Herbert Miller
Among all the essential tools, an axe is one such tool that every house owner must possess. Whether to cut, split, or shape the wood, you need an axe. You need a good quality splitting axe primarily to split the firewood during the winter. The design of the splitting axes is excellent to break wood fibers apart for reproducing them into smaller pieces.
So, the use of splitting axes is unlike felling axes, which only cut through the wood fibers. It is extremely frustrating to split wood with the help of a felling axe. Using the right tool with the correct specialization and specification for any job makes the whole difference.
A splitting axe usually has a pointy head and weighs in between 3 to 6 pounds. During its use, when you try to swing it down, the wood gets split by the force of the wedge. Keeping this in mind, we have turned up with our top three picks, comparing all the features and prices from this category.
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Best Overall
Husqvarna Splitting Axe
- Splits large woods with less force
- Maintains a perfect balance
- Distributes weight equally
- Lasts for a long time
- Non-stick coated axe head.
- Tough and durable
Premium Choice
Gardena 8719 Splitting Axe
- Ideal for splitting medium chunks of wood
- Fiber-reinforced PA shaft
- Ten years warranty
- Hook-shaped handle reduces the chance to handle slipping.
Best Budget
STEELHEAD 23.5-inch Splitting Axe
- Ideal for splitting all the small to medium logs with less effort
- The optimal speed rises the power and balances the weight.
- The blades come with a rust-resistant coating
1. Husqvarna 28 inches Steel Splitting Axe with Fiberglass Handle
If you are questing for a splitting axe that can split larger woods for fire, then Husqvarna 28 inches steel splitting axe is just perfect.
Its premium 5 lbs axe head of steel comes with a coating to enrich the cutting of wood. Here again, the axe head comes with a non-stick coating to minimize the friction that most of the time happens while cutting heavy wood.
Use this to get a perfect balance of power and weight distribution. The consistent high-quality that this Husqvarna splitting axe offers is fantastic. If you maintain well, the axe can last for a long time.
Also, the fiber-reinforced shaft, along with the stainless steel unit, provides protection to the handle and ensures its long life.
Pros
- Non-stick coated axe head.
- Splits large woods with less force
- Maintains a perfect balance
- Distributes weight equally
- Lasts for a long time
- Comes with a handle of fiber-glass composition
- Tough and durable
Cons
- No cons
2. Gardena 8719 Splitting Axe
The Gardena splitting axe is ideal for splitting timbers. The axe head comes with an excellent non-stick coating to minimize friction and easy access into the wood.
The adaptation of head geometry is such that it can do well to split medium chunks of logs. The stainless steel shaft security elevates its longevity. It weighs 6.2 lbs all together, additionally with an axe head of 5lbs. The presence of the balance point near the axe head extends its support to give balance and distribute weight correctly.
Also, the fiber-reinforced PA shaft helps to increase the power and durability of this splitting axe. It comes with a massive ten years warranty period.
Pros
- Ideal for splitting medium chunks of wood
- Fiber-reinforced PA shaft
- Ten years warranty
- Hook-shaped handle reduces the chance to handle slipping.
- Stainless steel protection
Cons
- You may feel tired fast
3. STEELHEAD 23.5 inch Splitting Axe
Steelhead 23.5-inch splitting axe is ideal for splitting small logs such as 8 inches to medium logs 12 inches. Its optimal power to balance weight helps to increase the swinging speed and heightens the ability to split logs deeper without applying much force.
Steelhead axe has another very significant feature, which is its synthetic handle. The favorable texture of this synthetic handle acts as a shock absorber.
Thanks to its inserted molded head that the hatchet combines with the handle so that it prevents the head from separating after its usage repeatedly. Created from the high-carbon and treated with heat steel, this is resistant to rust.
The blades come with rust-resistant coating and are non-sticky for giving a fine and smooth cutting. This further prevents the blade from the buildup of any gunk or debris. Moreover, it improves the cutting ability and efficiently minimizes the total time of cutting logs.
With its lightweight design and small footprints, this axe will take the least amount of area.
Pros
- Ideal for splitting all the small to medium logs with less effort
- The optimal speed rises the power and balances the weight.
- The blades come with a rust-resistant coating.
Cons
- No cons
4. WilFiks 15” Outdoor Hatchet for Wood Splitting
If you need a perfect axe for splitting wood to enjoy the bonfire in the evening, then the brand WilFiks introduces the ideal axe for you. This has almost every feature you have been searching for. This innovative tool has a design to make it a convenient daily life tool.
This particular tool has a durable construction that includes the blade of forged carbon steel heat-treated to give better on strike splits. So, it won’t get worn out.
Chop barks, twigs, or anything with this axe, it will lend support to you. Thus, it is suitable to split logs, branches, firewood, kindling, and many more.
Furthermore, featuring the chopping blade as a fully polished edge also offers easy resharpening with the help of a file. With this, the shock-absorbent grip with slip-resistance and ergonomically designed fiberglass handle relieve your hand from the strain. Accordingly, it even adds to the comfort.
Pros
- Optimized blade geometry design
- Ideal for any outdoor activities like camping, bonfire, hiking, garden work, etc.
- The blade with rubber protective sheath
- Chops branches barks, twigs, logs, and many more
- Safe for transportation and storage
- Slip-resistance
- Shock-absorbent handle
- Provides comfort and puts less strain on hand
Cons
- Blades are not very sharp.
5. Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maul 31.50 Inch Wood Splitting Axe
If you want a premium quality product with a high budget, then go for this Gransfors Bruk Splitting axe. Use this Gransfors Splitting Maul to split from medium to relatively thick and even knotty woods.
It comes with a forge and a relatively thin blade at its bit. This splitting axe can chop the wood easily and quickly and efficiently split it with the broader section that pushes the wood apart.
Do you know what makes this more strikingly perfect? Well, it is its sturdy poll and weight that has sloppy corners. Though the design is quite similar to the larger splitting axe yet, there is a difference. This particular splitting maul has a little longer poll.
Additionally, the Gransfors handle puts on a guarding steel collar below the head of the axe and round creases towards the end. Further, this helps to provide an extra firm grip. It is likely to be the heaviest axe that Gransfors Bruk produces.
Pros
- Sturdy poll
- Protective collar of steel
- Longer poll
- Ideal for chopping heavy wood
- Can split even the woods with knots
- The package also contains an axe book written in the English language.
Cons
- It is bulky
6. Intertool Steel Splitting Axe with 26-inch Fiberglass Handle HT-0264
Get this high-quality Intertool 2.8 lb steel splitting axe that smoothly cuts heavy wood. The fine craftsmanship of this splitting axe offers both lightweight and powerful strokes while cutting woods.
Moreover, its steel-head can split the heavy woods effectively and even stays sharp after any heavy use. The lightweight fiberglass shaft makes the product sturdy and lightweight to ensure its usability and dependability.
Just like the name suggests, the Intertool splitting axe offers a 26-inch haft. This is excellent to influence in making the axe productive with the powerful strokes. Also, the haft has rubber inserts that help to resist slipping of hands even under wet conditions. Additionally, the ergonomic grip design allows further absorption with ease.
This axe will become an essential tool for using in your surroundings or outdoors. Moreover, the high-quality and wear-resistant steel that they offer is suitable for continuous usage.
Pros
- The hole at the grip’s end allows the facility of hanging.
- Maintains balance
- Easy to store and port
- The silicone blade cover provides safe storage.
Cons
- Though it offers a powerful stroke yet, it may take time to cut the heavy woods.
7. Estwing Fireside Friend Axe – 14” Wood Splitting – E3-FF4
Estwing Fireside Friend Axe is a product of premium quality. This splitting maul has a large sledgehammer, which comes with a sharp axe head. The in-built long handle with a dull blade edge splits wood via force.
The weighted wedge helps to make splitting and chopping of the firewood and logs easy. The sheath (heavy-duty) of this axe contains a ballistic nylon case that gives protection to the hand-sharpened splitting edge.
Also, the weight and length of this tool give the power for splitting wood easily. It is ideal for reproducing smaller pieces of logs by splitting the wood fibers spaced out.
Not to forget, you get a grip that reduces the vibration by about 70%. Hence, this makes the tool all the more shock-absorbing, comfortable to work with, and increases its durability.
Moreover, its broader head enables a reduction in wastage of wood. Consequently, it means you can get more wood and rejoice near the fireplace for a long time.
Pros
- Solid Steel from America
- Hand-sharpened Edge
- Suitable Grip to reduce shock
- Nylon Sheath
- Tempered 2-3/8” cutting edge
- Desirable length and weight
- Built to produce maximum comfort and usage
- Sheath with reliable ballistic nylon
Cons
- ● Dull blade
8. Gerber 36-Inch Power Splitting Axe
Next on the list is Gerber 36 inches Splitting Axe. This splitting axe has a more robust and longer handle. It also has a heavy-weight stainless steel head to deliver power while splitting logs and chopping the bottom.
To make your work easy and save time, the Gerber 36-inch splitting axe again gives a commendable feature. Well, this possesses the capacity to chop and split logs ranging from medium to large size in an individual blow.
Accentuating the novel black PTFE coating, the axe blade segments and splits through the wood without any blockage or getting sticking. It also helps in refusing the unnecessary frictions while swinging the axe. Likewise, the well-crafted head of the axe slices wood smoothly.
Besides, this 36-inch splitting axe is durable and sturdy as it comes with a robust glass-filled handle of nylon. Thus, the handle becomes more comfortable to grip. Along with this, the blade of forged stainless steel presents edge maintenance.
Pros
- Blades with PTFE coating that lessens friction
- Fine craft of the axe to chop wood clean
- Long 36-inch handle to put on more force during wood splitting.
- Shock absorbent handle
- Minimizes strain in hand when using for a long time
Cons
- Slightly pricey
9. Intertool Steel Splitting Axe HT-0263
The Intertool steel splitting axe HT-0263 is a necessary tool for chopping wood for camping, gardening, or bonfire. You can use this axe to hew and split woods. Its heavy-duty head comes with a superior quality and rust-resistant steel tool.
Resharpen the bit easily and consistently use this for a long time. The lightweight fiberglass handle is not ideal for sustaining its usage as persistent. Here again, the haft contains rubber insertion to exclude slipping away from the hands even if the condition is wet.
Also, the ergonomic grip absorbs vibration impact and relieves the hand. The 20.7 inches haft allows additional accuracy and power when you swing on to strike the wood. The axe features a comfortable head-to-handle joint that continues safely even after heavy use.
The combination of red and black colors also works in support to find the axe faster, even if it gets lost in tall grass and underbrush.
Pros
- Hole to hang the axe
- Ideal for wood preparation, landscaping, and camping
- Uses heavy-duty steel to create
- Ergonomic design
- A lightweight and versatile tool
- Affordable
- Absorbs shock and slip-resistant
- Easy storage
- Give low effort and get high leverage.
Cons
- The handle is just 20.7 inches long
10. Stansport Wood Handle Hand Axe
Slice wood smoothly with the help of this Stansport Wood Handle 24 inches Axe. Here the axe head has a durable and robust forge construction. Its flat back is excellent for the use of hammering as the strong handle can deal with the tough use. Yes, the long handle is merely perfect for pulling off the job right.
The Stansport axe is very lightweight as it weighs 2.5 lbs and also comes with a haft of 24 inches long. The drop-forged head feature elongates the strength and longevity of the axe.
It is an ideal axe for campers or self-gardeners to prepare the wood. Work like a champ without putting extra effort to split woods and enjoy creating the desirable log size for bonfires.
Pros
- Strength and longevity come from the drop-forged head.
- Flatback ideal for hammering
- Strong hardwood handle
- Affordable
Cons
- It is not very thick.
Wood Splitting Axe Buying Guide
The general question that arises in our mind when planning to buy a splitting axe is which one is suitable for you? Here is a plan that can solve your confusion and help you out to find the best axe for splitting wood.
Materials
Usually, the handles of the splitting axe handles are available in three materials- hardwood, fiberglass, and forged steel. Wood handles are lightweight and absorb shock well when you strike on the log. However, it can break with time and need replacement.
Fiberglass handles are very smooth and also can absorb some shocks caused by splitting impact. However, it tends to perform low under sub-zero temperature.
Steel axe handles are the most durable option, but it cannot absorb shock, and you will feel reverberation with every strike.
Length
While choosing the right splitting axe, the length of the handle is very significant as the longer handle offers more power and velocity. However, it may be challenging to hit the spot precisely. Axes with short handles are ideal for one-hand usage and are especially suitable for kindling purposes.
Weight Variation
Though a heavier axe head can produce more power while swinging to strike, side by side, it can tire you fast. The Standard splitting axe heads weigh between three to six pounds.
Conclusion
So, for splitting wood accurately, you need the best splitting axe, which features a heavy-duty iron head and a wedge-shaped blade to access the wood to separate them.
Here, we have a useful guide that you can follow to throw away all your queries and a list that you can browse through to order the right axe for yourself.
