The Best Axes for 2021
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Best Axe
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For this post, I have put together a collection of the best axes currently available.
UPDATED: August 9, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Fiskars X27 because it features a shock-absorbing, lightweight fiberComp handle and an ultra-sharp hardened forged steel blade with a low-friction coating.
Axes have been used for millennia to shape, split and cut wood, and to harvest timber.
Axe Components
The axe has many forms and specialized uses but generally consists of an axe head with a handle (also known as a helve).
Axe Head
The head has several sub-components that are helpful to understand. The sharp edge of the axe is known as the bit or the blade. The opposite side of the blade is known as the poll or the butt. This can consist of either a flat surface for hammering or another blade edge.
A single bit axe just has one cutting surface, while a double bit blade can cut on either side. See the images below for reference.
Single Bit
Double Bit
The wedge angle is the cross-section shape of the cutting edge. Generally, cutting axes have a shallow wedge angle, whereas splitting axes have a deeper angle. Most axes are double beveled, i.e. symmetrical about the axis of the blade.
Axe Handle
The section of the handle that connects to the head is known as the shoulder. Most modern axes have either fiberglass composite or wooden handles. The wood is typically hickory in the US and ash in Europe and Asia.
When selecting a wood versus composite handle it mostly comes down to personal preference. The composite handles have the advantage of not being vulnerable to the elements as with wooden handles. Wood handles need to be properly maintained to avoid splitting and cracking. However, wooden handles are commonly available and generally easy to replace. Fiberglass handles are typically a proprietary design that needs a specific replacement in the unlikely event of a break.
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Types of Axes
Felling Axe
A felling axe is designed to cuts across the grain, as when cutting a tree down (also known as felling a tree).
Splitting Axe
The splitting axe is designed to cut with the grain of the wood. These feature a wedge shape that helps to force the wood apart.
Hatchet
The famous hatchet is a small, lightweight axe that is designed for one-handed use. Hatchets tend to be small hafted axes often with a hammer on the backside (the poll).
Throwing Axe
As the name implies it is a light axe designed for throwing and not typically cutting or splitting wood.
Tomahawk
Historically this design was used in battle, today it refers to a compact design that features a single bit with a hammer or a double bit.
Sharpening
Sharpening an axe is a fairly straightforward process similar to sharpening a knife. It requires a few simple tools such as a file and a sharpening stone. See the video below for a detailed demonstration.
So here is my list of The Best Axes for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best for Splitting: Fiskars X27 36" Axe
The Fiskars X27 Splitting Axe features a blade geometry designed for splitting medium to extra-large logs.
Features a shock-absorbing, lightweight fiberComp handle that prevents overstrike damage.
Equipped with an ultra-sharp blade made from hardened forged steel.
Features an effective weight distribution optimized for splitting.
Offers a long handle with a non-slip grip for maximum leverage.
Includes a low-friction coating on the blade to reduce sticking.
Features an insert-molded head that will not come loose.
Includes a sheath for safe transport and storage.
Check out this video for a brief overview and demonstration of the X27:
Best for Felling Trees: Gransfors Bruks 25" Forest Axe
The Gransfors Scandinavian Forest Axe is designed for felling and limbing trees.
Features a curved bit designed for cutting into green wood such as pine.
Includes a leather sheath for safe storage and carrying.
Equipped with a 25 inch long handle.
Features a weight of 2.6 pounds.
Best Multi-Purpose: Husqvarna 26" Wooden Axe
The Husqvarna is a multi-purpose 26” axe is a single-bit axe in traditional style.
Features a head that is secured to the hickory shaft using both a wooden and steel wedge.
Designed to be used for tree felling and chopping wood.
Equipped with a long handle to provide extra leverage.
Includes a leather edge cover.
Best Throwing Hatchet: SOG Specialty Knives Tactical Axe
The SOG Tactical Tomahawk is based on the design of the Vietnam Tomahawk.
Built with a 420 stainless steel head mounted to a glass-reinforced nylon handle.
Equipped with a steel ferrule to provide reinforcement for the handle
Designed with a 2.75-inch head.
Includes a nylon carrying sheath with a belt clip.
Must-have Accessory:
Don’t forget the gloves.
Best Premium Option: Husqvarna A2400 27” Axe
The Husqvarna A2400 is designed for splitting large logs.
Features a composite fiberglass handle with a hammer axe head.
Equipped with a hammer function for use with splitting wedges.
Features an optimized axe head design for more effective splitting.
Includes a light handle to balance the power toward the cut.
Best Value: Fiskars X15 23.5" Chopping Axe
The Fiskars X15 is portable at 23-1/2” long with a hardened steel blade.
Includes a friction-reducing non-stick coating on the blade.
Features an insert-molded design to always keep the blade in place.
Equipped with a weatherproof handle.
Includes a sheath for safe storage and transport.
Best for Camping: Estwing 16" Shock Reduction Grip Axe
The Estwing Camper's axe features a head and handle forged from one piece of steel.
Patented Shock Reduction Grip reduces impact vibration by 70%.
Includes a 4” tempered cutting edge.
Comes nylon sheath with a belt loop for convenient carrying.
Forged in the U.S.A.
Best Tomahawk Style: CRKT Woods Chogan Axe
The Columbia River Knife and Tool axe features a hickory handle, hot forged blade, and hammerhead.
Equipped with a hot-forged head made from 1055 carbon steel.
Features both primary and secondary edge bevels that are flat ground.
Includes a hammerhead for nails or tent stakes.
Includes a Tennessee hickory wood handle with a lacquer coating for a smooth finish.
Best Budget Option: Estwing Sportsman's 14" Forged Steel Axe
The Estwing Sportsman's axe features a head and handle forged from of a single piece of steel.
Equipped with a leather handle for a comfortable grip.
Features a tempered 3-1/4” cutting edge.
Includes a nylon sheath and belt loop for safe storage and transport.
Best Double Bit: Estwing Axe
The Estwing's Black Eagle Double Bit axe features a lightweight design for easy transport.
Equipped with a shock reduction grip for increased comfort while working.
Features a balanced and weighted design.
Made in the U.S.A.
I hope this list of the best axes was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
