The 7 Best Wood Axes

An axe is an essential tool that every homeowner should possess. However, not just any ordinary axe can be used for splitting wood. Investing in the right axe for splitting wood should not give you a splitting headache, but if you’d attempted to shop online lately for these products, you might have noticed that there are tons of options to choose from. We know that choosing the best wood axe can be overwhelming and hard to make a good decision. Thus, here are the seven best wood axes for you to consider.

A Detailed Review on the 7 Best Wood Axes

Fiskars X27 Super (36") Splitting Axe

If you’re looking for the best wood axe, you can’t go wrong with this Fiskars X27 Super (36") Splitting Axe.

Product Highlights

This axe excels in all areas. It has a strong composite handle, which operates to be both lighter and stronger than a wooden handle of the same length. It also comes with an excellent blade, coated with a low-friction coating, which helps it remain sharp for a longer time and reduces the blade's damage over time. Also, the axe's blade is mounted in the head in a way that will make it practically impossible to separate the two, even if you’re overusing your axe.

The Good

Overall, it feels well-balanced and easy to be accurate and give strong blows with your axe. That speeds up the method and makes you feel less worn out at the end of the process. Plus, it has a lifetime warranty.

The Bad

The only downfall of this axe is that the handle is slippery. Other users also noted that the axe is too long for average-sized people.

Helko Werk Vario 2000 Axe

One of the best wood axes in the market, the Helko Werk Vario 2000 Axe is the model you want to get if you want to take advantage of a more massive axe and your superior strength to make the job easier.

Product Highlights

It’s one of the heavier types on this list, and that the extra weight is instantly transformed into power when you start swinging the axe. This model features a curved shaft, that gives you more energy on every swing, and the shaft is tall enough so you can easily use two-hand in different positions. Plus, it also comes with a high-quality carbon steelhead, one of the stronger ones you can find in an axe.

The Good

This model also has a full-grain leather sheath, and Grade A American Hickory Handle with boiled linseed oil and is sanded to 150 grit for a smooth finish and comfortable use.

The Bad

One disadvantage of this product is that it is expensive. If you’re only going to be occasionally splitting, you’re not going to get your money's worth with this model. Others also noted that the bolts come loose easily.

Husqvarna 30″ Wooden Splitting Axe

This highly-rated Husqvarna 30” Wooden Splitting Axe is one of our best wood axes in this list, and some people like it, regardless of its flaws.

Product Highlights

This model has the best heads of any axe. It’s formed by hand in Sweden, and you can tell that the attention to detail is clearly evident with this model. Unlike with some other brands, the blade is very sharp, which needs to be sharpened right out of the box. Once it wears down, it’s easy to sharpen and holds the edge well, so you can use it longer.

The Good

Some users like the extra weight that adds some power to their swing. Also included in the package is an axe cover to keep the blade protected and corrosion-free when not in use.

The Bad

Some users reported about the handle breaking on this model, so it’s something to bear in mind when you’re purchasing. This axe is also a little heavier than others on this list, even though it’s not the longest. 

Estwing Fireside Friend Wood Splitting Ax (14″)

One of the best wood axes in the market, this Estwing Fireside Friend Axe – 14" is a shorter axe, commonly used more for lessening split firewood than for breaking logs. If you’re up for something at that level, you would be pleased with this axe.

Product Highlights

This axe model comes with a shock-reducing grip, which usually is an underrated feature among axes that oftentimes leaves you feeling less tired afterward. This axe is also forged in just one piece, making it one of the strongest possible. It also comes with a sheath, so it can be kept safe when you’re not using it.

The Good

Plus, it doesn’t cost too much, so you can save a lot of money and get a valuable axe at the same time. It’s still a good option for users who want a shorter axe.

The Bad

What we don’t like about this axe is that it's off-balanced as the metal has a strange center of gravity compared to others. Plus, it might take some time to get used to how it feels as the weight distribution is uneven. Others noted that it's awkward to use.

TABOR TOOLS J55A Splitting Axe

This Splitting Axe from Tabor Tools has some great design choices and is one of the best wood axes on our list.

Product Highlights

One of its best features is undeniably its fiberglass handle, which lowers the weight without sacrificing much strength. It also features a good rubberized grip that solves some of the other axes' grip difficulties. Plus, the axe is well-balanced, and you won’t have any problem using this axe to the best of its abilities.

The Good

Users love this axe as it is budget-friendly. The blade also comes with a protective rubber band for safe and easy transport and storage. Plus, it comes with a satisfaction guarantee.

The Bad

However, this axe is a heavyweight, despite its fiberglass handle. It weighs around eight pounds, which is far heavier than what people look for in an axe. Plus, it also has a small head, making it harder to split larger logs.

Mintcraft PRO 34004 Wood Splitting Maul 

If you're looking for a basic axe that will get the job done, the Mintcraft PRO 34004 Wood Splitting Maul is one of the best wood axes and is another great option for your toolkit.

Product Highlights

Well, this axed from Mintcraft could be just what you’ve had in mind. It has a simple design but, it does come with a double injection fiberglass handle, which offers superior strength and overstrike protection. Do not underestimate this basic tool as it has superior wood splitting results. It also has a sharpened edge that offers easy cutting.

The Good

It has a unique V-shape wing design that works as a secondary wedge to support easy wood splitting. Aside from being lightweight at only 4.5 pounds, this axe is also durable and strong.

The Bad

It is quite sad to note that this axe does not include any shock-absorbing technology. Others also pointed out that the head does not hold an edge, and it has no torque symbol.

Gerber 36-Inch Power Splitting Axe

Included in our list of the best wood axe, the Gerber 36-Inch Power Splitting Axe is another simple yet powerful tool for wood.

Product Highlights

This model seems to have some great things going for it, including a low-friction coating blade that makes it simpler to split wood without exhausting the blade’s edge. It also features a solid head-handle connection.

The Good

Plus, the handle is shock absorbent. If you need to feel a tiny bit fresher at the end of the job, the decreased vibrations will significantly improve your experience.

The Bad

However, this axe suffers from quality control concerns and a lack of shipping care. Plus, the handle is also subject to occasional failure, which can be dangerous. And it's a little expensive too.

Conclusion

We hope that this review has helped you find the best wood axe that's fit for your preferences.  Of course, there are tons to consider, and if you're not sure which one to get, check out this guide.  If you have never owned an axe before, this roundup is a good source as this article was designed with beginners in mind.  Getting the best wood axe can be a perfect investment or addition to your toolkits. Find out more about axes.

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