7 Best Splitting Axes – Reviews & Buying Guide
The wood splitting axe is one of the most cost-effective way for splitting wood. This tool has an efficient head design and comes equipped with a handle that allows it to multiply the downward striking force, thus allowing you to chop more firewood with less effort.
Afterall, this tool has been used for centuries to make firewood and its shape has barely changed. If you are fresh on the market for a quality splitting axe that is worth the money, we have exactly what you need.
Keep reading to learn more!
Product Name | Handle Length | Head Weight | Weight | Rating | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe | 36 in | 4.0 lbs | 5.85 lbs | 4.7 | |
2. Helko Vario 2000 Heavy Splitting Axe | 36 in | 6.7 lbs | 8.5 lbs | 4.7 | |
3. Gerber Power Splitting Axe | 36 in | N/A | 5.4 lbs | 4.4 | |
4. Gransfors Bruks Large Splitting Axe | 27 in | 3.5 lbs | 5.29 lbs | 4.4 | |
5. Helko Spaltaxt German Splitting Axe | 28 in | 4.4 lbs | 6.0 lbs | 4.9 | |
6. Husqvarna S2800 Composite Splitting Axe | 27 in | N/A | 6.55 lbs | 4.5 | |
7. Vipukirves Leveraxe Classic Splitting Axe | 36 in | 4.0 lbs | 5.5 lbs | 3.9 |
7 Best Splitting Axes - Reviews
#1. Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe
Editor's Rating: 
(4.7 / 5)
- Handle Length: 36 in
- Product Weight: 4.0, 5.85 lbs
- Head Weight: 4 lbs
- Handle Material: FiberComp
The different handle sizes offers you a lot of versatility and allows you to choose the best model that is appropriate for the task you have at hand. If you have to split a small amount of logs, or cut small branches then you do not need the 36 inches Fiskars X27 model. A 17-inch model will be just fine.
Further, we generally like the ergonomic of this splitting axe. It has a 4 lbs steel head and the total weight of the axe is only 5.85 lbs for the 36 in model which is quite lightweight for its size. In any case, it has an excellent size to weight ratio which will make this unit a powerful splitting axe that generates a lot of downward splitting force.
The handle itself is made from FiberComp which is a very tough plastic base material that is highly durable and long-lasting. This FiberComp material is also quite comfortable and can be used for an extended period without experiencing hand fatigue.
Additionally, what makes the X27 one of the best wood splitting axes on the market is its price point. Indeed, this model is one of the most affordable splitting axes in the market. When you take into account the features it offers and its versatility, it is value for money and one of the best bang for the buck.
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#2. Helko Vario 2000 Heavy Splitting Axe
Editor's Rating: (4.7 / 5)
- Handle Length: 36 in
- Product Weight: 8.5 lbs
- Head Weight: 6.7 lbs
- Handle Material: Wood
Indeed, this splitting axe follows a more traditional route and has a wood handle and a steel head. However, there is a major caveat as this model is also one of the heaviest in this review as it weighs 8.5 lbs which is on the heavy side.
Nevertheless, since the handle is made out of wood it can be sanded to be more comfortable in the hand. This unit is mostly intended for those who have the muscle power to operate it. Consequently, this Helko splitting axe is also intended for more heavy-duty log splitting.
If you have fairly large number of wood to split, this is an excellent model to consider. It can easily replace and do the job of a medium-size splitting maul.
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#3. Gerber 36-Inch Power Splitting Axe
Editor's Rating: 
(4.4 / 5)
- Handle Length: 36 in
- Product Weight: 5.4 lbs
- Head Weight: N/A
- Handle Material: Composite
This Gerber splitting axe is one of the most affordable solutions in this review, only bested by the excellent Fiskars X27 reviewed above.
It has a decent handle length of 36 in and the axe itself weighs only 5.4 lbs which gives it an excellent striking force when splitting wood logs. The handle is made from a very durable composite material which also happen to be quite comfortable.
To make it even more convenient to use, the handle is PTFE coated which makes it anti-slip and can easily be operated even with wet hands without the risk of slipping. Moreover, one of the things we like about this unit is that it has a uni-body design so it feels solid when used.
All in all, this Gerber model is one of the best log splitting axes on the market mostly because it has an excellent price to performance ratio.
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#4. Gransfors Bruks 27-Inch Large Splitting Axe
Editor's Rating: (4.4 / 5)
- Handle Length: 27 in
- Product Weight: 5.29 lbs
- Head Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Handle Material: Wood
However, despite being quite lightweight it still has a powerful striking force and the general ergonomic shape makes this wood splitting axe very comfortable to work with. Additionally, the shape of the head is streamlined in such a way that it will have no difficulty in cutting tough wood logs.
For those who like to customize their splitting axe, the handle is made out of wood so it can be sanded to provide a more comfortable handling.
The only caveat with this splitting axe is its steep price. Indeed, despite being one of the best tools for splitting wood on the market, the Gransfors Bruks is also one of the most expensive.
If you can afford this splitting axe, go get it as it is one of the best. If not, there are more affordable models in this review that offer an almost similar experience for less money.
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#5. Helko Spaltaxt German Splitting Axe
Editor's Rating: 
(4.9 / 5)
- Handle Length: 28 in
- Product Weight: 6 lbs
- Head Weight: 4.4 lbs
- Handle Material: Wood
The handle measures 28 in and with its 4.4 lbs head, it delivers an excellent strike force that can split any log, big or small. This excellent striking force has also to do with the shape of the head, which is a little bit enlarged so as to offer better wood penetration during splitting.
Moreover, the handle is made out of solid wood and has an ergonomic shape that further promotes usability.
As almost expected, the only caveat we have with this splitting axe is its steep price. It is an expensive unit, but in our opinion well worth the consideration since the Helko Spaltaxt is a reference lumberjack tool and one of the best splitting axes that money can buy.
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#6. Husqvarna S2800 27-inch Composite Splitting Axe
Editor's Rating: 
(4.5 / 5)
- Handle Length: 27 in
- Product Weight: 6.55 lbs
- Head Weight: N/A
- Handle Material: Fiberglass
However, despite this tool having everything we like in a splitting axe, including a well-designed and efficient steel head, the fiberglass handle is simply not a good match for this unit.
Indeed, it is fragile and cannot be used for heavy-duty splitting actions, especially when used on hardwood for an extended period.
However, for lightweight and casual wood splitting on softwood, it is still an excellent model that will get to the job done.
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#7. Vipukirves Leveraxe Classic 36-inch Splitting Axe
Editor's Rating: 
(3.9 / 5)
- Handle Length: 36 in
- Product Weight: 5.5 lbs
- Head Weight: 4 lbs
- Handle Material: Composite
Unlike the regular splitting axe where you split wood with a downward striking force only, the Vipukirves Leveraxe uses a cleave and split action force instead.
This splitting tool is also safer to use. The only downside is that it takes some time to get used to this splitting tool as it works quite differently to a splitting axe. However, once you get the feel of it you will be splitting wood quickly and with less effort.
All in all, if you feel adventurous and need a heavy-duty tool that can split wood fast and efficiently, we can safely recommend the Vipukirves Leveraxe. Remember, it takes some getting used to first.
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How to Buy the Best Splitting Axes
#1. Blade Bit
The blade bit is the front of the axe and the part that does the actual splitting. It's where all the downward force is concentrated when performing the splitting motion.
In order to get a quality model, ensure than the blade bit in your splitting axe is sharp and made from a solid material like steel for durability.
All those factors will ensure that your splitting axe will perform the best that it possibly can.
#2. Handle
The handle is one of the most important aspects of the splitting axe. In general, a wood handle is preferred as it is more comfortable to hold and above all, it can be sanded to provide a more comfortable and anti-slip grip.
Additionally, the length of the handle is extremely important. The longer the handle of the splitting axe, the more force the blade bit will have when splitting wood or cutting branches.
However, a long handle also diminishes maneuverability and requires more muscle power to operate.
Your choice of the handle length will depend on your purpose and usage for the splitting axe. If you are planning to use the splitting axe to mostly cut small branches then a model with a smaller handle is better.
On the other hand, if you will be using the splitting axe to chop, dice or split small wood logs then a model with a longer handle will get the job done faster. In general, any splitting axe with a handle of 27 inches or more will be more than enough.
#3. Handle material
As previously mentioned, a wooden handle is generally the best option since you can sand it and make the handle more comfortable to the touch. However, you don't have to.
A plastic based handle is just as tough and gets the job done as well.
Just ensure that the handle has grooves or a soft rubber coating for better handling during an extended period.
#4. Weight
Similar to the handle length, the weight of the splitting axe will dictate how long you will be able to use this tool in all comfort. A heavy splitting axe produces more downward splitting force and allows you to cut branches or split tougher logs faster.
However, it demands more muscle power to operate. if you have a lot of splitting to perform throughout the day, a heavy model is not the best splitting axe for your need as going with a lighter model is almost always better for casual use.
Of course, it will all depend on your usage and need once again.
#5. Axe Type
Some splitting axes have a uni-body construction. There are no smaller parts and it is a single unit. The main advantage of this type of splitting axe is that is it more tough and difficult to have loose parts over time. However, you tend to lose on versatility with a uni-body splitting axe.
Furthermore, some people like to customize their splitting axes which are more difficult to do with a uni-body splitting axe than with a multi-part splitting axe.
#6. Build Construction
Basically, the build construction dictates how long it will last. A model that has a steel head and a plastic-based handle (or wood handle) are bound to last a long time since both those materials are waterproof and weatherproof.
Therefore, they will not rust or lose their toughness after being used for a prolonged period of time.
Conclusion
If you frequently need to split wood logs of small to medium-size, the splitting axe is a cost-effective tool for the job. It is a versatile and easy to use wood cutting tool that almost anyone can start using right away regardless of experience level.
Best, it comes in different weight, shapes, and sizes to fit individual needs. In our review above, we have listed some excellent wood splitting axes for the money.
They are all well-regarded models that get the job done, and above all, they have an excellent build construction so they will last a long time. Pick and choose a model that appeals to you!
Last Updated on June 13, 2019 by