Do you know what time it is? You probably guessed it: wood splitting time!
Some people dread the fall season because, truthfully, it is a lot of work to chop enough wood to keep yourself and your family warm for the entire winter.
But having the right tools can make this task so much easier.
So I’m sharing the top picks for the best axe to help you chop your seasonal wood. It is my hope that after reading these reviews, you will be ready to buy the best axe you can to make your wood chopping experience fly by.
Our Pick for the Best Axe for Splitting Wood
Fiskars Iso Core 8 Pound Maul
It is a great multi-purpose axe. It too has a maul side as well as a side for splitting wood. This axe was designed to absorb shock while also being able to handle larger logs. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
What to Look for When Choosing an Axe for Wood Splitting
A lot of people don’t consider an axe a modern tool. There are so many other tool options for splitting wood. One of the main options that comes to mind is the wood splitter which does the work for you.
However, an axe is still a great option for chopping your own wood. It doesn’t require any type of fuel for it to function. As well as, it isn’t a chore to move around your property. All it really requires is a sheath for safe transportation.
But axes can also be used to help drive stakes into the ground too. If you need to stake a tent to the ground or drive rebar into the ground, an axe with a maul option would be a perfect choice.
So with all of this being said, what should you consider when purchasing an axe?
Well, it is quite simple:
1. You need a weight you can handle.
Sometimes people tell you to go with a heavier axe because it carries more power. However, if you can’t handle the extra weight then it is better to go with a weight that you can actually handle.
2. A multipurpose axe gives you more bang for your buck.
Some axes are meant only for splitting wood. While other axes have a maul function as well. This obviously gives you two tools in one which is never a bad thing.
3. Length of the axe handle.
Some people prefer a longer axe handle because it brings more force with each swing. However, again, this needs to be a personal preference thing.
If you can’t handle the force it takes from you to swing a long-handled axe, then you might want to go with a shorter handle. At the end of the day, it is all about comfort when working and what is easiest on your body.
4. Solid piece versus a multi-piece axe.
Some prefer an axe where the axe head and handle come apart. It does make sharpening the axe head a little easier.
However, there is a danger of the axe head flying off unintentionally. For that reason, I actually prefer an axe that is a solid piece. I think they are a little safer all the way around. But again, it is a personal preference.
5. Material the axe handle is made from.
Some axe handles come in fiberglass while some axe handles are wooden. Just about all of them will have a varnish on them.
It is a good idea to actually sand down the varnish for better grip. But what the axe handle is made out of is another preference. It is about what is comfortable for you and your hands while working.
So this is something that you might want to check into before purchasing an axe.
7 Best Axes, Reviewed
1. Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe
Are you a tall person? Believe me, I understand the struggle. I’m not a super tall female, but I am tall for my gender.
However, my husband is a whopping 6’8”. This means he hits his head on just about everything, and the comfortable stances for most are not comfortable for him.
So if you have the same issue because of height when it comes to splitting wood, then you’ll probably love this axe. It is actually meant for taller people.
Plus, it is meant to help you chop larger sized logs as well. And if you’ve ever chopped wood, you know those large logs are often doosies.
What we like:
- This axe comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Available in 4 different lengths.
- The blade is designed so it is easier to remove from the wood.
- Designed so you should only have to swing the axe one time per split.
What we don’t like:
- You must keep the cutting edge very sharp in order for the axe to work efficiently.
2. Estwing E3-FF4 4 Pound ‘Fireside Friend’ Wood Splitting Axe/ Maul With Shock Reduction Grip
If you are looking for a heavy-duty axe, then this one might be it. It is built in one solid piece which is a huge benefit.
Have you ever been out chopping wood with an axe that is two pieces and suddenly the axe head comes flying off?
Well, I have and it is a little scary for the people with you.
So have a solid and sturdy axe is not only handy, but it is also a safety feature that you didn’t know you needed.
Also, this particular axe is designed to help absorb some of the shocks you get when chopping wood. This is a huge benefit because chopping wood is no small feat, and it certainly is not easy on your body.
What we like:
- The handle of this design is created to help absorb the shock to the body of chopping wood.
- This axe is constructed with the strongest known construction steel.
- It is one solid piece. So this alleviates the danger of the axe head flying off unexpectedly.
What we don’t like:
- You have to purchase a leather sheath to go with it because otherwise, it is hard to safely transport it.
3. Fiskars Iso Core 8 Pound Maul
Do you want an axe that you can use for multi-purpose tasks? Well, if so, then this axe might be the one you’ve been looking for.
It is meant to help absorb the shock of chopping wood, but it also has a hammering side that is great for driving stakes into the ground as well.
So if you need an axe that will give you your money’s worth then definitely give this one consideration.
What we like:
- Has a lifetime warranty.
- Built with a shock-absorbing design.
- Can be used for splitting wood or driving things, whether it be a wedge or a stake.
- Designed with a blade geometry that is meant to cut larger logs easily.
What we don’t like:
- It is heavier. 8 pounds doesn’t sound like much until you have to swing it repeatedly.
- Doesn’t come with a sheath though some think it doesn’t need it. However, transporting an axe safely should always be a top priority.
4. Mintcraft PRO 34004 Wood Splitting Maul With Fiberglass Handle
Maybe you aren’t looking for anything fancy in an axe. You just need a basic axe that will get the job of splitting wood done.
Well, this axe could be just what you’ve had in mind. It is a simple design of an axe. Yet, it does come with a fiberglass handle which is always a nice feature.
It should be mentioned that this axe doesn’t include any of the ‘shock absorbing technology.’ But if you aren’t interested in that then this axe might be an excellent choice for you.
What we like:
- Simple design
- Lightweight at only 4.5 pounds
- Durable
What we don’t like:
- Not good for stubborn pieces of wood because there is no maul function.
5. Husqvarna Outdoor Power Equipment Large Wood Splitting Axe
If you are a sucker for a traditional axe then definitely give this one a glance. It has the traditional wood handle.
However, what makes this one ideal is that it is only 3.3 pounds.
So if you can have the splitting power of a traditional wood axe packed into 3 pounds, then I’d say you have yourself a good deal.
But you be the judge. After all, it will be your body doing the splitting and as we’ve already mentioned, chopping and splitting wood is not for the faint of heart.
What we like:
- The traditional design of this axe.
- It is only 3.3 pounds which makes it easier on your body to swing the axe.
- This axe comes with a nice leather sheath.
What we don’t like:
- No shock absorbing technology. So you will still probably feel the brunt when swinging this axe.
- No maul capabilities.
6. Helko Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter
This axe is totally different and doesn’t look like a traditional axe in the slightest. It has a long handle with a smaller axe head on it.
However, it is meant to cut heavy-duty logs. This axe was actually designed in Germany and the handle designed in Switzerland. Yet, the handle is actually made of American Hickory wood.
So if you have been looking for an axe that is a little different from what you traditionally see then you should definitely give this one a glance. It might be just what you’ve needed.
What we like:
- The different design.
- Longer handle which makes for more force when swinging.
- Wooden handle is preferred by some.
- The curved design of the axe actually helps provide excellent balance.
What we don’t like:
- It is a heavier axe at 8.5 pounds. This is good for providing force but also would make this axe hard for some to handle.
7. True Temper Sledge Eye 1190400 Super Splitter Wood Splitter-Maul
This is said to be an ideal axe for cutting or splitting wood. The axe head is 4 pounds which is going to make this a heavier axe by the time you add the weight of the axe handle as well.
It also has an overstrike protection included in the design. While this axe also includes a guard molded to the handle for a better grip.
So if you’ve been needing a high-quality axe that has many bonus features in the design then this could be the axe for you. The design is meant to make things much easier on you while also keeping safety at the forefront when chopping wood.
What we like:
- The grip guard so you won’t lose grip or your grip won’t be able to slip when swinging the axe. That is a great safety feature.
- The axe handle is a good length for force when swinging and so is the weight of the axe as well.
What we don’t like:
- If you prefer a wood handle, then this won’t be the axe for you. This axe is made out of a material similar to fiberglass which doesn’t appeal to everyone.
Our Pick for the Best Axe for Splitting Wood
Fiskars Iso Core 8 Pound Maul
It is a great multi-purpose axe. It too has a maul side as well as a side for splitting wood. This axe was designed to absorb shock while also being able to handle larger logs. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
