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. I 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.
The 7 Best Axes for Splitting Wood
- Fiskars Super Splitting Axe
- Estwing Fireside Friend Axe
- Fiskars IsoCore Maul (Our Top Pick)
- Hooyman Splitting Maul
- Husqvarna 32-Inch Splitting Maul
- 1844 Helko Werk Germany Classic Forester General Purpose Axe
- STEELHEAD 28-Inch Splitting Axe
Our Top Pick for the Best Axe for Splitting Wood
Our top pick for the best axe for splitting wood is the Fiskars IsoCore 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.
Check the price on AmazonWhat 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 come 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
Other people 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 for Splitting Wood – Reviews
1. Fiskars Super Splitting Axe
If you have issues because of height when it comes to splitting wood, then you’ll probably love this Fiskars Super Splitting Axe. It is actually meant for taller people.
Believe me, I understand the struggle of being a tall person. 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.
This axe is meant to help you chop larger-sized logs. And if you’ve ever chopped wood, you know those large logs are often doozies.
Pros
- Axe comes with a lifetime warranty
- Available in different lengths
- Blade designed so you should only have to swing the axe one time per split
- Easier to remove from the wood
Cons
- You must keep the cutting edge very sharp in order for the axe to work efficiently
2. Estwing Fireside Friend Axe
If you are looking for a heavy-duty axe, then this Estwing Fireside Friend Axe 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 2-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 that is not only handy but also has 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.
Pros
- Handle of this design is created to help absorb the shock to the body of chopping wood
- Axe is constructed with the strongest known construction steel
- One solid piece, so this alleviates the danger of the axe head flying off unexpectedly
Cons
- Have to purchase a leather sheath to go with it because otherwise, it is hard to safely transport it
3. Fiskars IsoCore Maul
Do you want an axe that you can use for multi-purpose tasks? Well, if so, then this Fiskars IsoCore Maul 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.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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. Hooyman Splitting Maul
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, the Hooyman Splitting Maul could be just what you’ve had in mind. It comes with an ergonomic fiberglass handle that makes the axe easier to hold as you take a good swing.
It should be mentioned that this axe doesn’t include any of the shock-absorbing technology. But its heavy-duty steel blade has a flat poll which means it’s an excellent choice for driving a wedge or cracking wood and the handle has a non-slip grip.
Pros
- Ergonomic non-slip handle
- Heavy-duty steel blade
- Flat poll is ideal for driving a wedge and cracking wood
Cons
- Blade can be hard to remove from hardwood
5. Husqvarna 32-Inch Splitting Maul
If you are looking for a traditional axe to cut and split large chunks of wood, the Husqvarna 32-Inch Splitting Maul may be the tool for you. It has a smooth hickory handle and a powerful Swedish steel axe head.
However, what makes this one ideal is that it weighs just 5.5-pounds.
So if you can have the splitting power of a traditional wood axe packed into a lightweight axe, then I’d say you have yourself a good deal. However, 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.
Pros
- Traditional smooth hickory handle and a powerful Swedish steel axe head
- Only weighs 5.5-pounds which makes it easier on your body to swing the axe
- Comes with a nice leather sheath
Cons
- Expensive
- No shock-absorbing technology, so you will still probably feel the brunt when swinging this axe
6. 1844 Helko Werk Germany Classic Forester General Purpose Axe
The 1844 Helko Werk Germany Classic Forester General Purpose Axe is a great all-rounder axe that can be used for cutting, splitting, and felling work. It has a long 31-inch handle and a premium steel axe head.
This axe was actually designed in Germany and the curved handle is made of American Hickory wood which is smooth and comfortable to use.
If you have been looking for an axe that can tackle most woodcutting jobs quickly and easily, then you should definitely have a glance at this one. It might be just what you need.
Pros
- Different design
- Longer handle makes for more force when swinging
- Wooden handle is preferred by some
- Curved design of the axe actually helps provide an excellent balance
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use like cutting large hardwood logs
7. STEELHEAD 28-Inch Splitting Axe
The STEELHEAD 28-Inch Splitting Axe is said to be the perfect tool for small to medium wood cutting and splitting jobs. Its molded non-stick steel head makes it easier to produce deeper cuts. The well-balanced design and the shock-absorbing textured rubber grip handle help you to take a more effective swing with less effort.
So if you’ve been looking for a high-quality axe that performs well and is very affordable, then the STEELHEAD splitter axe could be the one for you. A bonus safety feature is the blade sheath which is ideal for storing the axe away on a camping trip.
Pros
- Molded steel head produces deeper cuts
- Well-balanced tool design and shock-absorbing handle makes this axe very easy to use
Cons
- If you prefer a wood handle, then this won’t be the axe for you
- Axe is made out of a synthetic material that is similar to fiberglass which doesn’t appeal to everyone
Our Top Pick for the Best Axe for Splitting Wood
Our top pick for the best axe for splitting wood is the Fiskars IsoCore 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.
Check the price on Amazon
