Axes

12 Best Axes In 2024: Felling, Chopping, Splitting Wood

by Carl Anderson

Updated on Mar 09, 2023

In 2024, we reviewed 10 of the best axes so that you don't have to worry when making a purchase. From hatchets to felling axes all the way up to mauls, we got you covered for every possible reason for cutting with axes. Whether it be campfire kindling, felling small trees or cutting those larger logs, this article has everything you need to know to make the right purchase. More on that below. 

  • Short on time? Here's the BEST AXE FOR CHOPPING TREES in 2024.

Helko Black Forest Woodworker - The best axe for chopping wood, felling trees, and even camping. It's the Goldie Locks of Axes. Best of all worlds. Check it out here.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Handle Length

Longer handles are able to deliver more force. But how much force do you really need to deliver? Are you able to swing heavier axes at longer handle lengths? There comes a perfect balance, and buying an axe is all about finding that sweet spot. If you have never bought an axe, then you would want to consider buying a shorter handle until you are able to handle the larger varieties. The idea is to find the sweet spot that lies at the intersection of force and accuracy. 

Reason for Buying

When buying an axe, you need to have a reason. If you simply want a nice trail axe to bring out back or go camping then you wouldn't want to carry around a 10-pound maul. You would want something much more lightweight or compact. Maybe you would even want a hatchet. Likewise, you wouldn't want a small little camping hatchet if you needed to cut through round after round of dense logs. Think about it before you make the decision.

Weight & Balance

People are always talking about the weight and balance of an axe. First, if you've never swung an axe, you would be wise not to buy the heaviest axe on the market. We aren't saying don't. We are just saying maybe learn how to use the tool before going all in. As for balance, the easiest way to put it is that some axes feel different. A lot of consideration is taken to design a perfectly balanced, so keep it in mind if you see an exe that is described as "balanced."

Safety

So everything we've written about until now has had one thing in mind: safety. You don't want to buy an axe that is way too big for you, that is far too heavy to handle, that is not right for the job, and that is unbalanced. You need to be able to use the tool you buy. Otherwise, you've wasted your money. So keep that in mind, and make the right decision for your needs. 

The Top 12 Best Axes On The Market - Full Analysis (Updated for 2024)

cold steel axe

Specifications

Handle Length: 23 inches

Blade Length: 4 inches

Weight: 0.5 pounds

Purpose: All Purpose

Blade Material: Steel Alloy

The Cold Steel Axe is our favorite all purpose axe great for everything from camping and survival to wood splitting and cutting. The 4 inch, European style head (tomahawk fashion) takes massive bits of everything it cuts into, and the wooden handle is straight grained, all American hickory wood. It doubles great as a survival axe. 

For anyone who wants one axe to rule them all, the Cold Steel All-Purpose is a solid choice. It is great for clearing brush and cutting down solid sized trees. It weighs less than a pound so its not miserable to carry around, and its durable enough to survive and ruck. Felling trees is easy with this guy. 

If you need to chop huge logs, this axe can do that, but we like that it's great at splitting up pre-chopped wood for say your fire place. The wooden handle of this traditional axe is nice and doesn't feel like cheap plastic but it doesn't have a good amount of varnish on it. The shorter handle makes it a lot more maneuverable compared to a huge maul axe.

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Maneuverable
  • Easy to sharpen

CONS

  • Not great for massive logs
  • Varnish handle
helko black forest woodworker

Specifications

Handle Length: 24 inches

Blade Length: 4.25 inches

Weight: 3.75 pounds

Purpose: Splitting, cutting

Blade Material: Carbon steel

For those looking for one of the best hand-forged axes, look no further than the Helko Black Forest Woodworker. This beast comes in at at whopping 4 pounds and can chop through wood and small trees better than any axe. It's one of the best tools for chopping down trees.


Splitting axes are great to avoid using chainsaws in dry areas. This axe is no exception. Its weight is between a trail axe, like the Cold Steel above, and a traditional maul.


The drop-forged Tomahawk blade style gives, and wooden handle gives this axe the traditional feel many of us are looking for. Its purpose is for felling small trees, removing branches or limbs, and clearing out young saplings. 

PROS

  • Versatile
  • Compact
  • Capable of light splitting

CONS

  • Some reviewers noted an uneven finish
nordic splitter

Specifications

Handle Length: 31 inches

Blade Length: 5.50 inches

Weight: 8 pounds

Purpose: Splitting wood

Blade Material: Steel

Surely you wouldn't call an axe the Nordic Splitter unless its purpose and the main function was to be the best splitting axe. And this certainly is the case. The Nordic Splitter was designed with only splitting in mind - nothing else.


One of the best splitting axes out there, this axe can cut large rounds, it can cut difficult logs, and can rip through tough firewood. The efficient head design makes tackling your winter log supply easier than any other axe.


We really love Helko products, so we probably seem a bit biased at this point. But it's an axe company that designs axes for their specific purposes. 

PROS

  • Efficient splitting axe
  • Hand forged steel
  • Straight-handled splitting axe

CONS

  • Meant only as a splitting axe
fiskars hatchet

Specifications

Handle Length: `14 inches

Head Length: 5.5 inches

Blade Length: 2.625 inches

Weight: 1.4 pounds

Purpose: Split kindling and cut small to medium logs

Blade Material: Forged steel

Good ol' Fiskars strikes again with their very own 14 inch Hatchet. This lightweight and ergonomic hatchet is designed like the perfect baseball bat: its weight distribution has ideal balance that gives it a perfect weight-to-power ratio.


You can take this hatchet on any journey for virtually any small wood cutting need. Its great for felling small trees, but its also good for bushcraft and splitting firewood for the camp sight.



The forged steel blade is super sharp and we loved how easy it was to cut up small kindling. The grip is rubber which makes it easy to use and control for almost every user. 

PROS

  • Super sharp blade perfect for kindling
  • Ergonomic rubber handle
  • Comes with safety lock mechanism

CONS

  • Some reviewers noted quality control issues consistent with factory made tools
fiskars full sized axe

Specifications

Handle Length: 36 inches

Blade Length: 7.5 inches

Weight: 5.85 pounds

Purpose: Splitting medium to large-sized logs

Blade Material: Steel

The Fiskars full-sized splitting axe is a magnificent beast forged in what is most likely a factory. We can respect that. Not all axes are traditional; this one was created with every user in mind.


Though it is ideal for taller users, the axe can be swung by people of average height. It's just under six pounds and is designed for splitting medium to larger rounds.


The shock-absorbing axe handle material is excellent for those not used to the more traditional style. Also, the rubber, curved coating is designed with ergonomics in mind. We like the more traditional axes (as you can tell from this list), but we found peace with the Fiskars Full-Sized Splitting Axe. 

PROS

  • Lifetime guarantee
  • Lightweight, yet powerful for it's size
  • Handles well

CONS

  • Not a straight handle
helko saxon

Specifications

Handle Length: 31 inches

Blade Length: 3.875 inches

Weight: 8.50 pounds

Purpose: To destroy large rounds and heavy logs, chopping axe

Blade Material: Steel

Coming in at 31 inches, the Helko Saxon is an elite chopping axe. It is great at chopping large rounds and heavy logs. And its heavy. This beast weighs almost 10 pounds so before you buy it, make sure you have the ability to swing it.


This chopping axe is well balanced. It has the the splitting power of a maul but the feel and control of a normal axe. The back of the heel has a log pick so that you can move logs around.



The Linseed Oil finish gives the chopping axe that smooth feel which doesn't feel like normal wood but it will make the wooden handle last far longer. Remember it is a splitting axe meant for destroying logs and firewood. So the edge doesn't come in razor sharp. 

PROS

  • Splitting power of a maul
  • Log pick on the heel
  • Balanced axe

CONS

  • Almost 10 pounds (not really a con but make sure you can swing it)
etswing axe

Specifications

Handle Length: 14 inches

Blade Length: 3.5 inches

Weight: 1.86 pounds

Purpose: Small trees and branches, small logs 

Blade Material: Steel

For everyone whose been reading this article and waiting for a small axe, rejoice. We have finally come to the perfect small axe which happens to be the best for camping.


The Etswing Sportsman weighs in at less than 2 pounds and is ideal for carrying out into the field. We love this axe for being able to cut small branches and logs while out camping. The axe is forged in a single piece at just about a foot long and with a genuine leather handle.


This American-made blade comes with a fully polished head and blade. It comes with a full nylon sheath to protect you from the blade, and that steel blade from you. 

PROS

  • Ergonomic
  • Lightweight axe that can split wood at the camp sight
  • Perfect for cutting trail branches

CONS

  • Almost too polished
  • Some reviewers noted quality issues
best survival axe

Specifications

Handle Length: 11.1 inches

Blade Length: 3.6 inches

Weight: 1.37 pounds

Purpose: Survival, bushcraft

Blade Material: Stainless steel

We really liked the Schrade Stainless Survival Axe because it was designed with survival in mind. It's compact, lightweight and you can carry it as you would anything else without it effecting you. The axe only weighs a smidgeon over a pound


On top of that it has a stainless steel edge that is great for bushcraft. The rubber handle makes it great for even chopping larger wood. All you need is a mallet to bang down on the back of the handle. You don't need to do this, of course, but it is an option if you don't want to carry a larger axe.



From there you can wash it off and use it slice up your vegetables for dinner. Its that sharp. The axe really is quite versatile, if if camping or bushcraft is your thing, then you should definitely look into this one. 

PROS

  • Rubber handle
  • Sharp stainless steel edge
  • Lightweight and compact

CONS

  • Too lightweight to chop larger rounds without hammer
best axe for the money

Specifications

Handle Length: 24 inches

Blade Length: 4 inches

Weight: 4.2 pounds

Purpose: Chopping kindling or medium to large logs

Blade Material: Steel

The TABOR Tools Fiberglass splitting axe is an affordable, lightweight fiberglass axe that is meant for chopping medium to lightweight logs. It's bright orange so you'll never lose it but more importantly it's a nice little well-balanced axe that can handle most jobs you perform.


The fiberglass handle is durable without losing out on maneuverability. It has a shock-absorbing composite handle so you won't jar yourself when you hit a log a little bit off.


Overall, it's a decent axe. You need to be careful when you try to go super budget on tools. Cheaper tools just aren't meant to last like some of the more expensive ones. Some reviewers noted quality issues but we can't be certain how they used the axe. 

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Fiberglass handle

CONS

  • Some reviewers noticed quality issues
cold steel battle axe

Specifications

Handle Length: 48 inches

Blade Length: 9.625 inches

Weight: 7 pounds

Purpose: ...chopping wood

Blade Material: 100% Steel

Okay, most people looking for the best axes probably didn't have a Viking Battle Axe in mind, but you know we here at Sweet New Earth like to have some fun. The Cold Steel Viking Battle Axe is definitely a cool axe that should make it to a top list somewhere.


Should you use this for chopping wood? No, probably not. It's heavy, or bulky, and it's not really meant for wood splitting. But you could give it a shot. The long handle is too much for most people who aren't Vikings coming in at 48 inches.


Okay, okay... we like this axe but we can't in good spirits recommend it for anything wood related. If you want a nice decoration in your house to celebrate your Viking ancestry, then go for it! Otherwise, stick with the tools we have outlined above. 

PROS

  • Feels like Ragnar Lothbrok
  • 48 inch handle destined for Viking greatness

CONS

  • Not meant for chopping wood
  • Only really useful for decoration

Specifications

Handle Length: 16 inches

Blade Length: 4 inches

Weight: 1 pound

Purpose: Competition

Blade Material: Steel

Another fun one that we know you weren't looking for, but we wanted to include it anyways. The Cold Steel throwing axe. Although it doubles as a camping axe, there are better options. This one is more meant for competitions but it's not entirely out of the question as a survival axe.


The hatchet comes in at 16 inches. If that's great for axe throwing competitions, we wouldn't know but it sizes up right next to most small hatchets or axes used for camping. Overall, it weighs one pound so not very heavy at all.


That being said, wouldn't recommend this for any extensive wood chopping. We can't see how it would hurt chopping some light branches, but you probably want to maintain the shape and agility for hitting a target dead on. However, if you are planning on entering an axe-throwing competition... can't go wrong. 

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Cold steel
  • Wooden handle

CONS

  • Not meant for chopping wod

Specifications

Handle Length: 19 inches

Blade Length: 7.5 inches

Weight: 2.2 pounds

Purpose: Felling

Blade Material: Steel

The Gansfor Bruks is a small felling axe but packs quite a punch. If you are looking for something to drop those small trees to the earth then this is a solid choice.


Coming in at 19 inches and 2.2 pounds, this can be used by most anyone. It's a lightweight and compact axe with a traditional wooden handle. It's a bit on the pricer side but you get what you pay for and we prefer quality over quantity.



It comes with a non-straight handle suited for ergonomic use. It's large enough to fell trees and small enough to go backpacking with. The blade comes in extremely sharp. The leather sheath provides protection from the blade. Cannot go wrong with a solid felling axe. 

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Smooth wooden handle
  • Sharp blade

CONS

  • Low quality leather sheath

Sweet New Earth's Top Pick on Best Axe for Cutting Down Trees

As much as we liked the Viking Battle axe, our vote for the best is the Helko Black Forest Wood Worker. What a beast. It's a traditional style, hand-forged axe with a wooden handle. You can rip through trees and look bad a** doing it.


The Helko Black Forester is perfect for felling smaller trees and chopping through kindling with ease. It's only about 24 inches, so it isn't huge, and it weighs less than 5 pounds. It is light and compact enough for most every user.


You can fell small trees in the yard or chop up some pesky branches, and then carry it to the campsite over the weekend. Not only does it do well at the campsite, but it's light enough, and compact enough to use for bushcraft. The Helko Black forester is extremely versatile. It is really a no-brainer with this axe. 

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How We Chose Our Axes

When it comes to choosing the right axe, we look at the following criteria to make the proper evaluation:

  • Handle & Material
  • Size
  • Weight
  • Type & Purpose


We cover everything you need to know and more right down below. 

Handle & Material

You'll notice we selected a lot of axes with traditional wooden handles. We like the more traditional style, especially if it is hand forged. Machine made axes typically aren't as durable because they were made with the mass market in mind. We get that. But when we buy an axe, or any tool for that matter, we are perfectly okay with spending just a little bit of extra money to get a tool that will last a lifetime.


Most axe blades are made with steel so there isn't much variation there. However, the axe handle material can range from faux wood, to real wood, to fiberglass, to even rubber. Axe handles can be made out of so many different materials. 

Size Matters

When choosing the best axe for you and your needs, you need to factor in the handle length as a critical aspect of your decision.


Smaller axes typically range up to 14 inches. They are best suited for campfires, bushcraft and felling small trees. There's a blurred line between small axes and hatchets.


Medium axes range upwards to above 24 inches. They are great for cutting medium-sized rounds while also being able to handle some of the smaller activities too. They bring the best of both worlds between the large and the small axes.


Larger axes are going to be well over two feet ranging up to three feet and beyond. These are going to be your heavy-duty mauls. You wouldn't want these for any small tasks or extensive camping trips, no. You would buy one of these to fell larger trees and split up those larger rounds. 

Weight

Weight is an important factor with axes. You really don't want to buy an axe that you can't swing because it's too heavy. If you have never swung an axe, we recommend you cut your tweet with the smaller varieties and really learn the technique before you start going after tha mauls. At the end of the day, it's just chopping wood so it can't be thaaat hard, right?



Generally speaking, longer handles are going to be far heavier than shorter ones. The longer the handle the more force you should be able to put into the swing. The caveat being that you can lose a great deal of accuracy, especially if you can't handle the weight. Be sure you pick an axe you can handle!

Type & Purpose

The type and purpose of the axe is extremely important to us. Yes, we threw in some fun axes up there, say the Viking Battle Axe and the throwing axe, but the truth is, these axes aren't meant for what we need an axe for... and that is the arduous labor of felling trees and chopping wood. If those aren't your criteria for selecting an axe, then you might be in the wrong place.



Further, if you only need to fell a small tree or chop some small branches, we couldn't in good faith recommend to you a maul, for example. We would want you to get something smaller, like a hatchet or the Trail Boss we mentioned above. It all matters. You wouldn't really want to carry around a 3 foot axe out for bushcraft. Felling axes are for felling trees and smaller axes are better for bushcraft. 

Axe Safety and Best Practices

You want to be able to swing your axe safely. So whether you are felling small trees, or chopping up some kindling, you need to take the proper safety precautions. For the most part, it simply means making sure other people clear the area. A good pair of safety glasses is always recommended.



Also, you need to be careful not to cut outside of the designated purpose for the axe. While most axes are durable enough to withstand chopping into larger branches, it is very possible they could break. On the flip side, there really is no point in swinging a large maul into a small branch.

FAQs

  • How do you sharpen an axe?

    Sharpening axe is a simple process not too far unlike sharpening loppers, pruners or garden shears. We covered that here. However, we plan on going over axes specifically in the future. 

  • How do you store axes?

    Store axes in a dry place. You don't want to store them somewhere with excessive heat as the axe's handle can shrink. If you are traveling with your axe, make sure you keep it in a safety box or with it's protective shield so that nothing is damage, and that nobody gets hurt in the process. 

  • Can you cut down a tree with an axe?

    Yes, you can cut down a tree with an axe. Axes were the main way humans cut down trees before more advanced tools came onto the scene. 

Thanks for stopping by Sweet New Earth! If you liked this article, check out some of our other review guides.


Our writers put extensive time and effort into reviewing each product so that you can get the best information possible for making your decision. Now that we are done here, we plan on getting out there and chipping some wood.

sweet_new_earth_owner_carl_anderson

Carl Anderson is the main author of Sweet New Earth. He is an avid outdoors enthusiast who loves gardening. He spends his time reading, hiking and learning about new ways to optimize his garden. You can learn more about him here.

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