How to Choose an Axe to Buy [Type, Size, Length, Weight]

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Written By Michael Culligan

With over 12 years of experience in Oregon's forestry industry, I have established myself as a skilled and knowledgeable lumber professional. As a passionate competitor in local timbersports events, I have consistently ranked among the top lumberjacks in my area. I take great pride in meticulously maintaining an extensive collection of restored vintage axes. I personally test every axe I review by using it to fell and chop up oak firewood on my land.

REVIEWED BY SPencer Durrant
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To choose an axe, consider its purpose (splitting, felling, or general use), size and weight, handle material (wood or fiberglass), and head design (single or double bit). Test the axe for balance and comfortable grip. Opt for reputable brands for quality, durability, and performance.

Choosing and buying the right axe can seem tricky. What distinguishes the many different axes on offer from each other?

Within the different types of axeshatchets, splitting axes, mauls, felling axes, carpenter’s axes, historical battle axes, throwing axes and more – there are hundreds of models on offer. They’re not all the same, and each isn’t as good as the other.

That’s why I compiled this axe buying guide for you. All of what I know from experience and many hours of research. What to look for and how to choose the best axe for the money.

Read on to find out how!

Choosing the Axe Head Weight

A lot of people, especially guys, are eager to buy heavy axes. The additional weight of the axe head provides more force when swinging. This is why heavier axe heads – that weigh six, six and a half, and even seven-pound models – are used in wood-splitting and tree-felling competitions. But heavier doesn’t always mean better-suited to your needs.

In fact, it’s probably best to start with a three-pound full-size axe, and a two-pound boy’s axe. If you’re going to be splitting a lot of wood, you can go higher. The main thing is that you’re comfortable using it. Learning the right axe swinging techniques with lighter axes is also easier.

Choosing the Handle Length

True full-size felling axes are 36 inches long, but that’s usually way too large for most people’s needs. Instead, consider getting a 31-inch full-size axe and 28-inch “boy’s axe”. The latter, despite the name, is a great all-rounder in terms of size. It’ll be up to most tasks at your home and if you take it camping – suitable for splitting firewood, felling small trees, and taking care of finer tasks such as preparing kindling.

If you’re going to be taking your axe on overnight hikes, though, you’ll want something lighter and more compact.

Types of Axes for Specific Jobs

First you have to know what you need an axe for. Some all-purpose axes and axes are designed for one main purpose. Knowing what you need is probably the most important part of choosing the right axe.

What are your needs? Will you be using the axe:

Specific TaskType of Axe
Bushcrafting or CarvingBushcraft Axe, Carving Axe
Camping or TrekkingCamping Axe, Hatchet
Splitting FirewoodSplitting Axe, Splitting Maul
Preparing KindlingHatchet
Wood Chopping CompetitionsLumberjack Axe
Historic ReenactmentsViking Axe
Felling TreesFelling Axe
Wide Range of ApplicationsHudson Bay Axe, Boy’s Axe

If you’re going to be in the bush or in the woods, carrying a bunch of stuff around, cutting relatively small pieces of wood for fire or shelter, you’ll want something light – like a “pocket-size” axe or hatchet.

If you’re splitting logs or rounds for wood, you’ll want a bigger axe or even a maul, the biggest types of axes specifically designed to split wood.

If you’re felling trees, you’ll need something big, too, and with good cutting (instead of splitting) ability. Felling axes are made for this.

If you’re going to be attending axe-throwing competitions or historical reenactments, that’s a whole different part of axe culture.

You may be thinking:

“OK, I know what I need. What now?”

Let’s take a look at the different axe types, starting from smallest to largest.

Small Axes – Hatchets, Camping Axes, Tomahawks

Fiskars X7 small chopping axe

Small axes come in different shapes, sizes, and uses.

People often use the terms “hatchet” and “camping axe” interchangeably. The technical difference between hatchets and axes is simply that hatchets are axes you use with one hand. You grip and use regular axes with two hands. There are both one and two-handed camping axes. Hatchets and tomahawks are the smallest axes around.

Hatchets are usually 18 inches long, and weigh around 1.5 to 2 pounds. Hatchets are a good, light, “all-round” choice when going camping. You can split firewood, chop down small trees and remove their limbs, and clear an area of brush and branches with a hatchet. For most people, that’s all they’ll ever need. Good hatchets are also usually less expensive than larger high-quality axes, so if you don’t plan on doing a lot of limbing, felling, chopping, or splitting of large pieces of wood, a hatchet will serve you just fine.

My hatchet recommendation is the Fiskars X7 – it is made from composite material which is virtually unbreakable and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Best Overall
Fiskars X7 Hatchet

Fiskars X7 Hatchet

  • Extremely Durable Design
  • Carbon Steel Head and Full-Tang Design
  • Shock Reduction Composite Handle
  • Lifetime Warranty
Best Value for Money
Estwing Camper's Axe

Estwing Camper's Axe

  • One-Piece Forged Steel Design
  • Available in Multiple Colors
  • Patented Shocked Reduction Grip
  • Made in USA
Most Powerful
Husqvarna Composite Hatchet

Husqvarna Composite Hatchet

  • Anti-Friction Coating
  • Heat Treated Poll for Hammering Tent Pegs
  • Powerful Heavy Hatchet at 1.9 Pounds
  • Comfortable Non-Slip Grip

Tomahawks, a Native American hatchet, usually have a handle from 14 to 20 inches long. They don’t have a “standard” weight, as some tactical tomahawks can be made out of very light materials and the handle and blade size vary. Tomahawks aren’t really meant for chopping trees or splitting wood, but were originally war axes. Tomahawks are great for throwing, as well as an alternative hunting tool or for self-defence – hopefully as a last resort, because that would get very messy.

For a tactical tomahawk I would recommend the SOG throwing axe. It has a 2 inch cutting edge, is made from 420 stainless steel with a glass re-enforced nylon handle, and is one of the most popular models.

sog throwing axe

Medium-sized Axes – Limbing axes, Boy’s Axes

Limbing axes were originally designed for just that – removing the limbs of fallen trees. Usually coming in at 2 pounds in weight and with a 24 inches or two feet long handle, limbing axes are a good compromise between versatility and potential chopping power. Since it isn’t too large or heavy, you can use it with one hand in tight situations. These are not uncommon when limbing trees, with large branches often limiting your swing. If you have enough space, the handle is long enough to grip it with two hands and execute a proper, powerful swing.

I recommend a Council Tool Hudson Bay axe as an ideal cruiser axe.

council tool boys axe

Medium-sized and limbing axes are a good choice if you’re working with wood at home, but also want something to take with you when camping. You’ll be able to both split firewood, chop down trees, and use them in camp. Of course, they’re not as light as hatchets, but the size of the handle means you’ll have to do a lot less chopping to cut through something.

Best Bushcraft Axe
Hults Bruk Aneby Hatchet

Hults Bruk Aneby Hatchet

  • Total Weight - 2.75 pounds
  • 2.0 Pound Solid Swedish Steel Axehead
  • 20 inch American Hickory Handle
  • Ideal for Bushcrafting and Camping
Best on a Budget
Council Tool Hudson Bay Camp Axe

Council Tool Hudson Bay Camp Axe

  • 24 inch Hickory Handle
  • Forged Steel Head
  • Made in USA
  • Hand Sharpened
Best Value for Money
Snow & Nealley Hudson Bay Axe

Snow & Nealley Hudson Bay Axe

  • 24 inch Hickory Handle
  • Fine Grain Steel
  • Long 4 Inch Cutting Edge
  • Leather Blade Sheath Included

Large axes – Felling axes, Splitting axes, Mauls

These are the big boys of the axe world. These axes are made for felling large trees and splitting big logs and rounds of wood. Felling axes are usually around 32 or 36 inches in length and 3 or more pounds in weight. Mauls can be even larger, go up to 40 inches in length, and weigh up to 7 pounds. That’s a lot of kinetic energy in every swing.

Gransfors Bruks Felling Axe

Felling axes are made for the sole purpose of dropping trees – large ones. These axes aren’t portable, dexterous camp tools. They are good for splitting firewood, although they will get stuck more in rounds of wood than mauls. Using them is a fine skill in itself, and lumberjacks have an almost mythical status in American culture for good reason. Mastering their use is an achievement for which you need endurance and form. I wrote a long guide on how to use an axe, including how to swing felling axes, that you can read by clicking here.

The #1 felling axe in that list, and my personal recommendation, is the Gransfors Bruks American felling axe. It has a 20 year guarantee on one of the best examples of craftsmanship. The 31 inch hickory handle gives it plenty of control and power – you’ll likely never need to buy a felling axe again.

Best Felling Axe
Gransfors Bruks Felling Axe

Gransfors Bruks Felling Axe

  • 31-inch Hickory Handle
  • Hand Forged 3.3 lb Axehead
  • 20 Year Warranty
  • Made in Sweden from the World's Premier Forge
Best Value for Money
Council Tool Dayton Axe

Council Tool Dayton Axe

  • Powerful 5-Pound Axehead
  • 36-inch American Hickory Handle
  • USA Forged Steel Axe-Head
  • Great Customers Service
Best Lightweight
Hults Bruk Kisa Felling Axe

Hults Bruk Kisa Felling Axe

  • Lightweight 2.8 Pound with 2.2 Pound Axehead
  • 28-inch Solid American Hickory Handle
  • Solid Swedish Steel Axehead
  • Holds a Razor Sharp Edge for Longer

Mauls are different from felling axes. Not only are the longer and heavier, but the “cheeks” of the axehead are fatter and the shape of the axehead is more like a sledgehammer. That’s intentional. When you’re splitting wood, you want the axe to push the wood apart, not cut into it so much. That’s also why mauls are usually not as sharp as proper axes – it’s just not necessary for what they’re meant to do. Mauls aren’t really suitable for camping needs and are not meant for you to carry them around. If you have a homestead and fell your own trees or get logs or rounds of wood delivered, that’s when a maul will really shine.

fiskars isocore splitting maul

I recommend the Fiskars IsoCore Maul, available in 32 and 36 inch length handles. The head is inseparable and the handle transfers 2 times less shock compared to wood handles, which I can personally vouch for.

Best Splitting Maul
Fiskars IsoCore Maul

Fiskars IsoCore Maul

  • 8 Pound Total Weight
  • 36 inch Shock Absorbing Composite Handle
  • Optimized Bit Profile to Split Wood Fibers Apart
  • Rust-Resistant Heat Treated Steel Axehead
Best Value for Money
Husqvarna Wooden Splitting Maul

Husqvarna Wooden Splitting Maul

  • 32-inch Hickory Wooden Handle
  • Hardened Poll for Hammering in Splitting Wedges
  • Protected Neck to Avoid Damage
  • Includes a Leather Edge Cover
Best Premium Maul
1844 Helko Werk Splitting Maul

1844 Helko Werk Splitting Maul

  • Hand Forged in Germany
  • C50 High Carbon Steel with 53-56 HRC Hardness
  • 36-inch Grade A American Hickory Handle with Linseed Oil Finish
  • Powerful 9 Pound Total Weight

Note! Splitting axes are not the same as mauls. Splitting axes are still axes with a sharp edge – mauls are duller and with a wider profile than even splitting axes.  You can still do cutting work with splitting axes and even chop down small trees with them, although felling axes will be better suited for that job. Remember that axes are multi-functional tools – you can use them to fell trees, split logs, carve stakes, but some axes are much better suited for specific jobs than others.

Axe Construction Material

The material an axe – specifically, the handle – is made of is another important consideration when buying an axe. Most axe enthusiasts that I’ve spoken to – and I agree with them – prefer the feel of a wooden handle above all else. There’s just something to axes with wooden handles that is extremely satisfying to the hand and the eye. There are other materials, though.

Reinforced plastic and metal are both common axe haft materials. Reinforced plastic is sturdier than wood and often lighter, but it has cons. Plastic doesn’t wear down naturally like wood does, leading a handle that can be uncomfortable to hold if it has been nicked or damaged. Plastic is also hard to replace. On the other hand, metal handles are sturdy but heavy and hard to replace. Some ultra-light camping axes are made entirely of metal, with the handle being hollowed out and holes drilled through it to make it as light as possible, but that is the exception and not the rule.

There’s something very satisfying about using an axe with a wooden handle. Remember that many axes sold in stores have a varnished handle. This isn’t good at all – in my experience, wooden handles with varnish are slippery when wet, which for obvious reasons is a nightmare. The axe can go flying out of your hands if it’s wet. That’s why you should take some fine sandpaper and remove the varnish from your axe if it comes with any. Friction is good for axe control. You don’t need to sand it too much, and you can treat it with some oil afterwards to protect it from moisture. Check my axe care guide for more information about that.

Axe handle finishes

Choosing an Axe based on your Height

A common question is whether your height impacts on the length of the axe handle that you should select. This is true for a splitting or felling axe that you need to swing with good technique to strike in a very specific location.

The best axe length for your height is the one that feels comfortable and natural to you. The length of the axe you choose should not be too short or too long, but should feel right in your hands.

This is a quick summary of felling and splitting axe handle length based on my experience for different height people and a good starting point:

HeightAxe Length
5’6″26 in
5’8″28 in
5’10”30 in
6’0″32 in
6’2″34 in
6’4″36 in

A good trick to judge the right length of the handle is to place the axe head on the ground with the handle facing up. Hold your arms relaxed beside your body. The base of the handle should reach up to the second joint of your middle finger. This is just a simple idea I have heard to give yourself a quick start check.

Your height doesn’t matter when picking a hatchet, tomahawk, or any one-handed axe.

Axe Brands

There are almost 20 different axe brands and manufacturers that I would consider buying, depending on my needs and budget. The main difference between all these different forges is the type of steel, the handle material, and whether they are hand-forged or mass-produced.

The most expensive and highest quality axes are hand forged in Sweden and Germany by the big forges. They often also provide axe heads to the smaller manufacturers who fit their own handles and branding.

  • Gransfors Bruk
  • Hults Bruk
  • Hultafors
  • Wetterlings
  • Helko Werk

The next tier are manufactured in other countries, but often still use the highest quality hand-forged axe heads. They arew more likely to have proprietary materials in their handles, like fiberglass composites or nylon-reinforced glass.

  • Fiskars
  • Council Tool
  • Husqvarna
  • Estwing
  • Stihl
  • Geber

If you are looking for an axe that will last a lifetime and can be handed down to your children, then pick an axe from the top list. If budget is a concern but you still don’t want to sacrifice quality, then pick from the second list.

There are also other brands that are more specialized but I won’t go into them in this guide.

Buying an Axe Summary

There are hundreds and thousands of axes on offer out there. This guide is my attempt to give you the questions to ask yourself and needs to consider when choosing an axe. Many things come together to make a good axe, but it’s not hard to figure out what kind of axe you need. Just figure out your needs and what you’re going to be using the axe for, and go from there. The best hatchets and medium-size “boy’s axes” will go for up to $150 or even more, with high-quality mauls going for up to $500. You’ll be using these axes for many years and handing down to the next generation.

If you don’t have that kind of money to spend, though, don’t worry – plenty of axes go for less and do a fine job.

How Much Does an Axe Weigh?

Axes generally weigh between 3 and 5 pounds, including the axe head and the handle. Smaller axes like hatchets can weigh around 1.5 to 2 pounds. Heavier axes like splitting mauls may weigh up to 7 pounds.

How Long is an Axe Handle?

Axes are generally between 26 and 36 inches in length. Smaller axes like hatchets can be as short as 14 inches. Larger axes like splitting mauls can be as long as 40 inches.

Conclusion

I’m preparing in-depth buyer’s guides for each type of axe that will go into further detail and offer good models in each price category. Stay tuned! I hope this guide helped you choose an axe. If you have any questions or thoughts, leave a comment below. And thanks for reading!

Michael