A hatchet is a robust, thick-bladed, wood chopping tool. It is particularly handy for splitting logs, shaping wood, and chopping bones. If you don’t have a chainsaw handy, your hatchet will be your best buddy. Having the right tool for the job can make all the difference. Read about the best wood hatchets in this guide.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estwing Special Edition Camper’s Axe | Estwing Special Edition Camper’s Axe is one of the best wood hatchets forged in one piece using the most advanced tool grade steel. It is the most durable, versatile, and longest-lasting striking tools available. | ||
| Fiskars 375501-1001 Hatchet with Sheath | Fiskars 375501-1001 Hatchet with Sheath is ideal for chopping and kindling of small to medium-sized logs. Its patented blade-grinding technique provides a sharper edge for better contact and cleaner cuts. | ||
| Schrade SCHCOM6CP Full Tang Hatchet and Mini Machete Combo | The Schrade SCHCOM6CP Full Tang Hatchet and Mini Machete Combo is a set of durable tools whose blades are made of reliable 3Cr13 S.S. with a black, thermoplastic rubber handles. It is a dependable tool that is convenient to use. | ||
| Cold Steel Drop Forged Tomahawk Survival Hatchet | Cold Steel Drop Forged Tomahawk Survival Hatchet, a functional hexagonal hammer poll designed for serious work, like pounding nails or stakes. This tool throws and sticks exceptionally well when used for projects, fun, and sports. | ||
| Buck n Bear Tactical Army Hatchet | Buck n Bear Tactical Army Hatchet is one of the best wood hatchets that offers versatility and strength with its multi-function design. It features a full tang for high strength performance and a black coated D2 axe head. | ||
| Vaughan & Bushnell SH2 22-Ounce Carpenters Half Hatchet | Vaughan & Bushnell SH2 22-Ounce Carpenters Half Hatchet is one of the best wood hatchets that features an advanced, standard weight tool for construction trades or handyman. This quality tool is entirely forged and has high carbon steel. | ||
| TABOR TOOLS Chopping Axe, Hand Axe, Camp Hatchet | Incra T-RULE06 6-Inch Precision Marking T-Rule is a marking tool must-have that you will surely not want to miss. Before getting great woodworking marking tools, you should first consider choosing some of the greatest measuring tools, and the Incra T-RULE06 6-Inch Precision Marking T-Rule is a sound choice for the selection. |
Detailed Reviews of the 7 Best Wood Hatchets
Estwing Special Edition Camper’s Axe
Estwing Special Edition Camper’s Axe is one of the best wood hatchets forged in one piece using the most advanced tool grade steel. It is the most durable, versatile, and longest-lasting striking tools available.
Product Highlights
It is perfect for chopping logs, small trees, and branches or splitting firewood and kindling. It features a ballistic nylon sheath to protect your hand from the sharpened cutting edge. It has a genuine leather grip, and hand sanded and lacquered for a durable yet comfortable finish.
The Good
It is made in the United States and crafted using the finest American steel. It is an outdoor tool that is made to last. It is tempered to ensure remarkable strength. This tool is hand sharpened and polished, and its patented rugged shock reduction grip is bonded to the handle so it won’t slip.
The Bad
Users complain that the product seems unbalanced, making it inconvenient to use. A few customers noted that it has an uneven handle and blade grind.
PROs
- Forged in one piece using the finest tool-grade steel
- Durable and versatile
- Ballistic nylon sheath protects your hand from sharpened cutting edge
- Tempered for strength
- Hand sharpened and polished
- Patented rugged shock reduction grip
CONs
- Balance issue; inconvenient to use
- Uneven handle and blade grind
Fiskars 375501-1001 Hatchet with Sheath
Fiskars 375501-1001 Hatchet with Sheath is ideal for chopping and kindling of small to medium-sized logs. Its patented blade-grinding technique provides a sharper edge for better contact and cleaner cuts.
Product Highlights
Its low-friction blade coating powers through wood and prevents the head from getting stuck. Its molded head will not loosen and prevents overstrike breakage. Its shock-absorbing Dura frame handle is lightweight yet stronger than steel to prevent overstrike damage.
The Good
It is easy-to-carry and a perfect choice for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. This best wood hatchet combines perfected weight distribution, advanced blade geometry, an ultra-sharp edge, and virtually unbreakable design to maximize its use. With more blade penetration on every swing, you can chop more wood in less time, with less effort and hand strain.
The Bad
Customers complain that it is not so durable compared to others. Some customers said that its edge is weak and not ideal for heavy-duty use.
PROs
- Low-friction blade coating prevents the head from getting stuck
- Molded head prevents overstrike breakage
- Shock-absorbing Dura frame handle
- Easy-to-carry
- Perfected weight distribution
- Ultra-sharp edge
- Enables less effort and hand strain
CONs
- Not so durable compared to others
- The edge is weak; not ideal for heavy-duty use
Schrade SCHCOM6CP Full Tang Hatchet and Mini Machete Combo
The Schrade SCHCOM6CP Full Tang Hatchet and Mini Machete Combo is a set of durable tools whose blades are made of reliable 3Cr13 S.S. with a black, thermoplastic rubber handles. It is a dependable tool that is convenient to use.
Product Highlights
The hatchet is 11.1 inches in overall length with a blade length of 3.6 inches and 1 lb weight. The machete is 14.6 inches in overall length with a blade length of 8.5 inches weight of 12 ounces. It is ideal to use for many adventures, hiking and camping, and for woodwork projects.
The Good
It is well-made and secured; the blade will not slip with the finger grooves’ security on the hatchet and front quillon on the machete. The hatchet features a lanyard, and the machete features a lanyard hole for added protection when in use.
The Bad
Users complain that the hatchet handle is too small. Other customers said that the hatchet is not durable, and its blade easily warps.
PROs
- Thermoplastic rubber handles
- Dependable tool; convenient to use
- Ideal for outdoor adventure and woodwork projects
- Well-made and secured
- Features a lanyard for added security
CONs
- The Hatchet handle is too small
- Not durable; blade easily warps
Cold Steel Drop Forged Tomahawk Survival Hatchet
Cold Steel Drop Forged Tomahawk Survival Hatchet, a functional hexagonal hammer poll designed for serious work, like pounding nails or stakes. This tool throws and sticks exceptionally well when used for projects, fun, and sports.
Product Highlights
It is a sturdy tool that measures 19 inches in overall length and weighs 2.18 lbs. Its handle is made of American Hickory wood. It works efficiently and hits the target with less effort from the user.
The Good
It is a reliable and functional tool. There’s a lot of metal in the blade that offers a great opportunity if you want to customize your instrument. This high-quality tool gives excellent value for your money.
The Bad
Users complain that it has excellent steel but has a poor handle construction. Others also noted that it has a lightweight handle, but its head weighs particularly heavy, causing an insufficient balance.
PROs
- Functional and sturdy
- Designed for pounding nails or stakes
- Throws and sticks exceptionally well
- American Hickory wood handle
- Efficiently hits the target with less effort from the user
CONs
- Poor handle construction
- Balance issue
Buck n Bear Tactical Army Hatchet
Buck n Bear Tactical Army Hatchet is one of the best wood hatchets that offers versatility and strength with its multi-function design. It features a full tang for high strength performance and a black coated D2 axe head.
Product Highlights
The axe head is equipped with a double-bit blade, a top grind, and a tactical hammer on the butt. It comes with a form-fitting sheath. The premium leather sheath is decorated with an intricate pattern, detailed stitching, and the BucknBear logo. The handle also features a grip close to the axe head so you can choke up for more controlled work.
The Good
Maple burl wood handle in army green color offers multiple grip options for chopping, scraping, and cutting. It includes a premium leather sheath with a belt attachment to keep the hatchet close at hand. Its overall length is 9.25 inches.
The Bad
Users complain that it has a shorter handle than expected. Others noted that it is pricey compared to other wood hatchets.
PROs
- Multi-function design
- High strength performance
- Equipped with a double-bit blade, a top grind, and a tactical hammer
- Comes with a form-fitting sheath
- Has multiple grip options for chopping, scraping, and cutting
- Includes a premium leather sheath with a belt attachment
CONs
- Shorter handle than expected
- Price issue
Vaughan & Bushnell SH2 22-Ounce Carpenters Half Hatchet
Vaughan & Bushnell SH2 22-Ounce Carpenters Half Hatchet is one of the best wood hatchets that features an advanced, standard weight tool for construction trades or handyman. This quality tool is entirely forged and has high carbon steel.
Product Highlights
It is fully polished and has a beveled nail slot in its shiny head. It has a 13″ subtle flame-treated American hickory handle. It also features an extra-large, crowned striking face for accurate power blows.
The Good
This tool is rustproof and coated. It has just the right weight for more efficient and more convenient use. It works great for pounding in staples or cutting a tree branch. The handle is light and made of quality wood, and it is easily replaced if you want to customize the tool.
The Bad
Users complain that the hatchet is poorly sharpened. Other customers said that that handle is not firmly fixed to the hatchet head and tends to slip off.
PROs
- Standard weight tool
- Entirely forged and has a high carbon steel
- Fully polished and has a beveled nail slot
- Treated American hickory handle
- Extra-large, crowned striking face for accurate power blows
- Rustproof and coated
CONs
- Poorly sharpened
- The handle is not firmly fixed to the hatchet head
TABOR TOOLS Chopping Axe, Hand Axe, Camp Hatchet
TABOR TOOLS Chopping Axe, Hand Axe, Camp Hatchet is a top-of-the-class fire axe with a top-of-the-line cutting blade that is perfect for cutting off fire wood in small to medium-sized pieces. Its steelhead is strengthened with a refined protective coating for durability.
Product Highlights
This axe has an overall measurement of 14, with the handle being 12. Resharpening this axe is a walk in the park. It can easily be resharpened with a file. The fiberglass handle is sturdy but light-weight, giving you that comfortable feeling when handling the axe.
The Good
There is an orange highlight in the handle for easier detection of the product in darker garage areas. The blade has a protective rubber band for more secured transportation and storage. The axe can easily be hanged after use with the bottom handle.
The Bad
Most customers grumble that the blade could sometimes be detached from the handle. Some users complain that the axe’s head tends to be dull. Others says that the axe can bounce off while chopping.
PROs
- Top of the line steel head
- The handle is made of fiberglass
- Handle has an orange color for easier detection
- Resharpening the blade is easy
CONs
- The axe can bounce off
- Blade might get detached from the handle
- A little bit pricier than some axe in the market
Conclusion
Hatchets can give you the most advantage in your woodwork projects and any outdoor scenario. It is a convenient wood processing tool that won’t let you down. Hopefully, you will find a hatchet ideally suited to your needs with the above list. Remember that when you have the best wood hatchet, you have the most indispensable tool that will work efficiently, speed up the game process, create better shelters, and give you a self-defense survival weapon, all in one package. Here’s how to learn more about hatchets.