Best Axe Reviews 2023

Axes need to be well-made, sturdy tools to get through strong, rigid wood, so making sure you don’t go for a cheap axe is really important. Having said that, it doesn’t mean you have to spend an arm and a leg. You can get a quality axe for around $30, with our featured products going up to about $90. With the more expensive axes, you can expect a smooth, curved handle for comfort and power when you are splitting your wood, as well as a strong metal head connected with secure fixing that will last a long time through multiple impacts.

To keep you on track when choosing your axe, we’ve broken it down so you know what features to look for to find the right one for you.

Here is a list of the important aspects to keep in mind:

• Handle Length
• Handle Shape
• Handle Material
• Fixtures
• Head Material
• Overall Size and Weight
• Storage

Now, with these in mind, let’s look at the different options you have.

When it comes to the construction of an axe you can split it into two categories; the head and the handle. You’ll want to look at the shape, material and length of both.

Handle

Shape: The shape can either be a straight cylinder or have gentle curves. Some people think the slight curve helps to push more power into the axe and achieve a more accurate, precise split in the wood.

Material: The material is usually wood, glass-filled nylon, steel or any other material that is strong enough to withstand the pressure. Wood is the classic choice and is often still used now, as it’s strong and lasts a long time. If you choose a steel handle, make sure it comes with a cover, or you make one yourself, so it’s not too smooth and slippery when you’re cutting the wood. As for nylon handles, manufactures can mold them into a good shape with grooves in them to stop them from slipping in your hands.

Length: Having a handle with a good amount of length is important, as you don’t want to be too close to the wood in case splinters come out when cutting it, although having protective glasses on should be a requirement. Also, added length helps give you a powerful swing so the head cuts deeply into the wood. Most handles are between 13 and 23 inches.

Head

Shape: The shape of the head will determine what the axe should be used for. For example, if you go for an axe with a very thin profile, sharp blade and tapered head then this would be best used for cutting branches, deep cuts and cutting at tough bark. This shape will offer you the easiest cuts so probably great for a beginner. Alternatively, an axe for splitting logs would have a wider profile head and would be much heavier too.

Material: The material of the axe head can be made from bronze, copper, iron or steel, however the most common by far is steel. Iron is just too soft for what an axe needs to do and therefore other elements such as manganese, carbon and silicon are added, and after some heating and combining, a much harder material is formed; steel!

Size: The size of the head will be closely linked with the head shape and the use of the axe. It will usually be referred to in weight rather than dimensions. For example, a felling axe head will usually be between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds whereas a splitting maul will have a much heavier head, between 6 and 8 pounds. This is a huge difference which is why it’s so important to know which type of axe you’re looking for.

Overall Size and Weight

Make sure, for storage reasons, you look at the entire size of the axe so you won’t have to just leave it hanging around on a work bench. The weight is important, as it can either help or hinder you. Too light, and it may feel flimsy and not drive into the wood like you need it to; too heavy, and you’ll put too much energy into lifting it and not have enough left for powering through the log. Most axes weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds.

Storage

Make sure you store the axe in a safe place that no child can reach or get to. If you buy a wooden axe, don’t store it anywhere that gets too warm, as it might affect the wood by shrinking it, which will, in turn, affect the fixtures and how secure the head is.