The Best Axe For Cutting Trees In 2024

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Best Axe For Cutting Trees
Best Axe For Cutting Trees

Our Top Picks

1. Best Of The Best: Fiskars 378841-1002 Splitting Axe

This axe is designed for splitting medium to large-sized logs and is equipped with a hardened forged steel blade that stays sharper longer. The advanced bevel convex design splits efficiently and makes the blade easier to remove. Plus, the shock-absorbing handle with textured non-slip grip reduces hand strain and improves control while preventing overstrike damage. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Cold Steel Trail Boss Axe

Featuring a European-style head with a 4" blade and a 4 1/2" cutting edge, it takes a big bite with every swing. Plus, it features a very sturdy, durable straight-grained American Hickory handle. In our extensive field tests in the outback of Australia, the Trail Boss was used to chop kindling, and clear roads and trails. Read Review

3. Best Powerful: CRKT Woods Chogan Axe

Forged from 1055 carbon steel for superior durability and edge retention, this axe is designed to withstand hard use. Featuring a Tennessee hickory handle for extra strength, it's perfect for chopping wood or hammering tent stakes. With its versatile design and multipurpose utility, the CRKT Woods Chogan Axe is an essential tool for any outdoor adventure. Read Review

4. Best Performance: Fiskars 378571-1002 Chopping Axe

Ideal for felling trees, it chops deeper with each swing to get more done faster. Powered by a perfect balance and power-to-weight ratio that increases swing speed to multiply power, much like an aluminum baseball bat, this axe helps you work smarter, not harder. Plus, its Shock-absorbing FiberComp handle is lightweight yet stronger than steel to prevent overstrike damage. Read Review

5. Best Efficient: INTERTOOL Felling Axe

Our lightweight design makes it easy to use and transport, while the medium size is versatile enough to work with a variety of applications. The heavy-duty blade is sharp out of box and reinforced with heat-treated steel for durability, while our anti-corrosive coating on the head helps prevent rusting. Read Review

For most outdoorsmen, trees are the enemy. Whether it’s to provide shade for an outdoor living space, or simply to keep your yard from turning into a monotonous expanse of green, it’s important to keep your surroundings interesting. Fortunately, there are plenty of different ways to deal with this problem.

From using hand tools like loppers and saws to using mechanical saws and tree trimmers, you have plenty of options. However, not every axe is created equal. While some may provide satisfactory results, others leave a lot to be desired. In this article, we will be discussing some of the best axes for cutting trees if you need something that can cut through hardwood with minimal effort while being easy on your wallet as well.

After nearly 16 hours of research, We think the best axe for cutting trees is Fiskars 378841-1002 Splitting Axe. It is made of stainless steel for the best sharpness and shock-absorbing handle to improve controls. Or you can check the Cold Steel Trail Boss Axe as the other great option, even if the first option didn't meet all of your requirements.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Fiskars 378841-1002 Splitting Axe
Our Score:
9.9
Fiskars

Designed for splitting medium to large-sized logs, with maximum efficiency for more one-strike splits; Ideal for taller users

Overall length: 36 inches, weight: 5.85 pounds; Included lifetime warranty

Included sheath protects the blade and user when not in use; Perfect for splitting and chopping wood, yard work, lawn cleanup, firewood

Hardened forged steel blade stays sharper longer than traditional axes and advanced bevel convex design splits efficiently and makes the blade easier to remove from wood

Shock-absorbing handle with textured non-slip grip reduces hand strain, improves control and prevents overstrike damage

TOP Choice #2 Cold Steel Trail Boss Axe
Our Score:
9.8
Cold Steel

Clear roads and trails, to build blinds and even to chop down a fair sized tree

Featuring a European style head with a 4" blade and a 4 1/2" cutting edge

It takes a big bite with every swing. Plus, it features a very sturdy, durable straight-grained American Hickory handle

In our extensive field-tests in the outback of Australia, the Trail Boss was used to chop kindling

TOP Choice #3 CRKT Woods Chogan Axe
Our Score:
9.6
CRKT

Durable: Tennessee hickory is a dense material that withstands hard use

Limited Lifetime Warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, see company site for details

Multi-Purpose Utility: Easily split wood or hammer tent stakes

Forged Tough: 1055 Carbon steel provides durability and edge retention

Designed by Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical in Chattanooga, Tennessee

4 Fiskars 378571-1002 Chopping Axe
Our Score:
9.5
Fiskars

Lifetime warranty

Perfected balance and power-to-weight ratio increases swing speed to multiply power, much like an aluminum baseball bat

Shock-absorbing FiberComp handle is lightweight yet stronger than steel to prevent overstrike damage

Ideal for felling trees

Chops deeper with each swing to get more done faster

5 INTERTOOL Felling Axe
Our Score:
9.3
INTERTOOL

[Sharpened Carbon Steel]: Heavy duty blade is sharp out of box and reinforced with heat treated steel. Features anti-corrosive coating on the head, keeping the tool safe from rust and wear. Easily resharpened with a grit sharpener or file. Blade protector included

[Shock Eliminating Handle]: Tough fiberglass handle absorbs impact shock and includes grip-textured rubber for a non-slip performance. Features a hang hole for easy storing

[Chopping Power]: Head-to-handle weight balance is optimal for increasing chopping force and supports more leverage on every swing

[INTERTOOL has YOU Covered]: We are always available to quickly resolve any issue and answer to your needs. Our community is our #1 priority

[Versatile Medium-Size Axe]: Lightweight design is suitable for outdoor landscaping and campsite or garden projects. Sized between a hatchet and full size axe for convenient storing in the vehicle for emergency situations

6 1844 Helko Werk Germany Traditional Bavarian Axe
Our Score:
9.1
1844 Helko Werk Germany

Includes Full Grain Leather Sheath and 1 oz Bottle of Axe Guard Protective Oil - All Helko Werk axes and hatchets include a vegetable-tanned premium leather axe sheath to protect your axe blade and head. The Axe Guard oil is a metal protecting oil to help maintain the steel of your axe head, and prevent rust over time.

C50 High Carbon Steel: 53-56 HRC - Helko Werk axe heads are open-face drop forged individually by hand from German C50 high grade carbon steel. Drop forging is a process in which the blacksmith uses tongs to hold and shape hot steel as a drop hammer falls repeatedly onto it.

Handmade in Germany - The Bavarian Woodworker is a full-size traditional German cutting axe, with the heft and power required for heavy felling work. The 3 ½ lb. Rheinland pattern axe head has a sharp, slim, wide-bit blade that will outperform most American pattern felling axes at cutting work. The pattern is named after Germany's famous Rhein River Valley, a heavily forested region where cutting axes like these have been in use for centuries.

Dimensions: Head Weight: 3-1/2 lb, Length: 31 in, Total Weight: 5-1/2 lb

Grade A American Hickory Handle - Linseed Oil Finish - 150 Grit Sanded Sustainably sourced grade A American hickory handle. All Helko Werk camping axes and hatchets have handles individually hand finished and selected for grain orientation and density with a boiled linseed oil finish and sanded to 150 grit for a comfortable and smooth finish on your axe handle

7 glorousamc Chopping Axe
Our Score:
8.9
Glorousamc

[Forged Tough]: Forged 45#Carbon Steel Heat Treated blade provides durability and edge retention.

[Wood Axe]:The Hatchet is 15inch in Overall Length, Handle is 12.9inch, Cutting Edge-4 inch.

[Resharpenable Blade]. The Head of the Steel Blade has a Protective Rubber and the Cutting Blade Features a Fully Polished Finished Edge. Polished Finished Edge Which Can Easily be Resharpened With a File.

[Efficient& Uesful]: Our Wood Chopping Axe is Designed for Easy Chopping of Firewood, Logs, Small Tree& Branches. Aggressive Cutting Angles Design for Better and Efficient Contact. Ideal for Campers, Hikers, Preparing Wood for Bonfires, Gardening,and Many Outdoor Activities.

[Easy Storage]:The Blade Comes with a Rubber Protective Sheath for Safe Storage and Transport. Features Triangle Hole is Easy Hang and Convenient Storage

8 1844 Helko Werk Germany Classic Forester Axe
Our Score:
8.8
1844 Helko Werk Germany

Includes Full Grain Leather Sheath and 1 oz Bottle of Axe Guard Protective Oil - All Helko Werk axes and hatchets include a vegetable-tanned premium leather axe sheath to protect your axe blade and head. The Axe Guard oil is a metal protecting oil to help maintain the steel of your axe head, and prevent rust over time.

Grade A American Hickory Handle - Linseed Oil Finish - 150 Grit Sanded Sustainably sourced grade A American hickory handle. All Helko Werk camping axes and hatchets have handles individually hand finished and selected for grain orientation and density with a boiled linseed oil finish and sanded to 150 grit for a comfortable and smooth finish on your axe handle

Dimensions: Head Weight: 3-1/2 lb, Length: 31 in, Total Weight: 5-1/2 lb

C50 High Carbon Steel: 53-56 HRC - Helko Werk axe heads are open-face drop forged individually by hand from German C50 high grade carbon steel. Drop forging is a process in which the blacksmith uses tongs to hold and shape hot steel as a drop hammer falls repeatedly onto it. This axe is handmade and hand-forged with a highly polished Classic finish to prevent rust and reduce cutting friction.

Handmade in Germany - The Forester is a highly capable, full-size general purpose axe. Its 3 ½ pound head provides enough heft and power for most cutting and felling work. It is big enough to take down medium and large trees without over-encumbering the average user. If you are looking for a full-size axe but aren’t able to comfortably wield the larger Expedition, the Forester is a solid choice and perfect for the farm, home, or cabin.

9 1844 Helko Werk Germany Vario 2000 Universal Axe
Our Score:
8.6
1844 Helko Werk Germany

Includes Full Grain Leather Sheath - 1 Oz. Bottle of Axe Guard Protective Oil All Helko Werk Axes include a vegetable-tanned premium leather axe sheath to protect the blade of your axes and hatchets

Made in Germany - This Universal is an excellent felling and splitting axe for general purpose, in a midsize for most users. The universal axe is capable of delivering incredible striking power. This axe is designed to handle most common felling and splitting tasks. The curved, ergonomic handle creates excellent balance and minimizes fatigue. The Universal blade design will perform well as a cutting axe, but also makes an exceptional splitting axe for splitting firewood.

Dimensions - Head Weight: 4.25 lbs , Total Weight: 5½ lbs, Handle Length: 30 in

Patented Interchangeable Head Design with C50 High Carbon Steel - 53-56 HRC - The Vario 2000 uses Helko Werk's patented axe design - a German engineered bolt-on fastening system that introduces incredible versatility and efficiency across the Vario product line. All Vario heads, handles, and fastening components are fully interchangeable and inter-compatible. The heads are assembled with bolts which are driven through the handle and secured by a butt-plate retainer cap.

Grade A American Hickory - Matte Lacquer Finish - 150 Grit Sanded Lightly lacquered with black-dipped grip, individually selected for grain orientation and density, and sustainably sourced grade A American hickory

10 GEDORE OX Axe for Cutting Trees
Our Score:
8.4
GEDORE

OUTDOORSMAN TOOL: For woodworks, splitting firewood, cutting branches or limbing felled trees

SERIOUS QUALITY: Fine-polished axe head with blade protection and high-quality hickory handle

WORRY FREE: ROTBAND-PLUS bonds the handle and hammerhead into one unit to ensure max safety

LONG SERVICE LIFE: Steel handle sleeve protects the handle from damage when you miss your target

EXCELLENT BUILT: Head weight 1250g (28 lbs), blade 120mm (47"), handle length 700mm (276"), axe weight 2100g (46 lbs) Spare handle OX E-620 H-1250

What Tips Are Recommended To Recognize Which Of best axe for cutting trees Will Satisfy You Most?

Some people are apprehensive about purchasing best axe for cutting trees. Numerous factors must be addressed while making a significant purchase. Our market expertise will help you make the best decision as soon as possible.

The thing has been added to the list of products that have been subjected to technical testing and evaluation. Please keep the following points in mind:

The Axe Head & The Blade

You can link the materials that the axe is designed to cut to the edge of your axe head (the blade). You will most often use your axe for cutting through wood while out in nature. Flatter edges are best as they will cut through the wood evenly. A curved edge will make it harder to cut through wood, as the edges that are angled out of alignment with the cutting blades won't be used in every strike.
Flat edges will stick better to flat surfaces than those with sharper edges. You should think about the material you will be using most, and then choose a survival knife/survival hatchet that matches that material.

Handle Length And A Sturdy Grip

To get a great chop with your axe, the length of your handle is crucial. A longer handle will give you more power and momentum. This is an axe that you will be using, so it is important to balance length, weight and portability.
Safety and efficiency are also key factors. It shouldn't slip, or cause injury to you. To make life easier and safer, choose an axe/hatchet that has a grippy grip.
Non-slip materials such as rubber and wood are used to design the tail. The tail should be capable of withstanding humid conditions. You can even find axes that are specially made to improve grip and comfort by including patterns in the tail.

Weight Distribution

To get the best out of each chop, you need to distribute the weight correctly with your axe. To get the most momentum from every strike, the head must carry the bulk of the weight. Although this is true for all the axes/hatchets reviewed, each axe/hatchet will be different.
To make sure your axe fits you properly, it is best to try it out as soon as possible. Swing it with both hands and make a choice whether it is light/heavy/long/short/portable enough for what you need it for.

Easy Maintenance

You're likely to have seen a lot old tools if you ever visited a workshop with a full stock. My great-grandfather owned hand tools, and my father still uses them. Because even simple tools like a hatchet are durable if they're taken care of.
It is easy to sharpen a hatchet by running a file across its head and a whetstone. It is simple and inexpensive to replace the handle of a traditional hatchet. Your hatchet will be a valuable asset for the rest of your life as long as it is kept clean and protected from water.

Thickness And Sharpness

The head's key characteristics are its thickness and sharpness. The thicker head will give you a more difficult chop, and it will also split logs easily. The thin, sharper head can be used for intricate carving and other tasks.
It all comes down to the purpose of your axe. It's more practical to cut wood or do heavy carving in a survival situation than it is to make intricate carving.

Ease Of Splitting

When buying a camp hatchet, it is important to think about the ease of splitting. Wood splitting is not a major concern if you're buying a hatchet for wood shaping or detail work. The ease of splitting is important if you plan on splitting wood frequently and felling trees.
Splitting is easier with longer handles and heavier heads. When shopping for similar models, be sure to consider the shape and construction of your handle.
If you are unsure about what you want, you can look into larger axes. You may find that some of the smaller camp hatchets are not what you want. In this case, you will need a full-sized, heavy-duty axe.

FAQs

What type of axe should I use for cutting trees?

The type of axe you should use for cutting trees depends on the size of the tree and the type of wood. If the tree is small, a regular hand axe will do the job. If the tree is larger, you may want to use a larger splitting axe or felling axe.

What is the best way to use an axe for cutting?

The best way to use an axe for cutting is to make sure you have a sharp blade, and a firm grip on the handle. Before cutting, be sure to assess the size of the material you are cutting and the angle at which you should be cutting. Then, make sure you are standing in the right position so that you have full control of the axe and can make a clean, accurate cut.

What safety precautions should I take when using an axe?

Whenever you are using an axe, it is important to take safety seriously. Always wear protective gear such as safety glasses, a hard hat, and heavy-duty work gloves. Make sure you have a clear, level surface to work on, and never swing the axe at a person or a hard object. Lastly, always inspect your axe for dullness or damage before each use.

What is the best way to sharpen an axe?

The best way to sharpen an axe is to use a sharpening stone. Start by lubricating the stone with oil or water and then draw the blade of the axe across the stone in a circular motion. Continue this process until you have achieved the desired sharpness. Lastly, finish with a honing stone to ensure a smooth edge.

In summary, we will update best axe for cutting trees list as soon as new information is available. For the latest news, please visit our websites regularly or subscribe to our newsletter.

Please not feel hesitant to contact us if you have any queries or difficulties with best axe for cutting trees. If you ask, we'll do everything we can to help!


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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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