The Edge Cutter

Latest Woodworking Tutorials, How To's, Guides and Reviews

  • CNC Router
  • CNC Router Parts
    • Router Bits
    • CNC Router Kit
    • Controller
  • Woodworking
    • Power Tools
    • Hand Tools
    • Plans
    • Tools and Accessories
  • Blog
Home » Woodworking » Hand Tools » 10 Best Axes for Woodworking in 2021 | Reviews & Buying Guide

Oct 18 2020

10 Best Axes for Woodworking in 2021 | Reviews & Buying Guide

There's more than just the size and the features of an axe required for different woodworking projects. Woodcutting is an art and to accomplish it in the correct way, adhering to the industry standards, it is better to get hands-on quality and durable axe items.

Not all axes are quality ones. So, a little market research can help you invest in the correct option. Whether you are engaged with basic or professional woodworking projects, you have to choose an axe that can be used easily. So, we bring to you some of the top-rated items to help you narrow down the options and pick the correct one.


Table of Contents
10 Best Axes
1. Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe, 36-Inch
2. Fiskars X7 Hatchet 14""
3. TABOR TOOLS Chopping Axe, Hand Axe
4. Fiskars 375581-1001 Chopping Axe, 28-Inch
5. Estwing E44A 16-Inch Steel Camper's Axe with Nylon Sheath
6. Columbia River Knife & Tool CRKT Woods Tomahawk Axe
7. Estwing Sportsman's Axe - 14" Camping Hatchet
8. Husqvarna S2800 27" Composite Splitting Axe

9. Fiskars IsoCore Maul, 36-Inch (751110-1003)
10. Cold Steel All-Purpose Axe with Hickory Handle
What are the tips to buy an axe?
Hatchet or axe
Importance of safety and durability
Warranty of the axe
Weight of axe head
Following safety precaution
The Final Words 

10 Best Axes

1. Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe, 36-Inch

Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe, 36-Inch

Are you in search of an efficient axe with great design? The above said splitting axe could be your perfect pick. As it is 36 inches in length, you can easily cut long pieces of log in just one strike. The handle is fixed on the axe in such a way that it is easy to hold it and cut any piece of log in just one strike easily.

Manufactured from high-quality items, it weighs 5.85 pounds and therefore, it is easy to carry and portable. It will last for a long time and therefore, worth the money you will spend. So, when beginners are in search of an all-rounder axe that makes chopping easy, this is one of the recommended options. 

PROS

  • Durable and sturdy axe to use
  • Perfect pick for tall users
  • You can cut medium size wood in single strike 

CONS

  • The part of split on the axe could have been a little strong 
Check Price

2. Fiskars X7 Hatchet 14""

Fiskars X7 Hatchet 14 inch

If this is the first time you are looking for a wood splitting axe, the above said option is the ideal option to try. It offers great grip with a good handle, making it comfortable on your palms even when you have to hold the axe for a longer time.

As this is 14 inches in size, this hatchet is perfect for one-hand use and provides the precision of cut. To cut small to medium size logs, this is the ideal option. With an ergonomic handle, it is a comfortable and proper balance when cutting wood pieces.

Moreover, the blade of the axe is balanced in such a way that it easily cuts the wood log in one strike. Apart from this, the axe has sharp ends that give ultimate cutting required for woodworking projects. 

PROS

  • The axe is easy to use
  • It is comfortable to hold it for long
  • It comes with lifetime warranty 

CONS

  • The handle may get slippery after long hours of work 
Check Price

3. TABOR TOOLS Chopping Axe, Hand Axe

TABOR TOOLS Chopping Axe, Hand Axe

When looking for an axe perfect for chopping and cutting, this is the one. This durable option is suitable to be used for wood cutting, cutting fallen trees, cutting tree branches and the like options. The size of the axe is perfect to cut different sizes of logs with ease.

Moreover, it is installed with a fiberglass handle that is durable and does not slip when you need a good grip to cut a long piece of wood. It is suitable both for heavy-duty and medium cutting procedures. It feels comfortable on your hands even after using it for long hours.

This 12 inch hatchet has compact design and therefore, perfect to fit in backpacks in camping or traveling to places. Get the one that you can easily hold for long time without causing any pain to your palms when cutting the large pile of woods. 

PROS

  • This is a multipurpose axe
  • It is easy to swing
  • It is installed with non-slip fiberglass for better grip
  • It has non-stick blade and it is lightweight
  • It is suitable for chopping big size wood and trees

CONS

  • It is not perfect for heavy-duty cutting purposes
  • It tends to lose from its edge 
Check Price

4. Fiskars 375581-1001 Chopping Axe, 28-Inch

Fiskars 375581-1001 Chopping Axe, 28-Inch

Are you in search of a powerful axe to work with? The above said one could be a good option to invest for with which you can cut trees in seconds. This is suitable to accomplish heavy duty tasks and perfectly cut large wooden logs in woodworking projects.

The blade is fixed perfectly such that each hit cuts deeper with précised results. Moreover, it is manufactured from quality items that make it resistant to rust. The blade is manufactured from the quality item and therefore, it does not require frequent sharpening to get the perfect cut.

The sharp end of the blade will last for a long time and thus, it is a perfect choice to use it in different woodworking projects. 

PROS

  • This is a powerful axe to try
  • This is among the trusted brands
  • The design is excellent to cut different size of wooden logs 

CONS

  • The steel material used on the blade tends to be fade out soon
Check Price

5. Estwing E44A 16-Inch Steel Camper's Axe with Nylon Sheath

Estwing E44A 16-Inch Steel Camper's Axe with Nylon Sheath

Looking for a handy tool for camping and woodworking projects? Well, the above said one is an ideal option to try. It is made from a single piece that stays together in place and gives the maximum force when cutting a long piece of wood in one try.

The axe has a leather grip making it comfortable to hold the axe for long hours without any discomfort in your palms. It also helps in safe and easy usage. The above product has been manufactured adhering to the latest standard and safety measures to manufacture an axe. However, to protect the axe, it has a nylon sheath connected that prevents damage and retains the sharpness of the blade for long time. 

PROS

  • It is a suitable option for camping
  • It is one of the preferred options to get précised results
  • It is suitable for outdoor activities
  • Installed with quality material, it is a sturdy one 

CONS

  • The hatchet blade tends to become dull 
Check Price

6. Columbia River Knife & Tool CRKT Woods Tomahawk Axe

Columbia River Knife & Tool CRKT Woods Tomahawk Axe

It comes with a primitive feel and chops wood efficiently with one hand. In other words, this modern tactical axe is the perfect choice for accomplishing different woodworking projects. Perfectly designed and offers great utility, this has a 1055 carbon steel blade that helps get the required curve on wooden pieces.

To cut big wood chunks with ease, it is none other than the above said one. Though it has an ancient look, it is great for smooth handling even after hours of using it. With a fantastic look, the blades are great to work with for years to go without problems of rust and the like. 

PROS

  • It is manufactured from quality steel blade
  • It is installed with premium quality leather sheath
  • Handle has good grip offering comfort 

CONS

  • The axe fails to give correct finish after using it for long 
Check Price

7. Estwing Sportsman's Axe - 14" Camping Hatchet

Estwing Sportsman's Axe - 14 Camping Hatchet

Are you in search of a long lasting and durable axe for your woodworking projects? It is none other than the above said one that is available at an affordable range. The design is made in one piece and it offers outdoor versatility as you can easily carry it when going camping.

From splitting firewood to chopping logs, this product is the perfect option to invest for. It is installed with quality ballistic nylon sheath that protects the sharp edges of the axe. As the grip is manufactured from a quality leather option, it is comfortable on your hands and does not result in any pain even after long hours of use. It is carefully constructed with a balanced weight that offers affectivity at its best. 

PROS

  • It comes with a quality grip when using it hours
  • It is installed with heavy duty sheath
  • This is the perfect option for outdoor activities
  • It is a durable and long lasting option 

CONS

  • The corners of the edge tend to become dull 
Check Price

8. Husqvarna S2800 27" Composite Splitting Axe

Husqvarna S2800 27 Composite Splitting Axe

If you are in search of a powerful axe required for splitting logs, it is none other than the above said one. This splitting axe from Husqvarna is installed with quality fiberglass that makes it comfortable on your palms even when cutting huge wood logs for hours. For effective and easy use of a hammer for splitting purposes, the axe head and other parts of the axe are perfectly designed.

In this, it is correctly fixed to the shaft along with a steel wedge that makes it tight to use on long pieces of wood. Also, it has a light shaft that boosts the power of cutting the wooden logs in one single strike. With precision of cut, the blade is manufactured from quality items and it is worthy to invest for as it would go for years long. 

PROS

  • It has optimum power for perfect splitting
  • The fiberglass gives good grip on the handle
  • Handle is lightweight and so, you can use it for long 

CONS

  • It has heavy weight 
Check Price

9. Fiskars IsoCore Maul, 36-Inch (751110-1003)

Fiskars IsoCore Maul, 36-Inch (751110-1003)

If you wish to invest for a quality axe that is perfect for splitting wood, the above said product would be the safest bet. It is installed with a quality shock control system that prevents shock and vibration problems when using the axe for long hours. It functions great when compared to wooden handles.

The blade geometry gives better penetration when you have to cut long wooden logs in one strike. For professional woodworking projects, this axe is the perfect option that is sure to help you even when you are working for hours with it.

Installed with great performing handles, it does not swing and cause any discomfort in your palms. Moreover, it has an inseparable head portion that prevents sliding even when you are striking it on wooden logs with great force. 

PROS

  • It has flared handle
  • It offers textured grip
  • It has quality blade for precision of cut
  • It comes with rust –resistant finish on blades 

CONS

  • The construction of the axe could have been better 
Check Price

10. Cold Steel All-Purpose Axe with Hickory Handle

Cold Steel All-Purpose Axe with Hickory Handle

Installed with European style head, it has one 4 inch blade and a 4 ½ inch cutting edge for précised cutting results. With every strike, it is possible to get a deep cut. The features incorporated make it sturdy and durable with a solid handle.

This has a traditional look with a hickory handle. Made from quality materials, this is a lightweight one and it is durable to use for a long time. The toughness of the axe makes it easy to hold it tight and get the cut on your desire in woodworking projects. If you are a professional woodworker, this axe is the suitable option to try. 

PROS

  • It has a flared handle
  • It is installed with a European style blade
  • Blade made from quality carbon steel 

CONS

  • The fixing of the handle could have been better 
Check Price

What are the tips to buy an axe?

When buying an axe the first time, it is better to go by some vital considerations. It shall help you know whether the axe is worth spending. A durable and sturdy one shall help you work perfectly with the axe for your woodworking project. 

Hatchet or axe

To hold the woodcutting tool in one hand, a hatchet is the correct option over axes. However, when dealing with big woodworking projects where you have to cut long pieces of logs, an axe would be the perfect pick. Hatchets are 14 inches in length or below that whereas, axes are over 14 inches. If you mostly deal with small logs, a hatchet is the correct option to try. Also, these are safe to use and get the required precision of work. The hatchet is designed to make it convenient to hold the tool for cutting small wooden log pieces.

Importance of safety and durability

It is important that you know how to use the axe and maintain safety measures when using it the first time. For this, you can get the one with a grip at the bottom of the axe. It will help to hold the axe for long in your hand enabling you to improve the stability of holding the axe for long. For this, try to get the axe from a reliable manufacturing team and make sure that the blade of the axe is manufactured with quality items. The manufacturing team should adhere to the latest safety standard rules to offer the best quality items.

Other than this, you have to be careful about the durability of the item. In this case, stainless steel blades are perfect. Try to get solid handles that come with modern technology use. It is manufactured with durable items compared to traditional wood and it is sure to pay off in the long run. If you are planning to buy a wooden axe, try to get the one that gives better strength and it is durable even when used daily for long hours. 

Warranty of the axe

Irrespective of whether you get an axe or hatchet, try to get a one with warranty. It can vary from a few months to lifetime and it depends on the manufacturer from whom you buy the item. The warranty gives protection against any wear and tear and the company should offer suitable replacement when faced with difficulty in using it. This is what you can expect when you get the axe from a reliable company that is into this business for years now. 

Weight of axe head

This is another factor that should be considered when buying an axe. The weight of the axe's head impacts on overall weight and helps in easy handling of the axe when cutting long chunks of wood. Try to use an axe with a head not more than five pounds. In addition, the length of the handle matters in purchasing the correct one. 

Following safety precaution

It is important to follow some safety precautions when handling the axe. Do not make the mistake of forgetting the axe in one corner of your workstation as the sharpened end of the axe can result in severe accidents. The sharpness of the blade is meant to cut long wooden logs with precision. When using it the first time, make sure to follow the precautionary steps to avoid any accidents or problems. 

The Final Words 

As there is a wide range of axes and hatchets in the correct, try to follow the above mentioned tips. In addition to this, go through the features mentioned above that shall help you pick the right one. The axe you invest for should have the latest features making your woodworking projects an easy going one.

Though cost cutting is possible on the features and the size of the axe, you should not compromise on its quality and durability that it offers. Better quality items indicate quality and a comfortable handle that does not result in pain even when you are using it for a long time. So, only after thorough research, you have to invest for the correct one that would go a long way. It should be such that the axe can be used for a wide range of woodworking projects. 

Written by Bill Baum · Categorized: Hand Tools, Woodworking

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

7 Best Portable Sawmills [2021 Reviews] | Buying Guide

10 Best Cabinet Hardware Jigs [Reviews] 2021 | Top Picks

8 Best Chainsaws for Firewood – 2021 [Reviews] | Top Picks

7 Best Arborist Chainsaws in 2021 [Top Picks] Review

7 Best Chainsaw Chains for Hardwood & Firewood | Reviews

DMCA.com Protection Status

  • About Bill Baum
  • About The Edge Cutter
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Contact Us

Theedgecutter.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon associate we earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases.