We have something fascinating for you if you are interested in log splitting. We’re talking about the best log splitting axe. A splitting axe is a fantastic tool with a long handle that is used to split wood into small pieces. One side of the axe resembles a tack hammer, while the other side is like a normal axe. The sledge axe, blockbuster, or block splitter are some of its other names.
Our splitting axes are an excellent option for efficiently splitting wood. These axes can split any log, no matter how difficult it may be. They combine classic style with excellent performance, and they are designed to make wood splitting quicker and easier while minimizing body stress. There are many designs from various manufacturers, so here are some of the best log splitting axes from which you can choose.
Here are My 3 Best Log Splitting Axes:
1. Fiskars X25 Splitting Axe:
The Fiskars X25 is a well-made axe suitable for splitting large wood logs all day without breaking. Its FiberComp handle is strong and lightweight and does an excellent job of reducing shock. It’s long enough at 28 inches to produce remarkable splitting power. With its razor-sharp edge and anti-stick blade coating, it can cut through any kind of wood. It is our favorite large splitting axe from Fiskars and is ideal for substantial amounts of wood, offering an incredible blend of power, accuracy, and simplicity of use.
The X25 has features that distinguish it from the competition, including a permanent molded head that can endure hits, much like the rest of the Fiskars X-Series. Even the strongest overstrike is unlikely to shatter it. The head is made of hardened forged steel, which will keep you cutting wood for years. It also includes a powerful double-hardened cutting edge that easily cuts through resistant wood when sharpened regularly.
We also liked the anti-stick coating on the axe head, which ensures that the blade won’t pinch or bind when splitting wood and produces less jarring when striking. This means that you can work for extended periods without experiencing wrist discomfort. The axe also features a flared knob at the haft’s end to prevent it from flying out of your hands, and the grip does not get slippery even when sprayed with water. The axe has a lanyard hole at the end of the handle for convenient storage when not in use.
The X25 comes with an easy-to-attach plastic cover that protects the blade while preventing humans and animals from hurting themselves. It also offers a convenient handle for carrying the tool safely and easily. Using a head cover also drains any water on the axe, which helps to minimize rust formation and prolongs the axe’s lifespan.
In conclusion, the Fiskars X25 represents excellent value for money, providing comparable performance to the best axe brands at a reduced price. If you’re looking for a dependable, durable, and efficient large splitting axe, the Fiskars X25 is an excellent choice.
Specifications:
Total Length: 28″ (77.4cm)
Head weight: 4.03 lbs (1.83kg)
Total weight: 5.42 lbs (2.46kg)
Hardened/forged: medium carbon steel head.
Country of Origin: Made in Billnäs, Finland
Warranty: 25 Years
Pros:
• A fantastic tool for splitting all types of wood.
• A sleek, modern-looking axe that almost all people will love.
• Easy to swing and has a minimal vibration on impact.
• Built of impact-resistant materials.
• Made in Finland by a well-known 370-year-old firm
Cons:
• It has less power than a maul or a larger axe.
• Extremely rough, knotty wood may be difficult to split.
2. Estwing Sportsman’s Axe:
A survival axe should be durable, so it can assist you whenever and wherever you require it. This is precisely what you can expect from the Estwing E24A Sportsman axe, which is made from the finest American tool-grade steel.
The head and handle have been forged into a single piece to increase the axe’s durability, which is why the Estwing hatchet is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. This traditional axe lasts a long time and has exceptional balance and temper, making it necessary to learn the art of axe use.
Most people enjoy using the Estwing hiking axe since it is robust and comfortable to use. The camping hatchet’s handle is made of genuine leather and has a beautiful appearance.
The leather handle has been polished and varnished to provide a secure grip when cutting and splitting wood, making it even considered the best camping axe due to its long-lasting finish and multi-functional usage. It is ideal for personal defense, cutting and splitting wood, using as a wedge, and building tents at campgrounds.
The Estwing axe comes with a tough ballistic nylon sheath, in addition to its leather grip, to keep it safe when not in use. This adds to your safety and security by preventing any potential accidents and keeping the camping axe’s head from getting chipped during storage.
Additionally, this axe features a belt loop, allowing you to take your preferred tool with you wherever you go.
Estwing, the world-famous Sportsman axe company based in the US, is known for paying close attention to making all of its outdoor equipment, and this camping axe stands out in a crowd because of its manufacturing process. Its head and neck have been carefully polished, making it stand out from the rest, along with its beautiful finish.
The survival axe boasts a hand-honed cutting edge that provides a better and smoother cut and split when used with the best maul. The edge is sharp enough to be used as a wedge to split bigger pieces of wood. The hiking axe even features a non-reflective surface for a better user experience and comfort when splitting and cutting wood in the afternoon sun.
The Estwing E24A 14-Inch Sportsman’s Axe appears to be the ideal survival axe for your next camping trip, with everything you need for a great user experience and safety during your travels.
Specifications:
Brand: Estwing
Item Dimensions: LxWxH: 13 x 5 x 1 inches
Color: Leather
Head Type: Hatchet
Item Weight: 1.86 Pounds
Pros:
• Exclusively manufactured in the USA.
• Forged American steel head and shaft of the highest quality
• Beautifully crafted leather grip
• Hand-honed tempered cutting edge
• Hand polished Hatchet backpack
• 12″ camping hatchet for increased usability
Cons:
• Some customers claim that the steel utilized is too soft.
• When using, wear eye protection.
3. SOG Camp Axe:
The SOG Camp Axe is a multi-purpose tool designed for cutting, chopping, and batoning. It features a 3.5-inch straight edge and a handle made of Glass Reinforced Nylon (GRN), which is lightweight and durable. Additionally, the Camp Axe’s handle has a bottle opener and an integrated mechanism consisting of two wet/dry sandpapers that work together to keep the blade sharp for longer. The SOG Camp Axe is a durable and multifunctional knife.
The Camp Axe is a traditional axe that has been developed to be the best adventure tool. Whatever its intended use, the axe’s nylon sheath will protect it from moisture and prevent it from getting damaged. Since the axe’s head is small, it can fit comfortably in your pocket or bag, eliminating the need to carry a toolbox full of massive axes.
SOG has been at the forefront of knife innovation for many years, particularly in tactical, outdoor, and rescue knives. The SOG Camp Axe is one of their most versatile multi-use tools, capable of chopping, digging, and prying with a single tool. This multi-purpose tool weighs just under 2 pounds and has a black coated CPM M4 high carbon steel blade that prevents rust and corrosion. The axe’s rubberized grip provides excellent traction in wet or slippery conditions.
The SOG Camp Axe is an excellent knife to bring with you while camping or hunting. It features a basic but effective design that is ideal for outdoor use. The blade is composed of 1095 carbon steel, which retains its edge effectively.
The handle is made of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), a highly sturdy material that will not break easily even if dropped. The sheath also includes a hole on the bottom for attaching it to your belt or another area of your body, so it does not get lost.
If you are searching for a good camping axe, the SOG Camp Axe is a great option. It is reasonably priced and comes with a decent warranty. We also appreciate how the blade’s shape can be used for more than just camping.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: SOG
Weight: 1.01 lbs
Dimensions: 5 x 11.5 x 0.71 inches
Material: Stainless Steel
Pros:
• Very portable and user-friendly
• Very sharp and easy to hold and turn
• Very light tool
• The hand axe is made of textured GRN.
• The best forest axe in small sizes
• Designed the best stainless steel blade
• May be used as a wood hatcher and hammer axe.
• Using glass-reinforced nylon to save the blade
Cons:
• need a cable to attach to the wrist.
How to Choose the Best Log Splitting Axe:
Splitting and chopping wood for your fire is satisfying, but you must have the right tool for the job. An axe designed specifically for splitting logs for use as fuel does what it says on the box. Since there are so many different models on the market, we’ve created the following guide to assist you in making an informed decision:
The Benefits of a Log Splitting Axe:
A log splitting axe, which is intended to split logs along the wood grain, is an excellent tool for splitting firewood. Tapered heads are common on splitting axes. The force of the axe’s head falling into the wood causes it to split, and the tapered cutting edge cuts deeper into the log. The thicker edge of the blade then follows and successfully splits the log apart.
A splitting axe typically weighs between 2 and 3 kg, making it lighter and easier to wield than splitting mauls. Therefore, you will find that they facilitate and secure your wood splitting. Logs might be expensive to purchase from a company. However, if you have an axe that can split them, you can save money by eliminating the middleman and doing it yourself.
Additionally, log splitting is an excellent exercise, so you’ll be in shape while you chop up wood for the fire. It’s an exercise that can burn between 400 and 500 calories per hour while also using the same muscles as an abdominal crunch!
Knowing Which Type of Axe to Buy:
Axes for felling trees and dividing timber are different. Log splitting axes and felling axes are two of the most common types of axes. Here’s additional information about each axe to ensure you select the correct one for the job:
Log Splitting Axe:
Compared to felling axes, log splitting axes feature thicker “cheeks” on the blade head, and they have a shorter blade length. The head of a log splitting axe is broader because it works as a splitting maul, forcing the log apart and causing it to split.
The purpose of a splitting axe is not to cut through the entire piece of wood but rather to push the wood apart. It cuts with the wood’s natural grain rather than against it. Even the best log splitting axe is not suitable for cutting down a tree because the blade is not sharp enough or in the correct form. It would require too much time and effort in comparison to other axes.
Felling Axe:
The head of a felling axe is long and thin, and the blade is sharper, making it more suitable for cutting deeper into large pieces of wood, such as tree trunks. While splitting firewood with a felling axe, the axe may get stuck. The blade is sharp, but it is pretty thin throughout, so it will not provide the same splitting effect as a log splitting axe. Instead, it helps hammer away bulky items.
Choosing the Right Handle Length:
The length of the handle varies depending on the type of axe you are using. Your choice should be influenced by your height and the amount of swing you need.
A longer handle will give you a bigger swing, which means more momentum and greater force delivered by the axe. This makes it easier to split larger logs in theory.
On the other hand, a shorter handle has benefits, such as being easier to hold and lighter than a longer axe. However, a smaller swing arc can be dangerous because the axe may not be stopped by the ground in front of you, which could result in it hitting your legs.
This brings us to the question of how to determine the correct length of the axe handle. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that the handle is neither too short nor too long for your height.
To determine the correct length for you, measure your inseam. This can be done by measuring the inner length of your leg from your crotch to your ankle bone. Alternatively, you can measure a pair of your pants from the crotch to the hem.
The length of the axe handle can be a few millimeters longer than your inseam measurement, but it should be as close to it as possible.
Selecting the Handle Material:
Wooden Handles:
Traditionally, splitting axes have had hardwood handles, and this is still a common option. Hardwood handles effectively absorb shock, making them more pleasant to use for extended periods. However, they are often varnished for longevity, which might make them difficult to hold. Unvarnished ones might expand and shrink based on humidity and temperature.
Fiberglass Handles:
Axe handles made of fiberglass are lighter, simpler to wield, and more durable than wood. Unlike metal handles, fiberglass handles will not rust and are less affected by the climate. However, they are difficult to repair, which means you may have to buy a new axe if your fiberglass handle breaks.
Steel Handles:
Steel axe handles are the strongest and longest lasting, but they are also the rarest. The disadvantage of steel handles is that they do not absorb much impact. More costly versions may incorporate shock-absorbing grips to make the axe more pleasant to handle.
Single vs Double Bit Axes:
The ‘bit’ of an axe is its cutting edge; it is also known as the blade. Splitting axes often feature a single or double bit. A ‘double bit’ axe has two ‘blades,’ one on each side of the axe head. Single-bit axes are more common, and their weight distribution and larger one-sided head lend themselves
to greater splitting strength. Two-bit axes are more balanced and provide greater control during chopping. However, tremendous caution should be shown while using an axe, and the multiple blades of a double-bit axe call for even more of it.
FAQs:
Can I Cut Kindling with A Log Splitting Axe?
If you’re attempting to manufacture kindling, a tool like the Kindling Cracker Firewood Splitter will be considerably more helpful. A log splitting axe will have too much power, burning energy and scattering kindling everywhere. A smaller, one-handed tool, such as a hand axe, kindling axe, or hatchet, is ideal for this task.
Can I Fell Trees with A Log Splitting Axe?
A splitting axe is not suitable for chopping down whole trees since it splits wood with the grain as opposed to across the grain. A felling axe is required to chop down trees.
What Is the Difference Between a Chopping and A Splitting Axe?
Chopping and splitting axes serve diverse purposes. In contrast to a splitting axe, a chopping axe has a thinner and sharper blade that is meant to shred wood fibers and chop logs against the grain. If you attempt to split logs with a chopping axe, it will get caught a lot since you are trying to cut down the grain rather than across it. A wood-splitting axe is designed to cut vertically in one downward stroke.
Can I Bring a Log Splitting Axe with Me on A Camping Trip?
There are tight laws in the US and elsewhere regarding where and under what conditions it is permissible to carry a bladed object, including knives and axes. Carrying any bladed item in a public place without “good cause” is forbidden.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs and troubleshooting about camping and enjoying the outdoors, here are some additional posts to check out:
Conclusion:
All the splitting axes described above are highly recommended and suitable for all users. You are now aware of several brands and features of log-splitting axes. You must choose an axe that will suit all of your
criteria. It is also critical to examine all of the features and characteristics of your preferred model to select the best one for you.
So, that for which exactly are you searching? Don’t look any further; instead, go with the best log-splitting axe. Thanks for reading, if you think I forgot something or if you simply want to share a story or some advice, feel free to leave your comment, but for now…Be safe and happy camping.