What is the best axe? This is a common question, one that has been answered many times over. I’m sure you have done your research, saw a range of tools and noticed there is no single “best” tool. How can we tell which is the best? By researching your options.
Axes for what is the best axe for chopping wood are readily available. The trick is in knowing what kind of job you will be dealing with and what kind of wood you will be cutting. Some woods chop better than others, some tools have better blade configurations than others and so on. In this buyers guide, we’ve listed some of the absolute best axes in the industry today, from blunt-edged survival axes to heavy-duty log splitter mauls to even the smallest campfire tool you could ever own. You’ll discover an ax for virtually every situation here, from small wilderness tasks to large-scale construction projects.
If you’re going to be out in the woods in the winter, a steel bladed ax will get the job done, but if you need a lightweight alternative for working in close quarters, then a titanium shaft is the way to go. For general light duty work, a carbon steel blade will suffice. A diamond blade is good for felling trees. For bigger jobs, such as felling trees and splitting firewood, a premium hunting or power tool is required. A hybrid steel/carbon steel design is ideal.
Some of the bigger selections for what is the best axe include: British surplus, Gransfors Bruks, Henry’s, Ludd, Santop, Sunbeam, accurate. The best selection for what is the best axe for what you’ll be cutting will depend largely on what you plan to do with it. A large felling tree would require a much larger and heavier ax, while a smaller tree is more suited to a thinner, lighter weight ax. You’ll also need to think about sharpening, or maintenance, needs, and whether you plan to use it primarily for cutting firewood for smaller projects.
Your needs for what is the best axe for chopping wood will vary, too. If you’re planning to buy a large, heavy duty ax, then you’ll obviously need something sturdier than your average camping hatchet. Many of these camping hatschet/axes are heavy enough to withstand the abuse the harshest of nature can put them through. On the other hand, small, lightweight axes are not as resilient.
Axes for cutting wood are classified by how they work: strength versus power, weight versus size, and efficiency. Strength, which is derived from how much force an object can exert, is measured in GPM (gigawords per minute). A higher GPM rating means that the ax can exert more force at the same weight. For example, a twelve pound ax will move a lot better than a one and a half pound one because of how much power it has to move the twelve pound piece of wood farther. Determining the GPM of your particular tool is important, but it should also factor into what is the best axe for what you plan to do with it: a carpenter will require a bit heavier tools than a landscaper, for example.
You will also want to consider the general type of cutting it can perform: backhand cutting, overhead cutting, and crosscutting. An overhead saw, also known as a carbide blade, is great for chopping logs and small pieces of wood, but it is not well suited for ripping firewood or making long boards. Crosscut is the best option for these jobs because it cuts across both sides of the log at the same time. It is also the heaviest of all three types of cutting, which increases its utility.
Finally, you will want a sturdy handle. Heavy steel is preferred because it is less likely to break when being used to chop firewood. However, a titanium handle may be preferable if you don’t mind the extra weight. An integrated saw is also preferable over a stand-alone double-bitted axe, because it is easier to control and hold on to. The main consideration is whether or not you’ll be using an axe often enough to justify the additional cost and weight.