The 7 Best Wood Cutting Axes

An axe is a versatile tool that can be used in a wide range of situations for various purposes. However, the best fitting axe for you would depend highly on its use and purpose as several types of axes is arguably more suitable for one task than the other. Choosing the best wood cutting axe can be overwhelming, considering the different types of axes and the plethora of choices available nowadays. So how do you find the best axe suitable for your needs?

Should you opt for one with a traditional look and built, such as a single bit axe with a long wooden handle? Or should you opt for something more modern and versatile such as a double bit metal axe with a rubberized handle? Choosing the best can be challenging if you have no idea what to look for. Taking this into consideration, we made a list of our top picks for the best wood cutting axe in the market today to give you some idea of what could be the best one for you.

A Detailed Review on the Best Wood Cutting Axes

Estwing Fireside Friend Axe

Listed as one of the best-selling and top-rated axes in the market nowadays, the Estwing Fireside Friend Axe is the epitome of quality and performance that considerably makes the best wood cutting axe ever.

Product Highlights

Crafted using solid America steel, the Estwing Fireside Friend Axe is shaped as one singular piece that offers better leverage and power than other builds. Many consider this type as a must for campers and outdoorsmen. This axe also features a patented Shock Reduction Grip that is comfortable and durable and decreases impact vibration by 70% when used.

The Good

Weighing roughly 4 pounds, the Estwing Fireside Friend Axe is an ergonomically designed axe suitable for cutting, splitting, and shaping. Aside from its design, this axe also comes with a dedicated heavy-duty nylon sheath for the user and the blade’s extra protection.

The Bad

Several reviews for the Estwing Fireside Friend Axe complained about the axe's steel quality and durability, as some mentioned that it deforms and bents easily. Furthermore, there were also reviews noted that the axe’s head has a convex, making it less effective and harder to use as it tends to bounce back from the impact.

Cold Steel All-Purpose Axe 

If you’re looking for a more traditional looking and performing axe as your best woodcutting axe, you can never go wrong with the Cold Steel All-Purpose Axe.

Product Highlights

Staying true to the traditional axe design dating over 100 years back, the Cold Steel All-Purpose Axe is known for its quality build and performance, that's tried and tested for years. Made with strong and durable 1055 carbon steel, this axe comes with a quality hickory handle that is ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use.

The Good

Measuring at merely 27 inches and weighing roughly 4 lbs, the Cold Steel All-Purpose Axe is designed for easy carry for your outdoor adventure. However, what is even more impressive with this product is that it features a unique clamp-like locking mechanism that allows you to change a broken handle as fast as two minutes.

The Bad

Unfortunately, reviews for the Cold Steel All-Purpose Axe noted that the blade requires reshaping and sharpening as it a bit dull and blunt. Furthermore, several reviews mentioned that the axe size runs smaller than average, making it difficult to find replacement handles readily available. 

WilFiks Chopping Camping Axe

Considerably the best wood cutting axe in the market nowadays, the WilFiks Chopping Camping Axe ranks as one of the best selling and top-rated axes that offers quality performance at an incredibly competitive price.

Product Highlights

If you’re looking for quality and performance, the WilFiks Chopping Camping Axe is packed with the best material and design that offers comfort and ease of use. As crafted using forged carbon steel and heat-treated blade, this multi-purpose axe is made for chopping, splitting, and shaping.

The Good

Claims to last longer than traditional axes, the WilFiks Chopping Camping Axe is made with durable material that offers strong performance for a smooth and effortless cutting experience. Aside from its blade, this axe also features an ergonomically designed anti-slip grip cold-resistant fiberglass handle that is durable and comfortable to use.

The Bad

Reviews for the WilFiks Chopping Camping Axe complained about the blade's quality as it was notably dull and too thick to get a sharp edge. There were also complaints about the axe having a strong rubber smell and issues about missing the protective plastic sheath for the blade.

Marbles Camp Axe

Considerably one of the best-selling and top-rated best wood cutting axes in the market nowadays, the Marbles Camp Axe features a classic look with a fantastic performance and top-notch durability.

Product Highlights

Made with high-quality materials, the Marbles Camp Axe features a simple and straightforward design meant to bring power and convenience with every swing. It features a forged steel axe head with a sharp edge ideal for powerful woodcuts and splits.

The Good

Measuring at about 14 inches, the Marbles Camp Axe comes in different package options. The buyer can choose whether to buy the axe only or add a little more to include a dedicated protective sheath and a hooking keychain.

The Bad

Unfortunately, reviews for the Marbles Camp Axe mentioned issues with its quality in its overall finish. Some said that the wooden handle lacks a good finish and appropriately oiled, and that blade is relatively dull and requires intensive reshaping and sharpening to be usable.

Fiskars Camping Axe

The Fiskars Camping Axe is reliable and handy, made for various purposes. Its size, it is packed with power suitable for cutting, shaping, and chopping wood for every occasion.

Product Highlights

Measuring at merely 9 inches, the Fiskars Camping Axe is the perfect axe for splitting small logs, cutting branches, and even suitable for other applications such as carving, shaping, and the likes. It is made with high-quality hardened steel, but it is relatively lightweight to produce enough power for comfortable and convenient use.

The Good

What is impressive with the Fiskars Camping Axe is that it comes with an extremely lightweight, weather-resistant, reinforced fiberglass plastic handle attached directly onto the axe head for safety and offers better grip and control over the tool.

The Bad

Reviews noted that the smaller sized Fiskars Camping Axe is relatively heavy compared to a full-sized axe. Furthermore, there were also issues of packages missing as protective sheaths for the axe are supposedly included.

Edward Tools Harden Camping Axe 15” with Sheath

If you’re looking for a bang-for-your-buck model, the Edward Tools Harden Camping Axe is a highly versatile and durable axe that is perfect for chopping, splitting, cutting, and kindling branches. It is suitable for every outdoor activity.

Product Highlights

Made with polished steel with a protective coating for strength and durability, the Edward Tools Harden Camping Axe features a compact and ergonomic design perfect for campers, hikers, and outdoorsmen. This axe fits in bags easily and perfectly fits the hand for its comfortable design and hassle-free use.

The Good

Aside from its design and performance, the Edward Tools Harden Camping Axe with Sheath also features a specially designed lightweight fiberglass handle that is sturdy and durable. Furthermore, this handle also comes with a cushioned rubber non-slip handle grip that increases comfort and reduces shock absorbance and hand strain.

The Bad

Reviews for the Edward Tools Harden Camping Axe complained that the axe head is extremely dull and bends when used. Furthermore, it is unfortunate that the metal used also dulls quickly and cannot hold a sharp edge for long.

Hults Bruk Tibro Carpenter Axe

Built specially for carpentry, the Hults Bruk Tibro Carpenter Axe is considerably the best wood cutting axe for any carpentry-related activities but is still versatile enough for other applications.  

Product Highlights

Crafted with Swedish steel and high-quality hickory wood, the Husqvarna Wooden Curved Carpenter Axe is designed for comfort, versatility, and control required for carpentry. This axe ensures fine and powerful cuts with every swing as it features a hand-forged carpenter's axe head,

The Good

Aside from its quality material and design, what is even more impressive with the Hults Bruk Tibro Carpenter Axe is that it features a specially designed recess in the axe head that gives control over the cutting edge of the blade. Furthermore, the axe head is also directly attached to the wooden handle that better secures and connects the pieces as one.

The Bad

Reviews for the Hults Bruk Tibro Carpenter Axe complained about the axe's metal's quality. Several users were disappointed that the blade is asymmetrical and dull upon delivery. Furthermore, there were also issues with the material chipping and breaking after several uses.

Conclusion

There are thousands of different axes available in the market nowadays. Remember to figure out precisely what you want and need. It would be best to consider your specific use for the axe to get a perfect one. As we know, axes are commonly used for cutting, splitting, and shaping. Thus, select an axe that’s designed for its use and purpose.

Furthermore, it would be best to look into the axe head, weight, and handle. The axe's length, size, blade, and handle material is also important. All in all, the best axe should be ergonomically designed for its fitted purpose and comfort when used. Hopefully, our list of the best wood cutting axes gave you some ideas on what to look for and consider when searching for a reliable and good axe. Know more about cutting axes.

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