Anybody who has ever tried to split wood will know it requires precision and strength from the user, and an excellent design of axe, whether it’s the sharpness, weight, or ergonomics of the handle. That’s why finding the best axe in Australia is so important!
Cutting logs is never easy and usually sweat-inducing, but with a high-quality log splitting axe, the job will be less onerous and you’ll be splitting wood like a true pro in no time at all.
Whether you’re cutting firewood, felling trees, going camping, or practicing bushcraft, using a sharp high-quality axe is key. So read on, and discover our top reviews.
Fiskars 378841-1002 X27
For outstanding overall quality, the Fiskars 378841-1002 X27 axe is a great choice. Perfect for splitting logs of medium to extra-large size, this tool is strong and durable.
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A Man Showing Fiskars 378841-1002 X7 Splitter Axe
Handle Length And Material
There are three common materials which are used for making axe handles. These are fibreglass, metal, and wood.
Of course, wood is the most traditional material. It can absorb some shock and vibration from axe blows and is relatively lightweight. Yet, while it’s fairly comfortable to hold, it may break on impact after a prolonged period of use.
Metal handles are extremely durable but they’re heavy. Metal handles don’t absorb shock or vibrations so they’re transferred into your arms and hands.
A fibreglass handle will usually be stronger than wood however it won’t be quite as strong as a steel handle. Fibreglass is lightweight (1), but less comfortable in the hands.
A longer axe handle allows you to generate more force with each swing. However, it’s harder to be precise with a longer handle. In most cases, a handle measuring 28” – 31” is ideal for a variety of tasks.
Weight
The weight of an axe is just the weight of its head rather than the whole tool. A heavier axe generates more power when you swing. However, it will also be harder to control.
Who are the best Australian axe makers? Check our article to know more about it.
A heavy axe of 6lbs or more is needed for hardcore tasks like wood demolition. But for regular use, for example felling small trees or chopping small logs, a 3lb axe will suffice.
Type
There are a few different types of axe for you to pick from:
- Felling axes are most common. Sometimes called camping axes or chopping axes, they’re used for clearing brush and chopping branches. This type of axe has a long handle with a head that weighs between 2lbs and 4lbs.
- Splitting axes are used for splitting logs. They’re less sharp than felling axes but usually are heavier. An 8lb axe will usually suffice, but some weigh as much as 12lbs.
- Hatchets are lightweight, small axes weighing about 1lb and measuring under 14”. They’re designed for single-handed use for chopping branches and small brush.
- Tomahawks weigh about 1lb and measure less than 2 feet in length. They have straight handles and are commonly used for throwing.
- Tactical axes are multipurpose tools popular with hardcore campers, preppers and survivalists.
- Carpenter’s axes are specialist tools ideal for woodwork and shouldn’t be used for splitting logs or cutting trees.
- Double bit axes have two sides, one which is duller and one which is sharper. These axes can be used for splitting logs and felling trees.
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Fiskars 378841-1002 X27 |
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see price on amazon
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Fiskars 378571-1002 X15 Chopping Axe |
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Estwing Camper’s Axe – 14″ Hatchet |
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see price on amazon
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Check Out Our Best Camping Axe In Australia Reviews
Here, you’ll find our reviews of the top four axes to purchase this year.
1. Fiskars 378841-1002 X27 – Best Overall
Specifications
Weight – 5.85lbs
- Handle – Fibreglass
- Blade – Hardened forged steel
- Handle Length – 36”
For outstanding overall quality, the Fiskars 378841-1002 X27 axe is a great choice. Perfect for splitting logs of medium to extra-large size, this tool is strong and durable.
The handle is made from lightweight fibreglass which absorbs shock effectively while preventing overstrike damage. Meanwhile, the blade is ultra-sharp and is made out of hardened forged steel. This axe has been designed for effective weight distribution which has been optimised specifically for splitting.
The long 36” handle is ideal for taller users, and comes with a non-slip grip to ensure maximum leverage. The blade also features a low-friction coat to minimise sticking.
The head is insert-moulded so will never become loose for optimal safety. This axe also comes with its own sheath for safer storage and transportation.
2. Fiskars 378571-1002 X15 Chopping Axe – Best On A Budget
Specifications
Weight – 1.63kg
- Handle – Fibreglass
- Blade – Hardened forged steel
- Handle Length – 23.5”
If you’re on a low budget but need a good quality axe, the Fiskars X15 is ideal. Designed for felling trees, this well-designed axe chops deeper with every swing so you can be more productive.
The blade features a non-stick friction-reducing coating for more effective performance. The blade also has a design that is insert-moulded so it will always remain firmly in place for better safely.
The fibreglass handle is super lightweight and shock-absorbing, and yet is stronger than steel. This means it is built to last while guarding against overstrike damage.
This tool comes with its own sheath for safer transport and storage. It is also protected by a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty for your peace of mind.
3. Estwing Camper’s Axe – 14″ Hatchet – Best For Portability
Specifications
Weight – 907.18g
- Handle – Steel and rubber
- Blade – Hardened forged steel
- Handle Length – 14”
Designed specifically for campers, the Estwing Camper’s Axe is lightweight and high-performing. Forged in a single piece, this axe is incredibly durable and long-lasting. It’s also made from high-quality steel for outstanding robustness.
This versatile tool is ideal for all kinds of tasks including chopping branches, small trees and logs, and splitting firewood. Its 3.5” cutting edge is more than adequate for all your chopping needs.
The handle comes with a shock reducing grip which is durable, comfortable and cuts impact vibrations by 70%. This axe also comes with its own nylon heavy-duty sheath for extra safety during storage and transport.
The Verdict – Which Log Splitting Axe Do We Recommend?
The three axes that we’ve recommended here are all excellent choices. However, we believe that the very best option has to be the Estwing Camper’s Axe.
Designed specifically for outdoor use, this axe is small enough to take anywhere. It is versatile enough to use for many different purposes which makes it ideal for camping. It also comes with a surprisingly low price tag making it an affordable choice.
Best Wood Splitter Axe FAQs
Axes need to be sharp, as an axe is far more likely to slip if the blade has become dull, and this could be very dangerous. To sharpen an axe, follow this procedure:
Remove any sap, rust or dirt from the bladed using sandpaper or steel wool.
Fix the axe into a vice with the blade sticking out over the bench edge.
Put some work gloves on to keep your hands safe.
Use a file to stroke the edge of the blade. Only move outwards on the edge.
Once rough edges appear on the blade’s other side, turn over the axe and repeat the process.
Apply water or honing oil to the blade edge.
Use a whetstone, making circular movements along the blade edge.
Apply machine oil, petroleum jelly or beeswax on the blade.
It’s important to store your axe properly to prevent damage and injury. Follow these steps to ensure your axe is safely stored away:
Remove any sap, sawdust or mud from the axe before putting it away.
Apply oil to the axe blade.
Make sure to choose a protected, indoor location where your axe won’t be exposed to freezing or very hot temperatures. Make sure pets and children will not come into contact with it.
Use a leather sheath to protect the blade – they usually come with one.
Hang your axe on a wall or use a storage rack.
More people are starting to get into axe throwing as a hobby (2), but you cannot use a wood splitting axe for this purpose. You need to use an axe that has been made specifically for throwing.
References
- Todd Johnson – 3 January 2020 – What Is Fiberglass And How Is It Manufactured?- Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-fiberglass-or-glass-fiber-820469
- Jazmyne Boozer – 12 November 2018 – Why Axe Throwing Should Be Your New Hobby – retrieved from http://ngu-vision.squarespace.com/newsfeed/2018/11/4/axe-throwing
