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10 Best Axe for Splitting Wood 2024 – Reviews and Buying Guide

Buying an axe for splitting wood might seem like an easy task, but in reality, it is as tricky as chopping a tree down. A woodcutter is only as skilled as his axe, and a small mistake in his choice can lead to wasted effort and money. Make sure that you buy an axe that suits your requirements and helps you in getting the job done in minimum time.

We have done thorough research to find the 10 best axes for splitting wood available today. Take a good look at each one of them and find the most suitable product for you.

Best Axe for Splitting Wood 2024 – Top Picks!

Best Axe for Splitting Wood

Best Axe for Splitting Wood 2024 – Detailed Review!

Let’s take a look at 10 of the Best Axe for Splitting Wood for the year 2019-20 money can buy.

#1 Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe

Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe ReviewThe portable axe is only 19 inches long and weighs only two pounds. Specially designed for your backpack, the Axe is capable of anything a regularly sized axe can do. This is the Best Axe for Splitting Wood and is recommended to buy.

The tool can easily chop limb wood and smaller ranches.  Furthermore, recycled steel has been used to create its head that is ideal for undertaking moderate tasks or delicate work. Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe is the best small-sized axe for use on softwoods.

Advantages:

  • Has a hickory handle
  • 19 inches long
  • Head made from recycled steel
  • Great for pine, beech or birch

Disadvantages:

  • Not made for harder wood

#2 Husqvarna 30-Inch Wooden Splitting Axe

Husqvarna 30-Inch Wooden Splitting Axe ReviewThe 30 inches long Husqvarna 30-Inch Wooden Splitting Axe is perfect for splitting logs from hardwood trees. You do not have to worry about the solidity of the axe as its head has been attached to a hickory shaft through a blend of wood and steel wedge.

This Best Axe for Splitting Wood can sink through toughened wood without much effort. It is possible due to the extra-long handle that allows the user to go for a two-handed grip and exert a more significant force in a single swing. The company also provides a leather edge sheath to prevent damage and keep the axe’s head sharp. The head is hand-forged that offers more magnificent room for craftsmanship and originality.

Advantages:

  • Suitable for hard and thick wood
  • Has a 30-inch handle
  • The head is and forged
  • Durable and robust due to the dual attaching process

Disadvantages:

  • The head demands high maintenance and can break off when misused.

#3 Helko Werk Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter

Helko Werk Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter ReviewPopular as one of the most robust axes available today the Helko Werk Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter is best suited for heavy-duty tasks possible due to its weight and deep wedge. It is the most suitable for people who have previous experience with wood axe chopping and is considers as Best Axe for Splitting Wood.

Due to the bigger size of this axe the user must exercise sheer strength and maintain an excellent level of control over it while splitting wood.  The head of this beast has been created with a German C50 high-grade carbon steel, and wood-chopping beginners must think twice before buying it. Made from hickory, the shaft is then dipped in lacquer to compliment the head’s strength and take care of wood’s grain. The tool has an unmatched brute force but can become inconvenient sooner than expected.

Advantages:

  • 36-inch handle
  • Comes with a vegetable-tanned leather sheath 8- inch blade and protective oil
  • Good for heavy-duty jobs

Disadvantages:

  • Not recommended for inexperienced people

#4 Husqvarna 19-Inch Wooden Splitting Axe: Best for Use with Lighter Firewood

Husqvarna 19-Inch Wooden Splitting AxeThe axe is specially designed for light firewood splitting. It is durable and robust with the head made of steel. Not only you can easily slice through softwood but can also handle and carry the ax conveniently.  It is excellent for use with lighter firewood, so don’t use it on hardwoods or for heavy-duty applications.

The axe is excellent for beginners as it only weighs three pounds which does not pose extreme upper body strength. To boost the performance the head has been attached with a combination of wood and steel to handle smaller pieces of wood.

Advantages:

  • Great durability
  • 19-inch long handle
  • Only weighs three pounds
  • Comes with a leather edge cover

Disadvantages:

  • It does not work for large and hard pieces of wood.

#5 Fiskars Iso Core Eight Pound Maul

Fiskars Iso Core Eight Pound Maul ReviewThe 36 inches long Fiskars Iso Core Eight Pound Maul is 10 pounds heavy and is best suited for substantially vigorous jobs.  You will be amazed by force this tool exerts while it maintains a balance between hard strokes through its patented IsoCore Shock System that absorbs vibrations and shocks. Thanks to this thoughtful feature, the axe does not put a toll on your body and keeps fatigue at a distance.

Most heavy duty axes are known to cause fatigue in the body in no time but not this one. To maximize the durability designers have sprayed a rust-resistant coating over its heat treated forged steel. However, even with these nifty features, we would not recommend it for beginners. Handle this only if you have sufficient woodcutting experience.

Advantages:

  • Suitable for hard and bigger pieces of wood
  • Has a 36-inch handle
  • It is rust resistant

Disadvantages:

  • Not recommended for inexperienced woodcutters

#6 Gerber 36-Inch Power Splitting Axe

Gerber 36-Inch Power Splitting Axe ReviewThe USP of the 36 inches long Power Splitting Axe is its composite handle. It can absorb shocks and vibration experienced during a wood cutting session. Even the strongest and most experienced woodcutters experience pain and fatigue on using heavy-duty axes like these.

However, the shock absorbing capability of this Gerber axe ensures that you can do your work faster and for longer. Gerber has also coated the blade with PTFE to minimize friction that results in extremely clean cuts. The head is also developed from forged steel that guarantees its durability in harsh working conditions.

Advantages:

  • It is durable and suitable for hardwood
  • A minimal strain on hands
  • PTFE coated blade
  • Weighs eight pounds

Disadvantages:

  • Does not comes with a sheath to protect the cutting edge

#7 Estwing Fireside Friend Axe

Estwing Fireside Friend Axe ReviewThis Estwing Fireside Friend Axe is another axe developed for hardwood cutting. Being forged into a single piece provides high strength and durability without any the risk of a loosehead or cracked edge, which is essential in heavy-duty operations.

Loose heads can often cause injuries and cause unnecessary strain on your body. However, the axe for splitting wood is still better suited for camping and other outdoor activities instead of hardcore wood chopping.

Moreover, it comes with a shock reduction grip, which enhances the grip and reduces the impact’s vibration by seventy percent.  The head is home to an edge that provides fast and easy results without much effort.

Advantages:

  • It is safe and durable
  • Has a 14-inch shock-absorbing handle
  • Made from construction grade steel
  • Suitable for pros and newbie’s alike

Disadvantages:

  • It does not come with a sheath for head protection.

#8 Estwing Camper’s Axe

Estwing Camper’s Axe ReviewThe inexpensive Estwing Camper’s Axe should not be overlooked as it does not compromise on strength. It is made with quality forging that makes it’s safe and durable.  It is best considered for cutting down small trees, chopping logs and splitting wood for the fire. The handgrip has been hand-sanded and lacquered to improve comfort and maximize durability.  It comes with a ballistic nylon sheath for further protection.  It is quite preferable for budget travelers and campers who are looking for an inexpensive and efficient option.

Advantages:

  • The handle is comfortable and shock-resistant
  • It is safe and durable
  • Useful for pros and newbies alike
  • Great for cutting small trees and logs

Disadvantages:

  • It is heavy

#9 Truper 30958 8-Pound Splitting Maul

Truper 30958 8-Pound Splitting Maul ReviewThe 36 inches long Truper 30958 8-Pound Splitting Maul axe is made up of double injected fiberglass that makes it lighter than other axes from its segment.  Due to its rubber grip, the user never feels strain and pain compared to axes with a wooden handle.

Besides, the axes also have a rubber-protected overstrike for accidents. Its head has been designed as a bevelled-edge striking face for smoother and cleaner cuts.

Advantages:

  • It is 36 inches long
  • Weighs around 8 pounds
  • Has a double-injected fiberglass handle
  • Less tension on hand due to a rubber grip

Disadvantages:

  • Not made for people who prefer wooden handles

#10 Fiskars x27 Super Splitting Axe: Best Wood Splitting Axe for Taller Individuals

Fiskars x27 Super Splitting Axe: Best Wood Splitting Axe for Taller Individuals ReviewThe axe is quite popular among taller people who want to work with large to medium-sized logs. The 36-inch handle works great for people with longer limbs, and the 5.85 pounds of weight is no hindrance either.

The tool has been designed for better efficiency, which results in more strikes in less time.  The blade gets extra power from convex blade geometry which also allows easier removal. All in all, it has one of the better control-to-weight ratios among the axes available today.

Advantages:

  • Better for tall people
  • Has a massive impact on wood
  • Has a greater strike rate
  • Weighs less compared to its power

Disadvantages:

  • Shorter people will have difficulty in handling the axe

How to buy an axe for splitting wood?

The first thing to consider while buying an axe is your job requirement.  To cut smaller wood logs a more massive axe is overwhelming which goes the same with hardwood and a small axe. However, always remember that more significant axes are harder to handle.

The weight of your axe’s head is also important, as a heavier one will require more strength but will result in mightier blows, while a lighter head will help you in working longer.  If you are buying an axe for the first time, then anything above five pounds is unnecessary.

It would be best if you also took note of the material used in building the head and the impact design has on its sturdiness. Finally, check the price and choose an axe that fits your budget.

Conclusion on the best axe for splitting wood

The wisdom of buying the best axe comes with experience. You are bound to make mistakes, but the points mentioned above will guide you towards skipping the majority of them. Becoming a seasoned pro takes time, effort and practice, especially when indulging in a psychically demanding job.

We hope the guide will play a significant role in your next purchase. There are axes available for various needs; you must pick the right one.

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