20 Best Hatchet For Splitting Wood (2023 Updated)

Fiskars tools in general are my go to tool. I trust the brand-knowing I am getting a quality item at a fair price. The Fiskars axe I choose was a bit more costly, than the other choice. It was a no brainer for me.

As a woman, the light weight handle matters significantly. The blade was extremely sharp (as one would expect), chopping away at a stump was accomplished with some degree of ease, due to the weightlessness of the handle.

All the power was in the head of the axe. The downward swing was extremely effective…. there you have it, an honest review❗️🤎 🪓 🤎.

Love this small axe. For the money, I think it would be difficult to find something as tough and effective. It’s not a 150$ hatchet, so keep that in mind and you’ll be happy. I think of it similar to the way I think of Mora knives.

sharp, effective, affordable. A great tool for yard work or other activities that you don’t want to put your more expensive tools through, like chopping roots or battoning through kindling. Also, very customizable.

I’ve seen videos online of people modifying the carry handle into a belt sheath, I may do something like that. Highly recommend this tool. Fast shipping too. I wish it was maybe 1-1/2” longer but it’s still totally fine as is.

Will be getting the larger version next.

Fiskar wood cutting tools are awesome. This little guy is fairly light weight for the performance that you get. Ceramic head and blade cut well. This is not the first one of these that I have bought and I keep buying Fiskar axes and hatchets every time I have a new location.

I keep them at the house, the trailer and the camp.

This axe is great for splitting and I anticipate great longevity. I thought my previous axe was excellent but it was hard to remove when stuck. I was surprised when the head broke off the fiberglass handle when trying to free it from a log.

Based on the design of the Friskar and the material used in the handle I do not anticipate the same problem. I don’t believe it is possible for the two to separate. That potentially solves the problem that is of greatest concern to me in buying and using an axe.

I also like the length and shape of the handle. It was not cheap but it was worth it.

Just an outstanding axe. Replaced when our wooden handle on maul finally fractured. The fact this has a lifetime guarantee is outstanding. It is so much more comfortable to swing, being lighter weight, with a handle that has a nice hold at the end of it (more pronounced curve than on our older maul handle) to prevent accidental slippage.

Very effective splitting wedge angle, with a head which is smaller than the wedge to avoid any jamming. Wood just seemed to pop apart when splitting at cold temps. Overall so happy with this axe.

As others mentioned, handle is splintery, needs to be sanded and reoiled. Head weight on the box it came in says 1 3/4lb , not the 2lb mentioned on REI. came pretty dull, i’ll have to sharpen it myself.

head seemed to be grinded straight so thats a plus. weird inch wide section of pitting on the front right behind the blade, makes me wonder if thats normal for this type of forging or if i should expect it to crack one day.

all i know is definately not like the example picture you see on REI. Also comes with the leather thong as pictured if anyone was interested.

When I started car camping with my girlfriend I never realized I needed an axe, let alone a Swedish hunter’s axe. We used to buy our firewood or just use downed trees and branches, breaking them into manageable pieces as best we could smacking them against boulders or other trees like cavemen.

But this axe was a game changer. I knew I wanted an axe and did a bit of YouTube research. I’m 5’4″ with the arm length to match. The Aneby is the perfect size for me. Came hair shaving sharp out of the box and quite a beautiful axe to boot.

I almost feel bad using it. I mainly use it to split logs and process kindling. The grain on the handle is set just right and I love the feel of the finish they put on it. It even has a slight widening at the end so that it doesnt slip out of my grip as I swing.

I can see where it could fell a small tree if needed, but in all honesty I prefer to still use downed trees as there are always plenty (no sense cutting down a whole tree if you’re not going to use it).

Hults Bruk describes this as a hunters axe good for processing game as needed. I’m not much of a hunter, but I can say it’s light weight for an axe so I can see someone taking this on an extended hunting trip.

For now this is a great addition to aid in camp chores and paired with my Silky saw, gathering firewood has become my favorite part of camping. Yes the axe is pricey, but this is certainly a buy once cry once type of deal.

If you take good care of this axe, clean it, strop it, oil both the head and the handle properly, you can pass it down to your kids. I might get the Kisa next if I really find the need.

I ordered this axe online and it arrived promptly. Upon opening the shipment and assessing the tool I found the head to be both curved(warping to the left) and twisted(shoulder leaned far to the right on top), along with the eye being about 4 degrees left of alignment to the haft(eye not sunk straight).

So I took it back to my local REI and ordered an exchange. The replacement also arrived promptly. I opened the package and assessed the axe. While much better than the first, this one also had some noticeable flaws.

The grind on the edge was not consistent and varied from too flat to too steep. While it was polished up nicely one could clearly see where the grinding has been left with 4-5 bevels and the sides were ground to uneven angles, all of which varied dramatically along the length of the edge.

The handle was hung with about 2 mm of gap at the bottom heel side. The head doesn’t wobble or rock yet but it makes me concerned that it will start in short order. The haft has a tight grain and the alignment is good.

Patina on the head is good. The rounding on the poll looks cheap and amateurish in my opinion and reveals a noticeable rhomboid shape to the back of the head that indicates it was forged out of square.

Luckily that shape doesn’t continue down through to the eye or on to the blade itself. After spending a few hours grinding down and honing the edge to fix it, I’ve had the axe out chopping kindling for the fireplace, split a few dozen logs and done some light brushing work around the house.

The axe handles fine so far. A fair axe, but for less money I think you’d do better getting something else.

But overpriced. Shipment took about a week longer than estimated; package got caught up in customs. The axe itself is excellent: great size for splitting medium and small logs (18-6 inches in diameter).

Used in conjunction with a large splitting axe or maul or around campgrounds, its perfect. Better fit and finish than Muller and Husqvarnas hand-made lineup, both of which blow fiskars and other Home Depot brands out of the water.

I own five hand-forged axes, a couple fiskars axes, a few splitting wedges, and this one is the best quality overall and the most versatile of the splitters. I needed something between a 5lbs splitting axe and a hatchet, and this fit the bill.

Just wish the bill were not literally double what other, slightly less refined hand-forged European axes cost.

If you’ve had a decent wooden handle old fashioned splitting axe, give this baby a whirl for sure. Would I say this is the end all be all? No. Would I say that I’m able to split huge extremely hard rounds without a maul using just this puppy – oh yeah.

It is a beast. I added a rubber silicon tool grip wrap just to give my left hand somewhere to stop. Totally just an extra mod. Otherwise, let the wood fly with this baby. We have a wood splitter machine, so this is kinda for when that isn’t working, or when I feel like destroying some rounds.

I’d say get a better axe if your going to depend your life on it, using it multiple times a day. There are actually axes for felling trees, splitting, a mauling, along with different hatchets. In the higher end, they are all able to be struck from the back, which this cannot.

No axe is supposed to do it all. If you want to split some rounds, have an improvement over a basic axe – this is your axe. Want to get into the role of a modern day Paul Bunyan, do some research and build up a whole kit.

I liken this like my 12″ battery chainsaw, never knew I needed it, and now use it all the time. B+ overall, killer A+ value on a budget.

Smaller than the axe but a very similar experience – excellent!

Love Gransfors Bruks products. My second of theirs, smaller than my splitting maul obviously but no less useful or pleasurable to use. Beautiful pieces of craftsmanship too

This is a solid splitting axe all around. I used to have a cheap / wooden handled axe, but when the head flew off after one too many overswings I decided it was time to upgrade to something more substantial / forgiving.

This axe is way lighter than what I’m used to, yet splits twice as easily. Likely due to the ergonomics / sharpness. It struggles a little bit on very big / very knotty logs, but I imagine most axes this size would.

The length of the axe was the hardest decision to make since they have so many to choose from, but I’m pretty happy with the choice I made. Paired with the matching hatchet (which is also amazing) most of my household needs are met.

Overall I’m very happy with my purchase. It’s a giant step up from what I used to have, and I could see myself having it forever.

Sweet Axe, I have always wanted to get a Fiskars axe so when this one came on sale I grabbed one up. It is an awesome piece of equipment for our camping trips. Love the way it handles and the weight ration is amazing.

Love It :-).

It’s awesome. One of the few tools or worldly possessions I own that if it was damaged or stolen I would immediately replace without hesitation. It’s cut Oak, Maple, Pine, Spruce, Cherry and Birch with ease.

The balance makes each swing a breeze and the head cuts clean — the combination makes even a novice a lumberjack. All the stories (reviews) are true. If you need to cut a lot of wood for the fireplace, woodstove or campfire, this will dramatically improve your quality of life.

I’ve since bought the Fiskars hatchet with similar results.

I was looking forward to this hatchet. I thought it would be a lightweight tool to bring camping and hiking and use for butchering deer etc. A friend of mine had recommended Gransfors axes to me so I finally got this on sale.

Upon arrival I immediately tested it on a log in my yard. I just wanted to shave off a little bit of the wood and to my shock I immediately had a huge dent in the blade. This was after just 2 strikes.

I thought it was a fluke and sharpened it up again. A couple of days later I tried it on the ribs of a deer I shot and it was completely bent in all kinds of ways making it blunt and useless within seconds.

A $30 axe from Lowe’s won’t bend at all after things like that and will keep its blade. This really is made of the softest metal have ever come across. I was excited to get something premium that’s handmade but this is clearly a fad and not worth it.

Do yourself a favor and buy a normal axe.

Im relatively new to hatchets and axes, having always used machetes or sling blades for any wood cutting/processing and of course cutting line when working in land surveying. Having seriously gotten into bushcrafting, I decided it was time to learn how to properly use and maintain an axe.

I wanted something well-made, capable of lasting lifetimes, so I of course discovered Gransfors Bruk. The price was very steep, but the quality, it makes it well worth it. First thing, I chopped out a 7 pine stump and probably 50% of its roots, (Both for fatwood) and I swear that old pine felt similar to lettuce as far as resistance goes against the G.

B. Wildlife Hatchet. It is truly a perfect example of when craftsmanship meets high quality.

This is a very nice axe that will come in handy come this winter when we chop would to go into our fireplace to keep the house warm. I like that the blade part has a cover for it that has a hole so it can be hung on my garage wall so it’s out of the way untill I’m ready and needing to use it.

The handle is nice and fits perfectly in my hands. My girl likes it also beings its not heavy so she is able to use it also. The blade is nice and sharp and I was able to chop up ten thick logs in less than 5 minutes with this axe so I could allow my firewood to start drying out for the winter months to come.

I like that the handle was designed so it wasn’t slipping in my hand. The colors of it are awesome also so it looks nice and classy and professional. Its performance far out ways our previous axe that just wasn’t getting g the job done in the fashion i would like.

This axe will get plenty of use in our house.

I’m going to start my review by talking about the weight. I have owned many axes and the weight is definitely lighter compared to some of the best, sharp cutting axes I have. The fact that it is lightweight sxared me as I thought it wouldn’t have the power it needed to chop, but alas, the axe works wonderfully! I was shocked at how well it works.

We had a huge storm that knocked a lot of huge branches onto our property from our surrounding trees, so I used this axe to chop right through them for firewood. It is still as sharp as the day I got it, despite chopping through many, many large branches.

The steelhead super splitting ax was a solid buy! We do a lot of camp fires in the back yard and it’s been of great utility splitting wood with ease, even with much bigger and dense pieces. I also like the safety cover it comes with, great for keeping the blade sharp and safe when not in use.

I’ve also found it to be a great asset for general trimming of trees around the yard; tasks they took a while to compete now gets done in minutes. I just used it to remove a stump and I didn’t even break a sweat, the ax does all the work! I highly recommend this ax, it’s now a regular tool for me, a definite must buy!!.

So, about the most positive things one can say about this axe is that it absolutely looks like an axe. Other than that, it just falls flat. I know there are a lot of positive reviews, but after using this I can tell you that the one I purchased is very soft and not just dulls easily, the edge rolls easily, too.

On the bright side, it isn’t hard enough to chip, so you won’t lose material that way. You will, however, lose material through constant sharpening in order to get any sort of work done. It’s a real shame because I spent a fair amount of time working on the handle, which came out very nice.

The handle is now worthy of a quality axe head, unfortunately, this one isn’t it. If you’re going to use this for serious work, or if you just want to avoid frustration, pass this one by and purchased a better quality one.

This is like a cast iron anvil. It looks like an anvil, but it isn’t really an anvil. This looks like an axe, but it really isn’t one.

I purchased this hand Axe after reading a very positive on YouTube channel Wranglestar. The handle is a good, straight grained hickory. It has three grip points: at the end, midpoint and just behind the Axe head.

The head is made of good steel that takes and keeps a sharp edge. I chose to remove the varnish or poly coating from the handle. Then I applied boiled linseed oil, 1X a day for a week. In addition I worked a bit on the edge, thinning and sharpening it.

This isn’t necessary. But the result was a sharper, easier, better cutting edge IMO. I use it to split firewood and kindling for our fireplace insert. It does a great job. And it cuts! I handle with care.

I bought this today, just finished an afternoon of splitting Australian Hardwood (Turpentine). Wish I had bought one of these 10 years ago. Got sick of replacing broken timber axe handles. Splitting with this axe is so much easier than my block splitter.

The reviews I read before buying this were correct. It is a sharp, well balanced splitter. You would last much longer using this than a heavy block splitter. It even goes through twisted timber in the first hit usually.

Can’t verify its durability, but there is a good video on YouTube where someone tries to test it to destruction. Can’t do it. He shoots it with a shotgun in the end to try and break it. I am a 6feet tall man who found the length perfect.

You can hit yourself in the shins with a shorter handle (than the x27 xxl) but would still recommend this size for most people. Get something else if you want a chopper instead of a splitter. Paid $141 No affiliation.

This splitter is a game changer and really does make splitting wood fun. Prior to this is was using the old style wood handle splitter with a metal head that wasn’t sharp and was useless at splitting wood.

I did my research and got this as an upgrade and suddenly splitting wood was MUCH easier and actually fun. I can split all kinds of Eucalyptus with ease and often split a log and it stays in place, allowing me to slit it again and again without it shooting pieces off to the side.

This makes splitting wood easier and that’s saying something for me as a young person with a lower back injury that makes doing many physical tasks hard at times. Look at getting this if you’re after something that makes splitting more enjoyable and easier!.

After much online reading about the Fiskars X-11 splitting axe I purchased one. The size was just right. I use it during tent camping, either by vehicle or watercraft access. I find it compact enough not to be a burden.

More importantly this “mini axe” split my campfire wood just fine. Then again where a hatchet style head would be better for chopping, or so I’ve read, this tool serves my purpose perfectly! I like the length as it allows two handed swinging for thicker wood splits.

I also think the carry case is ideal. No cordura to fray or leather to rot, no rivets to corrode! Plus a built in handle. Top all this with a Lifetime warranty and it’s a Winner⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ One more thing.

Blair’s Farm & Fleets has The Best Price!!.

I bought this as a gift for a family member and it was delivered in a box with no scabbard/blade cover. It must have slid in the box during shipment because much of the plastic protective covering on one of the flat sides of the of the blade was worn off and the metal was scratched.

I checked my local hardware store and found every Estwing hatchet that I saw (and there were many) for sale there had a fitted cover protecting the cutting edge and the sides of the head from damage.

Either that or it was damaged and the cover was missing before it was shipped. Very disappointed and planning to return the hatchet because of this.

Hubby needed a new hatchet. His old one finally died. He loves this one. Perfectly weighted as he says.

I have loved the feel of the leather grip, and the solid build of my Dads Estwing hammer. This E2H hatchet has all the same great Estwing qualities, plus the curved leather handle which feels just right when you are swinging it.

One very solid forged steel tool, with the leather grip, makes for a heirloom quality tool you can pass on to the next generation.

The Fiskars X27 is in my opinion the best Axe for somebody who wants to split firewood efficiently at an affordable price. It is light, powerful and, well quite simply is as good at anything I have tried at splitting wood.

The best thing about this axe though is the weight, while other mauls may split an individual piece as well, after 20 minutes you will be exhausted. With this axe I can go on a lot longer, not saying it makes splitting wood easy, but certainly easier! Also what I love about the product is that I have found that because the angle between the head an the blade is quite large, it tends not to get stuck in the wood like many axes (which can take a while to clear and potentially cause injuries).

There will be some who want to spend 3 to 4 times the amount on a Swedish axe, and I am definitely not saying these are not great Axes, of course they are. And if owning a finely crafted axe is important and you can afford it, then go for it.

But for me my aim was to split wood and I find the X27 compares with even the most expensive of axes. There will be others that think the X27 is still a lot for an axe, and yes there are some very decent axes out there for a lower price.

In my experience these axes are not as good as an X27, but guess it depends on how long your will use the axe for.

I bought this in May 2022 and was looking forward to splitting my wood. The handle is hollow! I did not notice that in store. I was in a hurry. So the impact of the hit goes straight into your hands.

I had tingling fingers the next day still and could not hold a pen properly. I should have thought of that before buying. A solid wooden hickory handle will soften the impact and will not cause vibration.

Very lightweight and feels great in the hand. The weight really makes it easier to carry around with all your gear. It chops like a son of a gun. I love this hatchet. I have a solid metal one with leather handle and it doesnt even come close to chopping like this X7.

The X7 has a hollow handle which is surprising and it is a layered composite but it is also why its lightweight. Ive had zero problems with the handle and love the cut. The blade is sharp. Excellent product and highly recommend this to anyone in the market.

Tried this out on a camping trip and I am very pleased with it. The hatchet is very sharp and splits wood very well. Easy to swing. The weight is exactly where is needs to be. The handle is also easy to grip and no issues with slipping.

Used the hatchet 21 deg air temp. Blade is holding it’s edge as well. Glad I bought this and highly recommend!.

Estwing is worth its weight in gold. If you have a wood stove, through hike, camp or start fires frequently you need this Hatchet. I love all Estwing tools they have been the best since the beginning.

The ergonomics and comfort alone pay for themselves; not to mention, they’re practically indestructible. Even with rough abuse they only need sharpened once in a while. I love the all black version of this beautifully simplistic and iconic piece of functional industrial design.

I would strongly encourage to go for nothing shorter than the 14″ (even if you’re hiking) the extra 2″ plus added weight makes the tool far more effective powerful and comfortable. In all seriousness with no disrespect to sex or size, you should only get the 12″ if you are a adolescent, teenager or woman that may not have as long of arms or are yet comfortable with immense striking force and accuracy.

None the less the longer you have a 12″ the more your realize you’ll grow into and need the extra length. The 14″ really is the best of both worlds. If you need more compact splitting power check out the Estwing “Fireside Friend” Hatchet maul.

**Having had grown up with other vintage hatchets from Estwing, I noticed this particular model’s “nail removing notch” is not exactly how they used to make it and it seems almost too wide and stubby to get under a nail that is pounded in all the way.

the notch seems to have diminished functionality for aesthetics sake. However this in my opinion is why you should just buy an Estwing hammer or crows-foot if you need that feature–both very great tools to have.

** Great life long gifts that encourage outdoor skills. Our Estwings will outlive us all.

This came with a blade that was totally unsharpened. I am being kind with that. The upper half of the blade was essentially flat (~1/16 wide) with no cutting edge at all. The blade is quite a bit thicker than the pictures online would seem to suggest.

This makes putting an edge on it very challenging. I spent 2-hrs. with grinder, file, and stone to get a serviceable edge. Not great, but workable. The overall weight, heft and balance is very good. The grip is solid but cushioning and a bit thicker than expected (a good thing).

Is a really decent hammer, but edge is unsatisfactory.

TranslateShow in original languageUtilizzato per raffinare i ceppi sotto il prato. Prodotto rassicurante e di qualità

TranslateShow in original languageKirves on mielyttävä käteen.ja tosi terävä terä.paras retkikirves.

Bought this after seeing it in a YouTube review of the 3 best low-priced hatchets. This was the only one still selling at $20 and readily available. It seams very well constructed, handle quite nicely strait grained.

The steel is said to be high grade, but I wouldn’t really know. If there’s any cons, the handle is a bit fat and un-ergonomic, due to the need for it to be strong in 4 directions I’d guess. But this gives me room to shape it to my hand, making that maybe a benefit.

Another note, the little blade guard was cracking open on arrival, so it’ll need a pvc or leather cover to be made soon. Another good little project really.

I read a lot of reviews regarding different hatchets, and nearly all complained about sharpness. This tool was no different, but I cam prepared. I had my metal file at the ready before I even tried it (I could see right away that this thing would cut a sapling.

So, file away I did as soon as it arrived. If youre willing to do that, its a pretty fair tool, especially for the price. And the hammer feature works well.

This is a nice little hatchet for the money. I’ve used it primarily when camping to pound tent stakes, chop kindling, and clear small branches and brush. It seems to be of good quality materials and feels very solid in the hand during use.

I have several other hatchets but this one may be my all-around favorite. It is also nice to know it’s made in the USA too! Good job Vaughn.

I bought this to mount inside my airplane to use in case I needed to extricate myself. The size weight are perfect and the cutting edge will go through the thin aluminum I would be cutting through. The only criticism is it does not have a sheath.

But a good piece of leather will make one.

Really pleased with quality of this item. Thought for the price that it might be cheaply made but was wrong. Just right size and has a good heft to it. Glad it made the purchase.

This is a handy multi-tool to have in my RV. The tool is well made, and I particularly like the hatchet, hammer, and pry bar capabilities. I doubt I will use some of the features, but the way things keep breaking in my Rv, you never know.

Properly drop forged axe and European ash handle. I sanded the paint off the handle and rubbed it with linseed oil, then i polished the axe to a mirror finish. It would now pass for the same as those high priced axes in the 40 – 70 range.

And the best of it is, it is made to the same standards and strengths as the high priced axes. Would recommend.

THE QUALITY OF THIS AXE IS FAR HIGHER THAN EXPECTED! WE ONLY WANTED A LITTLE KINDLING AXE, BUT THIS COULD DO SMALL LOGS AND KINDLING BECAUSE OF THE WEIGHT. GOOD STRONG HANDLE & HEAVY HEAD MAKES LIGHT WORK.

RECOMMENDED.

A good wood splitting axe for the money. It sharpens up well, giving a keen edge. The finishing to the axe head is a little rough around the edges but it’s reflected in the price you pay. On the whole it’s great value for money.