Valina Unruh

Written by Valina Unruh

Published: 03 Feb 2024

Camryn Rabideau

Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau

10-best-axes-for-chopping-wood
Source: Outsideonline.com

When it comes to chopping wood, having the right axe makes all the difference. In this article, we will explore the 10 best axes for chopping wood. Whether you're an experienced lumberjack or just looking to chop some firewood for the winter, having the right tools can make the job easier and more efficient. From traditional splitting axes to modern multi-purpose tools, there is a wide range of options to choose from. So, let's dive in and find the perfect axe for all your wood chopping needs!

Top Picks:

Overall Score: 8/10

The GEDORE OX 620 H-1257-Multipurpose Forestry Axe is a professional-grade tool designed for woodworks, splitting firewood, cutting branches, or limbing felled trees. The axe boasts high-quality materials and construction, including a steel handle sleeve for long service life and a fine-polished axe head with blade protection. The tool also comes with a twofold safety system, making it suitable for serious outdoor use. While it delivers outstanding quality and durability, some users find the packaging and sheath lacking. Nevertheless, the GEDORE OX 620 H-1257 is a reliable and balanced axe for various outdoor tasks.

Key Features

  • OUTDOORSMAN TOOL: For woodworks, splitting firewood, cutting branches or limbing felled trees
  • WORRY FREE: ROTBAND-PLUS safety system for maximum safety
  • LONG SERVICE LIFE: Steel handle sleeve protects the handle from damage
  • SERIOUS QUALITY: Fine-polished axe head with blade protection
  • EXCELLENT BUILT: Head weight 1250g, blade 120mm, handle length 700mm, axe weight 2100g Spare handle OX E-620 H-1250

Specifications

  • Color: Gray
  • Dimension: 10.63Lx4.72Wx4.72H

Pros

  • High-quality materials and construction
  • Professional-grade tool suitable for serious outdoor use
  • Balanced and comfortable for various outdoor tasks
  • Fine-polished axe head with blade protection
  • Steel handle sleeve for long service life

Cons

  • Packaging would be considered minimally adequate
  • Blade sheath is thin and cheaply made
  • Haft design is clunky and brutish
  • Axe head may be too light for some users

The GEDORE OX 620 H-1257-Multipurpose Forestry Axe is a reliable and balanced tool for outdoor tasks. While it delivers outstanding quality, it may require some adjustments for optimal performance. Overall, this professional-grade axe is suitable for serious woodworks, firewood processing, and general outdoor use, making it a valuable addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s toolkit.

Overall Score: 7/10

The KURUI Wood Splitting Axe and Hatchet Set includes a 34-inch chopping axe and a 15-inch camping hatchet. The high-strength materials and ergonomic design offer great shock absorption and comfort during use. It comes with a sharpened blade and makes chopping wood easy. The set serves as an ideal companion for gardening, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The sturdy design makes it a durable tool for splitting wood. However, some reviews noted issues with the blade and connection between the head and shaft.

Key Features

  • Material: High-quality fiber glass handle and hardened carbon steel axe head
  • Ergonomic Design: Shock-absorbent handle for comfort and resistance to slipping
  • Easy to Use: Comes already sharpened and can be easily sharpened as needed
  • Great for Log & Firewood: Efficient for dealing with solid wood, kindling, stems, and twigs
  • Warranty: Comes with 1-month free refund & replacement warranty

Specifications

  • Color: Canary yellow
  • Dimension: 34.20Lx7.00Wx2.10H
  • Size: 34" and 15"

Pros

  • High-strength materials provide durability
  • Ergonomic design offers great comfort and shock absorption
  • Comes already sharpened for easy use
  • Great for dealing with solid wood, kindling, and firewood
  • Comes with a 1-month free refund & replacement warranty

Cons

  • Blade and connection issues noted in some reviews
  • Hatchet does not perform well for splitting tiny pieces

The KURUI Wood Splitting Axe and Hatchet Set is a durable and efficient tool for chopping wood during outdoor activities. Its ergonomic design and high-strength materials ensure comfort and reliability. However, potential issues with the blade and connection should be considered before making a purchase.

Overall Score: 9/10

The Fiskars 378571-1002 X15 Chopping Axe 23.5 Inch is an ideal tool for felling trees and splitting wood. It is designed for optimum balance and power-to-weight ratio, making each swing more efficient and powerful. The shock-absorbing FiberComp handle prevents overstrike damage and offers a comfortable grip. With a lifetime warranty, this axe is built to last and is perfect for both beginners and experienced wood splitters. It has received excellent customer ratings and reviews for its performance, user-friendliness, durability, and effectiveness on various types of wood.

Key Features

  • Ideal for felling trees
  • Chops deeper with each swing
  • Perfected balance and power-to-weight ratio
  • Shock-absorbing Fiber Comp handle
  • Lifetime warranty

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 1.75Lx7.50Wx26.75H
  • Size: Chopping Axe

Pros

  • Efficient and powerful swings
  • Shock-absorbing handle prevents damage
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Effective on various types of wood

Cons

  • Handle coating wears off quickly
  • May be less durable than traditional wood handle
  • Some users may prefer a larger size

The Fiskars 378571-1002 X15 Chopping Axe 23.5 Inch is a highly recommended tool for both beginners and experienced wood splitters. With its efficient design, user-friendly features, and exceptional performance, this axe is well worth the investment. While it may have some minor drawbacks, its overall benefits outweigh them, making it a top choice for anyone in need of a reliable and effective chopping axe.

Overall Score: 7/10

The INTERTOOL 24” Chopping Axe is a versatile medium-size axe suitable for outdoor landscaping, forestry, camping, or garden projects. It features a sharpened carbon steel heavy duty blade with an anti-corrosive coating and a shock eliminating fiberglass handle with grip-textured rubber. The head-to-handle weight balance is optimal for increasing chopping force and supports more leverage on every swing. This axe is sized between a hatchet and full-size axe for convenient storing in the vehicle for emergency situations. The tough fiberglass handle absorbs impact shock and includes grip-textured rubber for a non-slip performance. The axe measures 24 inches and comes with a blade protector. However, some users have reported issues with the handle durability and the blade edge. Overall, the INTERTOOL 24” Chopping Axe is a handy tool for handling smaller branches and splitting logs.

Key Features

  • Versatile Medium-Size Axe
  • Sharpened Carbon Steel
  • Shock Eliminating Handle
  • Chopping Power
  • INTERTOOL has YOU Covered

Specifications

  • Color: Red
  • Dimension: 24.00Lx1.10Wx6.70H
  • Size: 24" Chopping Axe

Pros

  • Sharp out of the box blade
  • Optimal weight balance for chopping force
  • Non-slip grip handle

Cons

  • Issues with handle durability
  • Blade edge requires frequent sharpening

The INTERTOOL 24” Chopping Axe is a decent tool for outdoor projects, offering a good balance of sharpness and chopping force. While it may have some durability and blade edge issues, it remains a handy and versatile option for smaller forestry and gardening tasks.

Overall Score: 9/10

The WilFiks Chopping Axe is a versatile and durable tool, perfect for chopping firewood, logs, kindling, and branches for campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With a forged carbon steel heat-treated blade, shock-absorbing anti-slip grip, and resharpenable blade, this 36” hatchet is easy to use and offers superior performance. It also includes a plastic protective cover for safe storage and transport.

Key Features

  • Easy to use for chopping firewood, logs, kindling, and branches
  • Durable forged carbon steel heat-treated blade for quick splits
  • Shock-absorbing anti-slip grip with ergonomic fiberglass handle
  • Resharpenable blade with a polished finished edge
  • Includes a plastic protective cover for easy storage

Specifications

  • Dimension: 1.00Lx1.00Wx1.00H
  • Size: 36" Chopping Axe

Pros

  • Durable and versatile
  • Shock-absorbing handle for reduced strain
  • Resharpenable blade for long-lasting sharpness
  • Includes a protective cover for safe storage
  • Well-balanced for safe and efficient use

Cons

  • Plastic cover may not be durable
  • Blade may need sharpening before use

The WilFiks Chopping Axe is a fantastic tool for outdoor enthusiasts, offering durability, versatility, and ease of use. While it may have minor issues with the plastic cover and initial blade sharpness, its overall performance and quality make it a worthwhile investment.

Overall Score: 7/10

The Chopping Axe with 36-in Fiberglass Handle is a durable and reliable tool designed for outdoor use. It is great for woodworks, splitting firewood, cutting branches, or limbing felled trees. The axe has a head weight of 3.3 pounds, a blade length of 5.5 inches, and a handle length of 36.7 inches. It is well-built with a fine-polished axe head, blade protection, and a high-strength shockproof fiber handle. The color of the axe is black, and its dimensions are 36.00Lx7.80Wx1.10H.

Key Features

  • OUTDOORSMAN TOOL: For woodworks, splitting firewood, cutting branches or limbing felled trees
  • EXCELLENT BUILT: Head weight 3.3 pound, blade 5.5inch, handle length 36.7inch, axe weight 5.66pound
  • SERIOUS QUALITY: Fine-polished axe head with blade protection and High-strength shockproof fiber handle

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 36.00Lx7.80Wx1.10H

Pros

  • Solid construction and excellent functionality
  • Lightweight yet sturdy for chopping wood
  • Great value for the price

Cons

  • Rubber handle may make it difficult to extract from wood
  • Some concerns about long-term durability
  • Handle may feel weak during swings

The Chopping Axe with 36-in Fiberglass Handle is a well-built and reliable tool for outdoor woodcutting activities. It offers excellent functionality and value for its price, although some users have expressed concerns about the rubber handle and long-term durability. Overall, it is a solid choice for those in need of a sturdy and efficient wood chopping axe.

Overall Score: 7/10

The INTERTOOL 28” Chopping Axe is a lightweight and durable tool designed for outdoor use. It features a sharp precision blade made of PTFE carbon steel, a shock-absorbing TPR Max Grip handle, and a weather-resistant, impact-resistant build for all seasons. With a precision-sharpened blade and optimal weight balance for maximum strike force, this axe is perfect for camping, survival situations, tree felling, landscaping, gardening, and firewood preparation. The handle is designed for enhanced grip and shock absorption, with polyamide reinforcement for added strength. Complete with a protective blade cover and a locking latch for safe transportation, this axe is the ideal outdoor companion.

Key Features

  • Lightweight Outdoorsmen’s Tool for camping, hiking, and firewood preparation
  • Sharp PTFE Carbon Steel Blade is coated in Teflon to reduce friction
  • Shock Resistant Handle absorbs heavy impacts for minimized shock
  • Max Chopping Power with precision-sharpened blade and optimal weight balance
  • INTERTOOL Customer Service available to quickly resolve any issues

Specifications

  • Color: Red, Black
  • Dimension: 31.00Lx1.00Wx4.00H
  • Size: 28" Felling Axe

Pros

  • Great for camping, survival, and firewood preparation
  • Sharp blade with reduced friction and corrosion resistance
  • Shock-resistant handle with enhanced grip and hang hole
  • Max chopping power with precision sharpened blade
  • Excellent customer service and support from INTERTOOL

Cons

  • Slightly lighter than advertised weight
  • Some customers reported durability issues with the blade

The INTERTOOL 28” Chopping Axe is a versatile and well-designed outdoor tool suitable for various applications. While some customers reported issues with the blade’s durability, the overall quality, sharpness, and customer service from INTERTOOL make this axe a great choice for campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable chopping tool. With its lightweight and durable construction, precision blade, and shock-resistant handle, it offers excellent value for its price.

Overall Score: 8/10

The INTERTOOL 36” Wood Chopping Axe is a powerful and versatile tool for a wide range of outdoor projects. It features a sharpened carbon steel blade with an anti-corrosive coating, a shock-absorbing handle, and excellent chopping power. The axe is designed for comfort and control, with a non-slip textured rubber grip and a hang hole for easy storage. It is ideal for cutting firewood, clearing trails, and tackling tree maintenance. The handle is made of shock-absorbing fiberglass, providing excellent durability and long-lasting performance, and the head is designed to balance leverage and force behind each swing. With its high-quality construction and thoughtful design, this axe is a reliable and efficient tool for any outdoor task.

Key Features

  • Versatile Full Size Axe for outdoor projects
  • Sharpened Carbon Steel blade
  • Shock Eliminating Handle with non-slip rubber grip
  • Chopping Power with optimal head-to-handle weight balance
  • INTERTOOL customer support available

Specifications

  • Color: Red, Black
  • Dimension: 35.40Lx1.30Wx7.50H
  • Size: 36"

Pros

  • High-quality carbon steel blade
  • Shock-absorbing and non-slip handle
  • Great chopping power
  • Durable and long-lasting construction
  • Excellent customer support

Cons

  • Handle may break under heavy use
  • Some customers experienced dull blade

The INTERTOOL 36” Wood Chopping Axe is a reliable and efficient tool for a wide range of outdoor projects. With its high-quality construction, shock-absorbing handle, and excellent chopping power, it is a valuable addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s tool collection. While some users experienced issues with the handle and blade sharpness, the majority of customers found this axe to be durable, comfortable, and highly effective. Overall, it offers great value for its price point and is worth considering for anyone in need of a dependable wood chopping axe.

Overall Score: 8/10

The PURPLEBIRD Hatchet Axe is a high-quality and durable camping tool made of high-carbon steel, with a razor-sharp blade and an ergonomic wood curved handle. It comes with a classical leather sheath and is designed for a range of outdoor activities. The compact size makes it easy to carry and use on different occasions, and it makes a great gift for outdoor enthusiasts.

Key Features

  • High-quality carbon steel construction
  • Razor-sharp blade and weighted wedge design
  • Ergonomic wood curved handle
  • Classical leather sheath
  • Multifunctional design for various outdoor activities

Specifications

  • Color: Ligjt
  • Dimension: 15.20Lx5.50Wx0.10H

Pros

  • Durable and high-quality construction
  • Razor-sharp blade for easy and smooth splits
  • Ergonomic handle for comfortable grip
  • Multifunctional design for various outdoor activities

Cons

  • Some issues with the quality of the sheath
  • Handle may require adjustments

The PURPLEBIRD Hatchet Axe with Sheath offers impressive quality and functionality, making it a great tool for camping, hiking, hunting, and other outdoor activities. Its durable construction and multifunctional design ensure that it can handle tough outdoor conditions with ease. While there are some minor downsides, such as the quality of the sheath and handle adjustments, the overall performance and utility of this camping hatchet make it a worthwhile investment for outdoor enthusiasts.

Overall Score: 8/10

The KURUI Wood Chopping Axe is a durable 15-inch outdoor camping hatchet made of high-quality fiberglass composite and hardened carbon steel. It features an ergonomic design, easy maintenance, and is a great helper for camping and gardening. The axe comes with a blade protection cover and axe sheath, and is backed by a 1-month free refund & replacement warranty. It has received a customer rating of 4.5/5.

Key Features

  • Strong fiberglass composite and hardened carbon steel
  • Shock-absorbent, anti-slip handle
  • Easy maintenance and sharpening
  • Great for camping & gardening
  • Includes 1 blade protection cover and 1 axe sheath

Specifications

  • Color: Yellow
  • Size: 15

Pros

  • Strong and durable construction
  • Shock-absorbent and anti-slip handle
  • Great for camping and gardening

Cons

  • May arrive dull and require sharpening

The KURUI Wood Chopping Axe is a reliable and easy-to-use tool for outdoor activities. With its durable construction and ergonomic design, it provides great value for camping, gardening, and other outdoor adventures. However, some users have reported that it may arrive dull and require sharpening, so it’s important to be prepared for that. Overall, it’s a highly recommended axe for outdoor enthusiasts.

Buyer's Guide: Best Axe for Chopping Trees

  • Purpose
    • Determine the main reason for buying an axe – is it for chopping firewood, clearing a trail, or other purposes?
  • Types of Axes
    • Felling axe – designed for chopping down trees
    • Splitting axe – used for splitting wood into smaller pieces
    • Multi-purpose axe – can be used for both felling and splitting
  • Axe Head
    • Material – consider high carbon steel for durability
    • Weight – depends on user's strength and the trees being chopped
    • Blade shape – choose a blade shape suitable for the intended use
  • Axe Handle
    • Length – longer handles provide more force but are heavier and require more space
    • Material – look for solid wood or fiberglass for long-lasting durability
  • Grip
    • Ergonomic design – ensures a comfortable and secure grip to prevent accidents
  • Safety Features
    • Sheath – a cover for the axe blade to prevent accidents when not in use
    • Safety markings – ensure the axe meets safety standards
  • Durability
    • Look for an axe that can withstand tough use and last a long time
  • Budget
    • Set a budget and compare axes within that price range
    • Be willing to invest in a high-quality axe for a better chopping experience
  • Manufacturer Reputation
    • Research the manufacturer’s reputation for producing high-quality axes
    • Read reviews and ask for recommendations from experienced users
  • Maintenance
    • Consider how easy it is to maintain and sharpen the axe blade
    • Look for an axe that requires minimal maintenance
  • Weight
    • Consider the weight of the axe for ease of handling and maneuvering
  • Handle Material
    • Wooden handles offer a traditional feel and can absorb shock
    • Fiberglass handles are lightweight and offer durability
  • Warranty
    • Check for a warranty to ensure protection against any defects or damages
  • User Experience
    • Ask for feedback from experienced users to find out which axe works best for chopping trees
  • Environmental Impact
    • Consider the ecological impact of the materials used in the axe’s construction
  • Try Before Buying
    • If possible, try out the axe to see how it feels and handles before making a purchase
  • Additional Features
    • Some axes come with additional features such as a hammerhead or a built-in fire starter, consider if these are necessary for your intended use
  • Local Regulations
    • Check if there are any specific regulations or requirements for using an axe in your location
  • Compare Different Brands
    • Look at multiple brands to compare features, price, and overall quality of the axes
  • Test the Balance
    • Before purchasing, consider the balance of the axe to ensure comfortable use

Remember to always prioritize safety when using an axe, and make sure to follow proper techniques and precautions while chopping trees.

Frequently Asked Questions about 10 Best Axes For Chopping Wood

What size of axe should I use for chopping trees?

It depends on the size of the tree. For small trees, a medium-sized axe should work fine. For larger trees, you’ll need a heavier and longer axe.

Can I use any axe to chop down a tree?

You’ll need an axe specifically designed for chopping trees, as it needs to be sharp and durable to handle the job. Look for an axe with a wide cutting edge and a sturdy handle.

How do I know if the axe is sharp enough for chopping trees?

To test the sharpness of your axe, try cutting a piece of wood. If the axe cuts through with ease and makes clean cuts, it’s sharp enough for chopping trees.

Is it safe for me to chop down trees with an axe?

Chopping down trees with an axe can be dangerous, so it’s important to take safety precautions. Wear protective gear, and make sure the area is clear of people and obstacles before starting.

What are some popular brands of axes for chopping trees?

Some popular brands for axes used in chopping trees include Husqvarna, Fiskars, and Gransfors Bruk. Look for axes from reputable brands known for their quality and durability.

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