We evaluated axes based on durability, ergonomics, usefulness, and balance. Our favorite axe, the Fiskars X15 Chopping Axe, is a sturdy tool that’s nicely balanced for felling trees and other chopping tasks, and it isn’t too hard on your hands and wrists. Here are the best axes to consider in several different categories. A good axe is more than just a simple cutting tool. It offers a certain type of utility that is important in many outdoor professions and hobbies that deal extensively with firewood, shrubs, trees, or heavy brush. In some cases, it can even help save a life. That is why the best axe is one that is versatile enough for different uses while getting the most important thing right: it is easy to use and maintain.  The Fiskars X15 Axe is the tool to choose when you need something that maximizes the cutting force with each swing to fell a tree or chop up wood or brush. This chopping axe—also called a felling axe, this is the tool you want when it’s time to chop down a tree or cut through brush—features a smart design that perfectly balances the cutting head in your hand. A FiberComp handle keeps the energy contained at the cutting point instead of traveling into your hands and arms, thus reducing the strain to your wrists, and the 3.4-pound head is suited to most people’s strength and needs. As a result, chopping strokes are more efficient thanks to the greater energy transfer and sharp blade. Sturdy construction means you won’t ever need to worry about the head of this axe coming lose from the handle; there’s no wobble or wiggle here. Just reliable performance time after time. You’ll also get a sturdy sheath to protect the blade—and you—when storing or transporting the tool. Price at time of publish: $50 Axe Type: Felling | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Handle Material: Fiberglass | Overall Length: 23 inches Requires sharpening before first use The axe has a sturdy ash-wood handle that feels good in your hands. The carbon-steel head weighs 1.2 pounds, which is light enough so you won’t get tired out, yet heavy enough to tackle brush, small trees, and other typical camping or backyard needs. The head and handle are nicely balanced for a smooth swing without too much effort. Be aware, however, that you will need to sharpen the blade before this axe is ready to be used. Price at time of publish: $15 Axe Type: Felling | Weight: 1.2 pounds | Handle Material: Wood | Overall Length: 15 inches To split logs in remote locations, on a homestead, or at home, the Fiskars Pro IsoCore Wood Splitting Maul is specifically designed to give you a clean and efficient split with every stroke. The patented IsoCore handle greatly reduces shock and vibration to your arms and hands, and the dual-layer rubbery coating further reduces vibration. Price at time of publish: $74 Axe Type: Splitting | Weight: 8 pounds | Handle Material: Fiberglass | Overall Length: 36 inches While this isn’t an axe for felling large trees, it’s more than suited for chopping down smaller trees, pruning branches, clearing brush, and even for splitting small-to-medium logs. You’ll be glad to have this in your tool collection when it’s time to do some heavy yardwork. Of course, you can also tote it along on camping trips or hikes. The axe comes with a sheath. Price at time of publish: $47 The composite handle is designed to absorb shock and vibration without adding too much weight. This is a sturdy, very sharp tool that holds its edge for a long time, meaning you won’t have to stop and sharpen it in the middle of your project. It includes plastic sheath to cover the exposed blade. Price at time of publish: $53 The IUNIO Camping Axe sports a simple steel axe head with a unique, multipurpose handle that hides a number of other survival tools such as a compass, knife, hammer, and fire starter. Each item stays in a separate compartment of the handle so you can easily find and use the necessary tool anytime you need without searching for it.  Price at time of publish: $23 Axe Type: Multi-purpose | Weight: 2 pounds | Handle Material: Steel/aluminum alloy | Overall Length: 17 inches The axe is well-balanced to increase its swing speed, meaning you’ll have improved force without actually exerting more effort. Plus, the blade has a low-friction coating that lets it slide through wood more easily without sticking. That comes in handy when you want to chop kindling and get a fire started as quickly as possible. The axe comes with a sheath. Price at time of publish: $34 Axe Type: Felling | Weight: 1.43 pounds | Handle Material: Composite | Overall Length: 14 inches Sporting dual cutting heads and a perfect balance for extra control, the Estwing Double Bit Axe may look like something out of medieval times. In reality, however, the design of this axe makes it a great multipurpose tool including cutting, splitting and clearing wood. The double blade design gives you more control over the swing and stroke, and the steel handle is covered with a shock-reducing rubber grip. Price at time of publish: $41 Axe Type: Double Bit | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Handle Material: Steel | Overall Length: 16.6 inches The Trucker’s Friend All Purpose Survival Tool may not look like a traditional axe at first. Designed for use on the road, this survival tool combines a few different tools into one head. In addition to the curved cutting blade, you will get a hammer, nail puller, pry bar, and spanner you can use during emergency situations or in bad weather. The axe sports a fiberglass handle to remain lightweight and easy to carry. Price at time of publish: $70 Axe Type: Multi-purpose | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Handle Material: Fiberglass | Overall Length: 19 inches The SOG Throwing Hawk is designed for long range and a high level of accuracy. The aerodynamically shaped body uses a one-piece steel design for maximum durability while remaining lightweight for better distance, and is wrapped in paracord for grip, although you can easily replace the paracord with another grip of your choice. You get a pack of three throwing axes, meaning you’ll have less trips back and forth to the target. It’s a great choice for a beginner to have to experience the fun and growing sport of axe-throwing. Price at time of publish: $59 Axe Type: Tomahawk | Weight: 8.4 ounces | Handle Material: Steel | Overall Length: 10.75 inches On the other extreme are metal axe handles, which are very durable, but heavy. Plus, a metal handle won’t absorb any vibration or shock, meaning all of that will transfer to your hands and arms with every blow. Fiberglass handles are typically stronger than wood, but not as strong as steel. They are lightweight, as well, but many people find they simply don’t feel as good in the hand as wood does. When it comes to length, don’t assume that the longer the better. While it’s true that a longer axe handle can generate more power during the swing, it’s also true that it becomes harder to maintain precision as the handle of the axe grows. For most people, an axe with a 28-to-31-inch handle is suitable for most tasks around the yard, campsite, or woodpile.

Weight

An axe’s weight is the weight of the head, not the entire tool. The heavier the axe, the more power generated during the swing, but also the more difficult it becomes to control. While you’ll need and want a heavier axe for demolition or similar hardcore tasks, for typical use, such as chopping up small logs or felling small trees, an axe weighing 3 pounds or a little less is best for most people.

Type

There are many different types of axes, but these are some of the most common. Felling: The most common type of axe is the felling axe, sometimes called a camp axe or chopping axe, which is used to cut down trees, chop branches, and clear brush. These axes typically have a fairly long handle and a head weighing between 2 and 4 pounds.   Splitting: Splitting axes, sometimes referred to as splitting mauls, are used to split logs. They are not nearly as sharp as a felling axe, but are typically much heavier. While there are splitting mauls weighing 12 pounds or more, most people will find an 8-pound splitting axe sufficient. Hatchet: These are small, lightweight axes—generally weighing around 1 pound and shorter than 14 inches—that can be wielded with one hand to chop small brush, branches, and very small trees. Tomahawk: The Native American hatchet, a tomahawk is typically around 1 pound, under 2 feet in length, and with a straight handle. Originally used as weapons, today tomahawks are often used as throwing axes. Tactical: These modern axes are something of a multi-purpose tool, and are favored by survivalists, military, and hardcore campers. The heads are often designed for several purposes, including chopping, hammering, shoveling, and prying. Carpenter’s: These axes are used for woodworking, not chopping down trees or splitting logs. Typically, a carpenter’s axe is in between a felling axe and a hatchet in size and weight. Double Bit: These axes have a double head. Generally, one side is sharper for felling trees while the other is a bit duller and is used for splitting logs.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. For this roundup, she considered dozens of axes, evaluating each for basic features, extras, performance, value, and customer feedback. Carry axes with a secure grip on the sheathed blade and with the handle tucked against your body. Keep a wide stance when chopping things below your waist level, so the blade will swing between your legs if you miss your target. And always wear closed-toed shoes (or boots, ideally) when working with your axe."

Always wipe away mud, sawdust, sap, or other debris after using your axe.If you won’t be using the axe for a while, apply a light coating of oil to the blade before storing it.Don’t leave your axe in the back of your truck, your backyard, or your garage. Exposure to moisture will encourage rust on the metal and degrade the wooden handle. Store your axe in an indoor, protected location that isn’t exposed to intense heat or freezing temperatures, both of which can weaken the axe handle. Never store an axe within reach of children or in a spot where pets are likely to bump it.Ideally, your axe’s blade should be protected with a leather sheath whenever it’s not being used.A storage rack is the best option for your axe. If you don’t have one, then hang the tool on the wall, being sure that the hooks support the axe evenly from head to handle.

Don’t give up if you fail to get the hang of the sport right away. It takes considerable practice to excel at axe throwing.  She also received feedback and advice from Tanisha Peten, Chief Marketing Officer at Garrett Wade and Diane Kuthy, homesteader and founder of the blog How to Grow Everything.