time to cut down trees:

Axe will make a terrible choice if you intend to cut a log against grain. It will take a lot of your energy as well as time. However, although, the axe can cut through the logs , kindling or firewood with ease, but it might not cut bigger trees with ease. So, you might not like to use it for trees.

Manual job:

One of the worst part of using axe is that it requires your involvement and hands to get the job done. You actually might not like swinging axe to cut through wood continuously. As there are a lot of other options such as electrical log splitter that does the same job in easier way, you might hesitate choosing an axe over other options.

Unsafe:

Axes might be a great pick for chopping wood. However, they can also be risky. There are many people who often miss the swing that leads their axe into their foot. And if you are unlucky enough, then you will have to live the rest of your life with missing toes which is definitely a scary matter. So, you will need to be extremely careful while using the tool to avoid such incidents.

Also Read: Best Wood SplitterBest Hatchet For Camping

FAQ

Is a maul or axe better for splitting wood?

The answer to this question would depend on the type of wood you’re trying to split. Experts advise that an axe is best for splitting small and medium-sized pieces of wood, while a maul would work best with larger chunks of wood. This is owing to the fact that the weight of the heavier maul gives you additional power.

What is the difference between a chopping and splitting axe?

The main difference between a chopping axe and a splitting axe is that the former has a sharper and slimmer than the latter. Since a splitting axe is used to cut along the grain of the wood, it requires a blade that doesn’t easily get stuck between the fibers and this is why splitting axes tend to be bulkier.

Is it best to split wood wet or dry?

In general, it’s easier to split the wood when it’s already aged and dry. This is owing to the fact that wood is more brittle when it’s already dry. However, there are certain types of wood, like live oak, that’s easier to cut when they’re wet. Try to look into the type of wood first before splitting it.

What is the best time to split wood?

In terms of the season, it’s best to split wood during winter or early spring. This is a great time to use them as firewood to keep your home warm. As to the time of the day, it’s best to split them when the sun is still out so you can see what you’re hacking into clearly.

What kind of axe do I need to split wood?

Splitting wood refers to the act of cutting wood along its fibers. For this purpose, you would need a splitting axe. You can easily recognize a splitting axe by its wedge-shaped blade and bulky build. This helps it split the wood smoothly and steer clear from being stuck between the fibers of the wood.

Should an axe be razor sharp?

Being razor-sharp depends on whether you want a chopping axe or a splitting axe. In general, you would want your chopping axe to be razor-sharp so that it can effectively cut the wood across its fibers. This is not usually the case for a splitting axe, which requires a bulkier blade construction. 

Safety Precautions When Using an Axe

The axe is a great all-around tool and can be used for a variety of things. Whether it’s just for chopping wood, safety or emergency purposes, or if you’re quite serious about your bushcraft game it’s something that would come in handy.

Having said that, it’s only going to be a great tool if wielded properly and safely. Here are some safety precautions when using an axe.

Two quick things to go by when using an axe first is to put your axe away safely when it is not in use. This is quite common sense but often disregarded. Like every cutting tool in your arsenal, your axe should have a designated keeping place where you store it after use. And always remember to put the sheath or mask on your axe to protect not just people but also the cutting blade itself.

Second is to observe a safe working space. This is what we call the blood circle where you create a safe place for you to work on. There should be enough room for you to swing around your axe around you and make sure to tell people to keep their distance.

Now that we’ve got those two very important rules established, let’s go over a few tips and tricks so that you can now work with your axe efficiently and safely.

  • Make sure to check up on the condition of your axe every time. It’s important to do so before and after usage. It’s also important to know the telltale signs that your axe needs maintenance. Often check your handle for cracks or nicks or any sort of damage. Also, make sure that the head of your axe is securely attached to its handle and that it doesn’t wiggle.
  • When wielding the axe itself, make sure that your hands are dry and that it’s not going to slip away from you. You know what will happen if it does and it’s nasty. Hold the axe close to the head for better control, holding it closer to the handle should give you more power. Adjust accordingly.
  • Clear your area of any obstruction. Nothing to slip on, nothing to accidentally hack on like branches, other tools, or ropes.
  • If splitting or chopping wood, make sure that you are using a firm, level, and stable surface. A tree stump is often recommended and please don’t chop on the ground.
  • Only work in the dark if it’s necessary or an emergency. Make sure to carry your axe upside down in your arm by your side, and always take a breather or rest up once feeling tired.
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