Best Axes

Are you searching for the best axes available today? Do you need the best axe for work around the home? Whether you need a camp axe, a throwing axe, or a wood-splitting axe, the right one will make it easier to get the job done. In this article, we reviewed some of the best axes on the market today.

1. Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet

This Fiskars X7 axe is a great axe for chopping and kindling small- to medium-sized logs. It combines perfect weight distribution, advanced blade geometry, an ultra-sharp edge, and a great design to maximize your performance. This design also allows the blade to go deeper into the wood when you are chopping.

Additionally, the X7 axe features an advanced axe blade geometry that provides a sharper edge for better contact and cleaner cuts. The blades also stay sharp longer and include a low-friction coating. They are also durable with FiberComp handles and inseparable insert-molded heads. The X7 axe is one of the best axes for working around the home, camping, hiking, or other outdoor activities.

What We Like:

Ultra-Sharp Edge

Superior Power At Impact

Advanced Axe Blade Geometry

Superior Design

2. WilFiks Chopping Axe

This chopping axe is ideal for chopping firewood, logs, kindling, and branches. Its blade geometry is designed to deliver more one-strike splits. It is ideal for campers, hikers, working around your home, and many other outdoor activities.

It is a durable axe that features a forged carbon steel heat-treated blade which improves its density and delivers smooth, sharp, quick splits and remains sharp longer than traditional axes. Additionally, it also features an ergonomic design with a shock-absorbing anti-slip grip and a cold-resistant ergonomic handle.

Moreover, its fully polished finished edge can easily be resharpened with a file. Its weighted design makes it easy to chop logs and firewood. With a plastic protective cover, you can safely and easily store this axe after use. It is one of the best axes for working around the home or camping

What We Like:

One-Strike Splits

Superior Design

Durable

Ergonomic Grip

3. ESTWING Sportsman’s Axe

This axe is well-designed to deliver swift results. Its head and handle are forged in one piece and are fully polished. It also offers unsurpassed balance and temper for strength. It is ideal for camping, hiking, chopping logs, small trees, wood splitting, and many other outdoor activities. This is one of the best axes for outdoor activities.

What We Like:

Forged in One Piece

Tempered For Strength

4. Cold Steel Trail Boss Axe

This axe is ideal to chop kindling, cutting down trees, clearing trails, and doing many outdoor activities. It is sturdy and durable with a 4-inch blade and a 4 1/2-inch cutting edge. With this axe, you can easily split wood and do many jobs around your home or while camping. Its design makes it effective for outdoor activities and is one of the best axes for an avid outdoor person.

What We Like:

Durable

Effective

Sturdy

5. CRKT Woods Nobo Tomahawk Axe

This is a durable axe with a hot forged blade that is designed with enough curves to deliver deeper bites into the wood for quick and one-time splits. Made with carbon steel, it provides durability and edge retention. This axe can be used for work around the home, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. For working around the home and other outdoor activities, this is one of the best axes that can quickly get the job done.

What We Like:

Durable

Deeper Cuts

Edge Retention

6. Cold Steel Throwing Axe

This ESTWING axe is durable and is forged in one piece design to make it powerful and effective. It is ideal for splitting wood, chopping trees, and many other outdoor jobs thanks to its weighted wedge edge, its length, and weight. Additionally, its shock-reduction grip makes it comfortable and reduces impact vibration by 70%.

What We Like:

Durable

Weighted Wedge Edge

Forged In One Piece

Comfortable Grip

7. KURUI Wood Chopping Axe

This axe is ideal for chopping wood, cutting trees, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. It features a strong and durable helve that is made of high-quality fiberglass composite material that reduces vibration. Its blade is made of durable and hardened carbon steel that remains sharper than traditional axes.

Additionally, it features an ergonomic design with the handle covered with flexible TPR composite for shock absorption. It is also slip-resistant. This ergonomic design also makes it comfortable when you use it. If you need an effective axe for splitting wood and doing other chores around the home or camping, then this is one of the best axes for the job.

What We Like:

Durable

Ergonomic Design

Comfortable

Slip-Resistant

8. 1844 Helko Werk Germany Axe

The 1844 Helko Werk is Helko’s Werk’s flagship axe. It combines versatility, performance, and aesthetics to create one of the best axes for felling small trees, limbing branches, clearing saplings, and chopping wood. This axe is expertly designed to deliver one of the finest axes for your outdoor activities.

What We Like:

Ideal For Outdoorsmen

Compact

Durable

9. 7th Science Gear Camping Axe

This is a well-designed axe that is made of carbon steel and features a military-grade fiberglass handle. It is lightweight and has an ergonomic handle design that makes it comfortable and easy to carry. It can be used for chopping wood, clearing brush, used in gardening, axe throwing, and other activities.

This axe is one of the best axes for an individual who wants to get jobs done around the home, go camping, and also likes axe throwing with friends and families.

What We Like:

Durable

Lightweight

Easy To Use

Ergonomic Design

Comfortable

10. Sunkoon Multitool Axe

This is an all-in-one multitool axe that can be used to get many jobs done. It is ideal for many outdoor activities like camping, gardening, hiking, hunting, and others. It features many other tools like screwdrivers, a can opener, a wrench, a knife, a nail filer, and others.

It is durable and heavy-duty which makes it ideal for many outdoor jobs. It can also be used in case of emergencies to escape locked or jammed cars, fires, etc. It is one of the best axes to have in your home that will be useful in many scenarios. This multitool axe is also an ideal gift for the handyman in the family.

What We Like:

Durable

Multitool

Compact

Lightweight

What To Consider When Choosing The Best Axes

1. Durability

When choosing the best axes, you want to make sure that you get a durable axe. Most of the best axes are made of hardened carbon steel with good edge retention. Most also feature perfect weight distribution for maximum performance.

Additionally, most axes are designed to be heavy-duty which allows them to take on tough jobs like felling trees and splitting logs.

2. Ergonomic Design

Most axes have an ergonomic design that makes them comfortable. Some also feature a slip-resistant handle which makes them easy to use. The ergonomic design helps to improve the performance of the axe and deliver quick and effective cuts.

3. Blade

The blade of the axe is also very important. Most of the best axes have blades that are made of durable and hardened steel that delivers an ultra-sharp edge that remains sharp longer than traditional axes. The design of the blade and its sharpness determines how deep it cuts into the wood.

Common Patterns of Axe

There are many different patterns of axe available today. Most are named for where they were made or the group of people who made them. We discuss some of the widely known ones but there are many others such as Yankee Axe, Kentucky Axe, Michigan Axe, Maine Axe, Rockaway Axe, Baltimore Kentucky Axe, Delaware or Wide Bit Dayton Axe, Crown or Michigan Axe, and the Swamping Axe.

Others are the Cedar Axe, Wisconsin Axe, Western or Pennsylvania Axe, Hoosier or Zeek Axe, Hubolt Axe, Jersey or Baltimore Jersey Axe, Reversible or Half Peeling Axe, Biscayne Axe, and Long Island Axe.

1. Dayton Axe

This pattern features a curved blade with a gentle flare. This pattern is used for outdoor ax jobs. Its name comes from the city of Dayton in Ohio.

2. New England Axe

This pattern features a curved head that is ideal for chopping large trees and dense wood types.

3. Connecticut Axe

This axe pattern features a flared wedge. It is ideal for chopping.

Types of Axe

1. Tactical Axe

The tactical axe also called the tactical tomahawk, is used primarily for chopping. It is like a multitool as it can be used for several purposes like a shovel, a pry bar, a hammer, and a close-range weapon. The tactical axe is a modern invention and is ideal for camping trips. It is made from steel and is durable for tough jobs.

2. Grub Axe

This axe is used for grubbing soil and rough terrain. It features a head with an axe on one side and an adze on the other side. It can be used for gardening as it can break up compacted soil and dig holes for gardening.

3. Felling Axe

This axe’s main purpose is for felling trees and chopping wood. It features a long handle that produces a powerful swing with more leverage thereby producing a better cut. Additionally, its blade has a flared shape and a sharp and thin tip to cut against the grain of the wood.

4. Forest Axe

The forest axe’s main purpose is for the felling of trees. It is a heavy-duty axe and not ideal for outdoor activities like camping. With extra long handles, it is ideal for felling large trees. it features a sharp and flared blade with a slightly curved tip.

5. Hudson Bay Axe

This axe is ideal for chopping firewood and other general uses. It is a medium-sized axe that was designed by Canadian fur trappers. The Hudson Bay axe can be used with one hand or both hands. This axe can also be used on camping trips and smaller tasks around the home but it is not ideal for cutting down large trees.

6. Hatchet

This is a general all-purpose axe and is ideal for light jobs around your home. It features a weighted head and a flares shape with a sharp-tipped blade. It is ideal for felling small trees, chopping and splitting logs.

7. Splitting Maul

This axe is mainly used for splitting logs into kindling. its design is similar to a felling axe with a large wooden handle that produces a good swing. It requires a downward swing when using it. The Splitting Maul cuts with the grain as opposed to felling axes which cut against the grain.

8. Broad Axe

This axe is known as a hewing axe as it is primarily used for hewing. Hewing is the process of converting round-edge lumber into flat-edged timber. One side of the axe is flat while the other side features a broad beveled-edged blade for chopping. This design makes it ideal for hewing.

9. Carpenter’s Axe

This axe is designed for woodworking and is not ideal for felling or chopping. It is a small axe which is slightly bigger than a standard hatchet. It usually features a straight-edged blade with a flat butt which is used as a hammer. As an axe for fine woodworking, the blade is responsible for producing quality work.

10. Miner’s Axe

The miner’s axe was used for mining copper and silver ore during the Middle Ages in Europe. It features a short handle and a long head that allows it to be used in close quarters when mining.

11. Double Bit Axe

This axe features two blades with one on either side of the head. They are symmetrical from the front, however, one blade will be blunted while the other is sharp. The blunt side is used for splitting wood while the sharp side is used to chop wood or fell trees. The double-bit axe is no longer widely used but only by lumberjacks.

12. Viking Axe

This axe was used during the Viking age as a weapon of battle. They were well-designed axes, well-balanced, and weighed less than two pounds. They were lightweight and easy to carry into battles.

13. Tomahawk

Tomahawk was first used by Native Americans. They were used in battles in the American Revolution and in the Vietnam War. They are similar to hatchets, but feature a straight handle and are lighter than hatchets. Lately, they are mostly used for camping and can be used for many small jobs.

14. Pick Axe

The pick axe is used as a landscaping and gardening tool. It is mostly used for breaking up of soil, rocks, or concrete. The chisel is usually used to pry open gaps between rocks or splits in the earth.

15. Roofing Axe

This is a high-quality craftsman tool that is primarily used on roofing jobs. Today, it is not widely used as modern tools have taken their place for roofing tasks. It features two heads on either side of the handle. One head is a sharp blade that is used for cutting roof shingles while the other head is a hammer that is used for pounding in roofing nails when working on shingles.

16. Hunter’s Axe

This is an axe used for hunting and chopping meat and wood. It features a grooved handle which allows you to get a firm grip even if your hands are wet or sticky. It is also used for skinning game animals with its “flay poll”. The hunter’s axe is no longer widely used today by hunters as there are more modern tools that are preferable.

17. Throwing Axe

Today, axe throwing has gained popularity as a sport. However, in the Middle Ages, it was used as a weapon in battle. It is a durable and sturdy axe to withstand the rough treatment of axe throwing.

18. Crash Axe

This axe is used in cases of emergencies like car crashes, train derailments, burning homes, or aircraft crashes. its main job is to break open jammed, closed areas to create open passages for escape in emergencies. It is made of metal as it is often used to slice through sheet metal in emergencies.

19. Adze

This is an ancient tool that dates back to the Stone Age. It features a sharp cutting blade and was used for woodwork to carve and smooth out the wood. Its blade is set at right angles and is very sharp for refined and detailed carpentry.

How To Sharpen An Axe

If you use an axe to split wood for your fireplace or to fell trees, there are times it will need to be sharpened to cut against the grain. To quickly get the job done, a very sharp axe is required. There are many methods to sharpen an axe, and we explain them to help you with the task of sharpening your axe.

1. How To Sharpen An Axe With a Bastard File

A simple and effective way of sharpening an axe is by using a bastard file.

Tools and Materials

Step 1. Clamp The Axe To a Table Or Stationary Platform

To effectively sharpen an axe, you will need to have it firmly in place as you will use a lot of force over and over as you use the file to sharpen its edge. Place the axe on its side and clamp it in place so that the blade is horizontal and parallel to the floor and not vertical to the walls.

Step 2: Clean The Axe and File

The axe will need to be cleaned. Use a bug and tar remover or another cleaner to remove sap or buildup of the pitch. Additionally, you can use a file brush to clean it of filings.

Step 3: File One Side of The Axe

Wear safety goggles and work gloves and use a file to sharpen the edge of the axe by moving the file in a forward and backward motion. Only use the amount of force to sharpen the edge and not damage it. As you file the edge of the axe, try to match its bevel to prevent damage to the grind.

Be consistent and stop regularly to inspect the work. File from the back of the axe head towards the edge to prevent injuring your fingers. Additionally, avoid making contact with the blade when you move the file in a backward motion, and don’t drag the file back as this will negate the sharpening process and dull the axe.

Step 4: Sharpen The Other Side

When one side is sharp, clean the file and sharpen the other side. Try to use the same amount of pressure and strokes to sharpen the other edge. Stop to inspect the job regularly. When it is sharpened, clean the file and the axe and lubricate the axe with wax or oil to protect it.

2. How To Sharpen An Axe With a Grinder

A grinder can be used to sharpen an axe and it is an improved method than using a file.

Tools and Materials

Step 1: Clean The Axe and Grinding Wheel

Use a bug remover or another cleaner to clean the axe of any sap or pitch. Additionally, inspect the grinder and clean it if it needs cleaning.

Step 2: Determine The Right Angle

Spend some time determining the right angle that will work to sharpen the axe. You can do this by mimicking grinding the edge and seeing which angles work best. Experiment with the angles and make sure the edge of the axe is parallel to the grinding wheel. Once you find the right angle, it is time to sharpen the axe.

Step 3: Grind One Side of The Axe

Carefully move the edge of the axe across the grinder to slowly sharpen it. As you sharpen it, try to maintain a consistent angle. Watch the axe and the grinder to make sure the angle is good and the sharpening is being done uniformly. Move the axe consistently across the grinder to prevent damage and overheating the bit.

Step 4: Grind The Other Side of The Axe

After one side of the axe is sharpened, it is time to sharpen the other side. It is advisable to turn the grinder off and find the angle to sharpen the other side. After finding the right angle, turn the grinder back on and continue to sharpen the other side. Do as you did with the first side and slowly move the edge across the grinder to sharpen it.

Try to maintain a consistent angle and carefully watch the grinding process to ensure it is done uniformly. When it is sharpened, inspect both sides and if one side needs a little more work, carefully do it until it is achieved. After the sharpening is complete, wipe the axe clean and apply wax or oil to protect the axe’s head. Then clean the grinder and make sure it is unplugged.

3. How To Sharpen An Axe With a Sharpening Stone

Sharpening an axe with a sharpening stone is one of the oldest methods used long ago. This is not used today as there are many more efficient ways of sharpening an axe.

Tools and Materials

Step 1: Clean The Axe

To get the best out of a grinding stone, the axe must be cleaned of sap, pitch, and filings.

Step 2: Oil The Stone

Apply honing oil or some other lubricating oil to the grinding stone to make the grinding process easier and keep the edge of the axe cool. Additionally, apply some oil to the edge of the axe. You will oil one side of the grinding stone at a time.

Step 3: Sharpen One Side of The Axe

Start the sharpening process by using one side of the stone to sharpen the axe. Place the axe in a good position to keep it firm. Use a clamp or any other object to keep it in a firm and stationary position. You may want to hold it firmly in one hand while using the other to sharpen it.

The axe could also be placed between your knees to hold it as you sharpen it. Use the rough side of the stone and make a circular motion to sharpen the axe. Be mindful of the position of you your fingers as you sharpen the axe. Stop regularly to inspect the work.

Step 4: Sharpen The Other Side

When one side is satisfactorily completed, sharpen the other side with the rough edge of the stone using circular motions across the edge of the axe. Try to be consistent with the number of circular motions to match the work done on the first side.

Step 5: Use The Fine Side

After inspecting the work and it seems to be good, use the oiled side of the stone to finish the sharpening process. Do both sides carefully and with not much pressure as you try to refine the sharpening job. You don’t need to do this for a long period of time. After this is completed, coat the axe’s head with oil or wax to protect it.

4. How To Sharpen An Axe Without Tools

An axe doesn’t remain sharp all the time and will need to be sharpened. If you are not home or don’t have a sharpener, you can still sharpen an axe without tools. There are some everyday items that you can use to sharpen an axe.

There are many objects that you can use to sharpen an axe to a satisfactory state. It involves more skill from you and how you use the objects. These are some of the objects you can use to sharpen an axe:

Tools and Materials

Step 1: Clean The Axe

The first step when sharpening an axe, with any tool or object is to clean of sap, pitch, and filings.

Step 2: Find An Angle To Sharpen The Axe

With the object, whether it is a fixed blade knife, a multitool, a blunt piece of metal, a glass bottle, a rock, concrete, or another object, you want to moderately move it consistently across the edge of the axe, applying just enough pressure to sharpen it.

After you work on one side for some time, inspect if for any improvements. You can check how sharp it is by testing it on anything that isn’t firm.

Step 3: Sharpen The Other Side

When you are satisfied with the work on the first side, use the object and sharpen the second side using just the same amount of pressure used on the first side. Moderately move the object across the curve of the axe to sharpen it. Try to uniformly sharpen the axe for best results. The key to sharpening an axe with any object or tool is to find the right angle for the sharpening process.

Step 4: Clean & Oil The Axe

After you have completed the sharpening process, clean the axe and apply oil or wax to the edge for protection. You may not have oil or wax where you are; however, when you get home, apply some lubrication.

5. How To Sharpen An Axe With Sandpaper

An axe can be sharpened to a satisfactory state using sandpaper. You may be in a situation where there is nothing to use but sandpaper and knowing how to use it, you can sharpen an axe to a state that it can be used to get the job done.

Tools and Materials

Step 1: Clean The Axe

Clean the axe of tar, pitch, and filings before starting the sharpening process. Use a cleaner or a bug and tar remover to clean it.

Step 2: Firmly Position The Axe

If you have a table, stationary platform, or a clamp, you can clamp the axe into a fixed position. However, you may not have any of those items and you can place the handle firmly under your arm or hold the axe between your knees. Alternatively, you can hold it firmly in one hand and use the other to sharpen it with sandpaper.

Step 3: Find An Angle To Sharpen The Axe

With the axe firmly in place, determine the best angle to sharpen the axe with the sandpaper. The angle at which you sharpen an axe is one of the most important things to get right. You can use almost any object to sharpen the edge and the right amount of pressure as long as the angle at which you apply the pressure is a good one.

Step 4: Sharpen One Side of The Axe

Sharpen one side of the axe using sandpaper. Do not use forward and backward strokes. Instead, just use forward strokes with the right amount of pressure as you run it across the edge of the axe. Stop often to inspect the work and when it is satisfactorily done, then it is time to sharpen the other side.

Step 5: Sharpen The Other Side

Sharpen the other side of the axe edge using the same amount of pressure as much as possible. Use a new sheet of sandpaper and the same grade of sandpaper. Try to also be uniform as possible as you move the sandpaper across the edge. Stop to inspect the work regularly.

Step 6: Clean & Oil The Axe

After inspecting and concluding that the axe is sharpened, clean it to remove dust, debris, and other particles using a brush or cloth. Then apply oil or wax to protect the edge.

Best Axes

The Bottom Line

The best axes make it easy to get jobs done like chopping wood, clearing brushes, felling trees and branches, and other outdoor activities. Most axes can be used for camping, hunting, gardening, and many other jobs.

In this article, we reviewed some of the best axes available today to help you make an informed decision when you choose one. We also reviewed the best machetes, the best multitools, the best hunting gps, the best fixed blade knives, and the best fire starters that you can read if you are interested in those products.