If you’re wondering, what size axe should I get, you’ve come to the right place. From felling trees to going out in woods, from splitting woods for a memorable bonfire out in the camp to add an antique to your collection, we all need axes at some point in our lives. Axes have been an important part of the history of mankind, probably one of the first weapons as well. The difficult part is the question is of course knowing the right size to get for your needs. You may also want to check out: Names of Wood Cutting Tools.
It’s understandable that a lot of people are not familiar with the types of axes that are in the market and their uses. People get confused about buying an axe because there are so many options available. Hatchets, boy’s axe, mauls, splitting axes or carpenter’s axes, etc, and one tough decision: WHAT SIZE AXE SHOULD I GET? We have made an Axe Buying Guide for you to save you from spending much on an axe you don’t need. You will get to know:
Ø Why do you need an axe?
Ø What are the types of axes available in the market?
Ø What should be the axe head weight?
Ø What should be the right axe length?
Ø What are the best axes for chopping wood?
The Right Axe For You
It is important to know the right ax for you. You can indeed perform multiple tasks with a single type of axe but they are designed to perform a specific job. It’s like having so many jackets but you only wear warm thermal jackets when it snows rather than your casual jacket.
The first question you need to know is why do you need an axe?
People buy axes for:
Ø Splitting wood for a campfire
Ø Trekking in woods
Ø Felling trees
Ø Woodcutting
Ø Woodcraft projects
Ø Axe throwing competitions
Ø Antique collection
Once you are aware of the basic reason to get an axe, it will be easier for you to buy the right axe for your needs.
Different Types of Axes Available in the Market
There are hundreds of types of axes for specific jobs in the market. All you need to know is the type of job a specific axe performs and it will make it easier for you to select yours.
There are three basic categories of axes (size-wise) which makes it easier to break down all the subcategories.
1. Small size axes (used for basic purposes)
2. Medium-sized axes (used for difficult jobs)
3. Large-sized axes (used for high end professional and tough jobs)
Small Sized Axes
Hatchets, camping axes, and tomahawks all lie in the small-sized category. People who don’t need many jobs to do with an axe usually go for such axes. You can easily go into the woods, cut branches or bushes along the way, set a campfire by splitting firewood, and even cut small trees.
Camping axe and hatchets are the same thing and weigh up to 2 pounds which is a very light thing to carry along. Tomahawks, on the other hand, have a larger handle but there is no standard weight defined.
Small-sized axes are affordable. The price may start from $40 and can increase depending upon the brand but worth it for easier jobs.
Medium-sized Axes
Limbing axes, Boy’s axe, both all lies in the medium-sized axes. Medium-sized axes are used for cutting down limbs of trees while you are in the woods. The handles of these axes are longer than the small axes (up to two feet) but the weight lies under the same category as of small axes.
The best thing about a limbing axe or Boy’s axe is the best option. You do both, go out and do camping and perform all woodcraft projects at home. It’s a convenient option for those who want to carry something light but better than hatchets.
Medium-sized axes start from $100 and can hit up to $400 or even more depending upon the brand you are buying from. The higher priced axes in this category can also be used in replacement of large-sized axes, hence, a smart option to invest if you want to have the taste of both categories.
Large-sized Axes
Large axes like mauls, spitting axe, felling axe all lie in this category. Large axes are made for professionals who know how to use an axe. They need such axes for complicated and tough jobs like to cut down huge trees, logs and wood. These axes are not your go-to camping tool as they are heavy and tough to carry along.
Splitting and felling axes can weigh more than 3 pounds and are up to 36 inches in length. Mauls are heavier and can go up to 7 pounds in weight and 40 inches in length.
The basic difference between a felling/splitting axe and a maul is the shape of the head and the way they are being used. A splitting axe is solely made to cut down trees, the axe head is made to make the job easier; whereas a maul’s head is duller and shaped like a sledgehammer. With a single cut, the head goes deep into the wood to split it.
Just like a table saw and circular saw both have the same purpose but used for specific jobs, axes are also the same. There is a visible difference in the same job performed with a maul, splitting, and felling axes.
Large-sized axes are expensive as they are used in high-end jobs. The prices start at $400 and may rise to $600 or more.
What are the basic features you see in an axe while purchasing?
Choosing the right axe head weight
Choosing the axe head weight is the prominent feature you want to focus on while buying the right axe for you. As much as you are interested in investing in a heavier axe head, keep in mind that your swing may get affected with an increased weight.
Using an axe is not an easy job, especially if you are using it for wood splitting, cutting, or felling. A right amount of kinetic energy is required for a perfect and safer swing.
Experts always advise to go for an axe head weighing 3 pounds as beginners for example boy’s axe or limbing axe can work fine at the start. Once you are an expert in handling an axe, you can opt for heavier axes.
As we are talking about axe head weight, another factor people get confused about is the single bit or double bit head. Both the types of the head are good and practical but everyone has their taste. Single bits are heavier than double bits because of the added weight. you see them in almost every design available due to the accuracy and precision of each cut a single bit head gives.
A double bit has the equal weight at both of the sides and gives an easy swing due to this factor. Fewer axes available are double-bit but are worth it. the blades on both sides are carved differently which means you can use both sides for different purposes. It is like a two 2-in-1 package.
Choosing Axe handle length
Choosing an axe handle length becomes tricky with so many options available in the market. No matter how much a longer axe appeals to you, we recommend you to go for a shorter one. As beginners, you need more control over your tool and that is only possible with a shorter handle.
Long handle length may appeal but it requires more force and effort for precision and accuracy. It is easier for professionals to have such longer axes. beginners or users who use axes casually on a camp or going out in the woods, shorter handle length axes are recommended.
Hatchets have the shortest handle length with up to 18 inches length. Tomahawks are up to 20 inches. Limbing axes have a handle length of 24 inches and then comes the big daddy’s of axe world i.e. mauls and splitting axes which have a longer handle length of 36 inches.
Choosing Axe Handle material
There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing axe handle material. You can buy handle made of wood, metal, and plastic. When it comes to buying an axe, the only thing which appeals are a wooden handle.
Wooden handles are always a classic in the axe industry. The axe becomes more valuable if the wooden handle is of the right wood giving the classic vibe of an axe. So, how do you know what kind of wooden handle is best for you?
The tip to judge a wooden handle is to see the grains on the handle. The wooden grains must be vertical on the handle and the end of the handle (the round portion) must have close circular rings. The more closer rings, the more good quality wood has been used in the axe.
There is one more thing you should be taking care of for your safety. All axes these days have varnished wooden handles. They look great though have a drawback when it comes to a stronger grip when the hands are sweaty or wet. Experts usually remove the varnish with the help of sandpaper for a better grip.it may give blisters to beginners but it is always better safe than sorry when it comes to using axe if you have no experience.
All types of handle materials can be replaced now if they are broken or damaged. We still recommend the wooden ones as they are shock absorber and have longer durability.
Best Axe for Chopping Wood
A lot of people look for the best axe for chopping wood. It becomes hard to choose any axe due to the versatility and types of woods available. Still, we have managed to guide you about some of the best chopping axes around.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate member, I get paid for qualifying purchases.
Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet1. Fiskars Hatchet
The 14″ Hatchet is the best option for chopping wood. It is lightweight (1 pound) and portable. The unique grinding technique on its blade makes it super efficient with each stroke. The blade is pretty sharp and designed in a way that you can easily chop the woods without doing any effort. Click here to read reviews on Amazon.
2. Husqvarna 26” Woodcutter’s Axe
The Husqvarna Woodcutter’s Axe is the best example of a classic axe. The 26 inch long wooden handle gives it an old time’s vibe and the basic reason why people buy it. the head is made with hickory and steel; designed for an accurate stroke for chopping wood. It is without any doubt one of the best axe for chopping wood. Click here to read reviews on Amazon.
3. Fiskars 375581-1001 Chopping Axe, 28-Inch
Fiskar X27 is specifically made for splitting woods. The blade is sharp and edgy so that each stroke can go deep into the wood splitting it apart. The handle is lightweight and pretty firm in the grip. Click here to read reviews on Amazon.
4. CRKT Woods NOBO Tomahawk Axe
Vikings lover love the CRKT Woods NOBO Tomahawk. It has a primitive look that can also please your aesthetic taste. The head is made of hot forged carbon steel which makes it the best axe for chopping wood. If we talk about the weight, CRKT NOBO weighs 9.9 pounds. It is also among one of the best tomahawk axes available.
5. Estwing 14” Sportsman’s Axe
The Estwing Axe looks more like a hatchet but works well as any other axe. The design is very unique and might make the users confused but the handle is specifically made to give a firm grip. It is one of the best axes for beginners who are gardening enthusiasts and loves to chop wood. It comes with leather grips and the handle sharpened and polished.
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