The use of a splitting can hardly be an issue of confusion at any time as its functionalities are straightforward and well-known. However, what qualifies to be included on an outline of the best products in the class of splitting axes is another issue for keen consideration.
That an axe is able to fulfill its purpose depends on if it is sharp and suited for the kind of wood it is directed at. When a wood has to be cut, the exact spot to aim at should be decided before the process of cutting begins. This is needed as the point of impact can determine how easily the job gets done. An axe with the right slant, sharpness, and handle will be a better fit than one that is ill-fitting.
When any wood gets split, it can be put to a variety of uses, and this is why a fitting accessory should be used when this is to be done. At home or away in the forest cabin, wood needs to be split to start a fire when it is chilly. This exercise can be made easier when the proper axe is put to use, and this is the reason for this outline.
Why you need the Best Axes
An axe might be a tool that has been in use for centuries, but it has an ongoing relevance that necessitates its importance. While a wood splitting machine will get the job done easily, the location of intended use and affordability has a role to play here.
An axe can easily fit into your car trunk and is a handy accessory that is easily put to use. If you have to split wood at short notice, axe will be readily needed. Having a sheath for it will protect it and preserve its durability.
While you can guess using an axe to cut wood, a few people might also not know that this can be used to drive a tent peg into place, out there in the field. If the axe has a maul option, it will have alternate uses.
Some Defining Qualities of the Best Splitting Axes
- Make sure you an axe that is a good fit for your body weight and size. An extra-large axe will be a chore to lift, and one that is too small will be too much of a bore.
- Get an axe that can comfortably have a dual role when needed. This is where a maul option comes into play.
- The handle size is also a factor to consider. A longer handle will suit some people while a shorter one does it for others. Choose the option that gets it done for you.
- A detachable head makes an axe easy to sharpen but this can also be dangerous. An axe head that flings off easily exposes the older to harm. A solid riveted piece is an option.
- The material of the handle determines how good the grip can be. Many axes have wooden handles but a few also come in fiberglass holds. Go with what you is comfortable for your use.
The Recommended Picks
1. Pulaski Axe, Single Bit, Hickory, 36 In. – by Council Tool
This single bit axe that is branded as Pulaski is a good fit for garden use, and you will have a worthy home care accessory in it. It is a rock solid bit chops wood into the shape you want. The package comes with a protector for the blade but without a sheath.
This Pulaski has a red enamel glazed edges with clear lacquer finishing. The length is a 36 inches framework and has been oil-quenched to boost hardness. The material of the handle is hickory and its straightness is a clear evidence of its sturdy built. The cutting comes to 4.75 inches.
Feature:
- Designed and fitted as a Single Bit
- The axe and handle comes to 36 inches
- 3-3/4 lb in axe head weight
2. Dayton Axe, 4-3/4 In Edge, 36 In L, Hickory – by Council Tool
This is another sturdy product from Council Tool that comes with an edge that is obviously serviceable and proven to be so. It is a fitting match to whet the edge on a belt sander, if you have one.
This axe comes as a lightweight splitter and its head is one that has been hydraulically seated for balance. The cutting edges are also in face red enamel with clear lacquer finishing. The presence of aluminum wedge makes the head secured in place.
The ergonomics is unique as it comes with a curved handle made out of hickory. The overall weight is 5 pounds and its length is 36 inches. It can drop in water and not have any change in its weight, as a result of its sturdy finish.
Feature:
- Designed and fitted as a Single Bit
- Cutting Edge dimension comes to 4-3/4 Inches
- Lightweight in configuration
3. Council Velvicut® Bad Axe Boy’s Axe – by Council Tool
This is a splitter that tears the wood apart for your use with remarkable precision. It can have its edge whet to the split precision of your choice. The Council Velvicut comes with a grain orientation that is miles apart from other options. The handle is made out of hickory and there is a light oil coating on the axe head.
The single fit design takes off the worry of any flip-offs when in use. There is a sheath provided in the package that is designed to be durable. The axe head is centrally placed and made of steel, and weighs 2.25 pounds. The entire axe length is 27.5 inches and this is a fair length. The dimension of the cutting edge is 9 inches.
For those who love product with manuals, this is one that meets the mark, as it comes with a booklet of instructions you can use.
Feature:
- The axe head is made out of Steel
- 2-1/4 lb in axe head weight
- The length comes to 30 inches
4. SEPTLS770ZS12 – Vaughan Supersportsmans Sub-Zero Axes – ZS1/2 – by Vaughan
This wood splitter is fitted to rip apart logs that are up to 3 inches in diameter. It is a median weight axe that is just under 2 pounds. The edge was designed to be dull, and this gives you the latitude to have it whet to the precision of your choice.
The handle comes from hickory and ergonomically slanted with a curvature. The head is made out of steel, so that you can trust in its sturdiness. The bright blue paint on its head aligns with the casting marks you find on it. You can order for this single bit axe if you love the mid-size.
Feature:
- This axe weight is no up to 2 pounds.
- The axe has a Dull edge
- Hickory fitted handle
- The head is made out of steel
5. True Temper 1113090800 34″ 12 Lb Lickety Wood Splitter With Steel Handle – by Ames
The True temper wood splitter measures 34 inches at full length and the diameter is 6.75 inches. The entire weight is 15.5 pounds. The head is made out of steel, while the handle type is steel forged as well but the cover is straight from polypropylene.
The grip of the axe is enhanced with the neoprene finish otherwise the steel will be difficult to hold when slippery. This also matches up when there is temperature drop and metals begin to give the shock –cold effect. The steel handle measures up to 34 inches and is a good leverage to use when chopping wood.
Feature:
- 12 lb in weight
- Axe made of steel on an all-round basis
- molded polypropylene-covered handle
- 75 inches in diameter
6. Velvicut 2 Pound Premium Hudson Bay Bush Craft, Camp Axe with Sheath – by Council Tool
This wood splitter from Council Tool is another recommendation for the best axe you can find in the marketplace. This axe is delivered to you with a sheath and is a determined match for Rc 52-56. The handle is made out of hickory and the grain of the handle is suited for strength.
The cutting edge of this axe is 4 inches in dimension and 18 inches in handle length. The handle design is enhanced for ergonomics and grip. The face of the axe has been treated for durability with the heat effect. This also assures of edge-holding and toughness. The 5160 alloy steel composition of the axe head is a sturdy complement to note.
Feature:
- 4 inches dimension for the cutting edge
- The sheath is all-leather made
- Hickory- fitted handle
- The axe head weighs 2 pounds
7. Hewing Goosewing Bearded Broad Axe Head – Viking Style- Extra Rare – by Mapsyst
This Viking-head themed axe head splitter is designed to the two-sided slant with a massive blade. There is the left-side and right-side models that shoppers can choose from. The weight of the blade comes to 1.7 pounds while the length is 8 inches. The blade design is reputed to be straight out of steel composition that is enviable.
The appearance is one that appeals to lovers of old-time fables and myths, as well as lovers of the fairy tale world of the by-gone years. This does not detract from the quality of the axe, as it is fitted to be a durable buy.
The forge and grind is attractive as it has been treated to bees wax finishing and oil oxidation, to make it durable. The ergonomic design is one that is attractive and this should be attributed to the handcrafted finishing. Anyone who loves durability and craft in one product will appreciate the Viking styled axe mentioned here.
Feature:
- Optimized with natural bees and oil cover
- Blade size 1,7 pounds
- Made out of steel
8. Fiskars 7853 23.5″ Splitting Axe – by Fiskars
This splitting axe comes with an edge retention that is publicized as largely superior top others. It is a 23.5 inches product that is fitted with a Nyglass fiberglass handle, composite reinforced and unique head with an injection-mold.
The axe head is fused to never fall off irrespective of the circumstance of use. There is a plastic sheath that came with it, and this can be used as a carrying handle. The product is lightweight but the appearance is less than compact.
The user on- the -go will appreciate a compact design that can be taken along without much ado, if there is no need to drop it in the car trunk.
Feature:
- Designed with a superior edge retention
- Made out of forged steel
- The coated head is non-stick
- Handle reinforced with Nyglass fiberglass
Summary
The best axes come designed with a slant to be a single fit, forged out of steel and oil-treated for durability. While the use of wooden and composite handles are common, the best fit might as well depend on the clime of use.
The recommended products have a reputation of user appreciation, and this explains while some of the brand names have multiple products on the outline. Irrespective of your preference for an axe with a right or a left slant, there is an option you can use on this list.
Just be sure to make a choice that fits your budget and expected use.
Update 08/2017
As an ancient tool, axe developed over a long period from about 8000 to 2000 BC. At the beginning, the head was made of flint or other hard stone, and was fixed to wooden or bone handles. Later the copper axe heads were created.
The 5 Best types of axes
1. Gransfors Bruks American Felling Axe Straight
Gransfors Bruks first-class full size axe is based on a American classic colonial pattern. It is primarily used as felling trees and sectioning logs. The Gransfors Bruks is one of Sweden finest forges. After forging, each axe is fitted with a tight-grained hickory handle and provided with a grain-leather sheath with snap fastener.
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2. Camp Axe by Buck Knives
It can chop through the wood with the forged, powder-coated, high-carbon steel blade efficiently. It features ergonomic shaped, high-impact plastic handle, and nylon sheath. It weights 1lb 12 oz, comes with a plastic handle, steel blade, and nylon sheath. Its length is 12 1-4 inches.
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3. Cold Steel Trail Boss Hickory Handle
The Trail Boss is light and compact so you can carry all day in your hand or strapped to your pack. But for chores that would make a hatchet or tomahawk scream for mercy, it may be a little bit heavy and tough. Equipped with a European style head with a 4″ blade and a 4 1/2″ cutting edge, it can take a big bite. The Trail Boss even passed Lynn C. Thompson’s extensive field-test. He used it to chop kindling, clear roads and trails, and even to chop down a fair sized Gidgee Tree in Australia.
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4. S.A. Wetterling Axe 20H S.A. Wetterlings Axes – Large Hunters Axe
Wetterlings have been hand forging axes in Sweden for many years. Their axes have the highest quality. The ax designed for large hunting is powerful and can keep a good balance. Featuring low weight head and long handles. This axe can give you strength to chop. It is your best choice to bring this on your hunting trip in the wild. Wetterlings axes are free from paint and grinding, carefully hardened, sharpened by hand and polished until they shine.
Specification: 0.7kg Turpentine Axe Head, Swedish carbon steel 3 inch blade, 6 inch long* Slightly rounded, sloped bevel, knife ground to 24 degree angle* 56-58 RwC 20 inch curved Hickory Handle total weight 0.95kg.
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5. Husqvarna Multi-Purpose Forest Axe (1.9 Lbs) With 26″ Handle
Husqvarna Multi-Purpose Forest axes are the best choice for felling smaller trees and limbing logs. This one features a full grain leather sheath for protection. The blade is made of high quality Swedish steel and the curved handle is made of solid hickory. You may regard it simply as the Forest axe, but this is a traditional Multi-Purpose Axe.
Specification: Dimensions Weight of Head 1.9 lbs. Total Weight Head 2.7 lbs. Length of Head: 6-3/4″ Face of Head: 3-1/2″ Back of Head Length: 2-1/4″ Handle: 26″ Ed.
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