The best camping axe is an essential amenity for outdoor enthusiasts. They can help you with a number of tasks in your campsite, such as splitting woods, cutting ropes, and other errands that require a cutting edge.
Of course, you may think that any axe can work. But if you want functionality minus the bulk and weight, the following splitters should be your top choices.
Want a hatch (shorter handle) instead? Hatches are small, one-handed axes used for splitting smaller pieces of wood. Though we cover several hatches here, you can learn more about the best hatches here.
| Blade Material | Handle Material | |
| Hults Bruk Kisa Axe | Swedish forged steel | American hickory |
| Adler German Axes Rheinland Hatchet | C45 steel | American hickory |
| Gerber 14" Hatchet | Forged steel | Glass-filled nylon |
| Fiskars Norden N7 14” Hatchet with Sheath | Carbon steel | Hickory wood |
| Hults Bruk Almike Hatchet | Swedish forged steel | American hickory |
| Estwing E44A-1 ES44A Blue Camper's Axe | Forged steel | Forged steel |
| LEXIVON V14 Camping Hatchet | Carbon steel | Fiberglass composite |
If you want something that has the capacity to split anything that it comes into contact with, the Hults Bruk Kisa Axe is the perfect choice for you. This one is designed to be a felling axe, making it an ideal choice for lopping tree branches and even cutting logs. Its head is hand-forged by expert craftsmen and uses Swedish steel as the blade material. The said forged steel has been the manufacturer's selling point since 1967.
In fact, the steel has been struck several times to ensure that it has amplified density and durability. The axe head has been tempered as well so that it can possess an extremely sharp edge. Even if you resharpen multiple times, it will not lose its finesse to split and cut things. Meanwhile, its 2-foot handle has been treated with linseed oil to enhance user comfort and control.
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The Adler German Axes Rheinland Hatchet is a high-quality camping axe that lets you handle different applications in the wilderness. It features an ergonomic American hickory handle that has been coated with anti-slip paint. Such a treatment enables you to swing the axe without the fear that you'll let it go accidentally. Its head has a weight of roughly one pound and is shaped from the German Rheinland pattern for more cutting reach.
Meanwhile, the mount of its head is constructed from wood and features a rounded metallic wedge. It also includes a leather sheath for added protection when you are not using the axe. Needless to say, the C45 steel blade is tough and capable of extensive sharpness retention. In fact, the Rockwell hardness of the blade is rated at 47-55 HRC, making it an ultra-tough component.
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If compactness is your primary specification, then the Garber 14-inch Hatchet is your best bet. This one works well for any outdoor trip, regardless of where you are planning to tread. Despite its small profile, it has a burly capability to help you on your splitting and cutting errands. The entire axe is lightweight, too, giving you the freedom of using it without straining your arms.
It possesses a durable, precision-made forge steel blade. It is marked by an edge that is not only sharp but has excellent retention. It doesn't get dull easily. And even after a couple of re-sharpening, its prowess in cutting things will never be withered. Handling the axe is quite convenient, too. After all, its handle is made from glass-filled nylon. It is wrapped by a molding layer that ensures that you can grip it as snugly and comfortably as possible.
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It's undeniable that Fiskars is one of the most reputable manufacturers of axes and bladed tools today. I don't think that this list would be complete without featuring one of its opuses. The Fiskars Norden N7 is a highly rated camping axe because of its compact profile and absolute cutting power. It excels in chopping, limbing, and other related tasks in your campsite. The blade features unique geometry and ergonomic weight distribution so that you can maximize its potential.
The edge of its blade is ultra-sharp, allowing you to do your work as quickly and efficiently as possible. With its small-profile architecture, bringing it in any outdoor adventure is never cumbersome. This axe features a hickory wood handle; the latter also possesses the highly rugged Fibercomp to protect you from overstrikes. You can also guarantee that its head remains in place, thanks to its patented connection to the axe's handle.
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The Hults Bruk Almike Hatchet is another impeccable option for a user-friendly compact axe. It is versatile enough to help you accomplish numerous tasks, such as creating kindling materials, clearing your area, and other off-the-grid jobs. Its blade is a hand-forged Swedish steel axe. It has a traditional build that originated in the foundry, but its prowess on the field is guaranteed tested and tried. The steel has been stricken a couple of times to ensure that it can attain maximum density and durability.
Its blade also features a tempered zone where it is incredibly sharp. It doesn't lose its shape either, even after numerous sharpenings. Meanwhile, its curved hickory handle sufficiently improves the accuracy and control you have over your swings. And since it comes with a protective sheath, you'll never have to worry about injuries and accidents while carrying this tool.
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You can also trust your site jobs on the Estwing Blue Camper's Axe. This brand is also a reputable crafter of outdoor cutting tools for outdoor applications. The blade itself has been forged from high-grade steel. It has been polished and sharpened, too, so that it won't disappoint you at all. Furthermore, it has a durability that can last for many years. And given that it has an affordable price, the axe is definitely an investment worth giving a shot.
The axe itself has been tempered to attain maximum strength and sharpness. It can penetrate thick and rugged wood easily. Furthermore, it has an ergonomic steel handle that optimizes the precision of each of your strikes. The handle also features a patented grip that efficiently reduces shock and improves your control over the axe.
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:
The LEXIVON V14 Camping Hatchet is also an excellent option for a lightweight yet powerful camping axe. It is specifically designed for chopping, as can be seen on its aggressive cutting edge angle. It works well against small to medium logs. You can also use this utility in your backyard errands such as gardening and clearing of shrubs. With its fully encased over-molded blade, you can swing the axe securely and efficiently.
Meanwhile, the fiberglass composite handle ensures durability without compromising the weight of the axe. Furthermore, the handle's back has been reinforced and wrapped with a non-slip TPR grip for safer use of the tool. Its blade is constructed from drop-forged, heat-treated carbon steel. It features extreme sharpness and extensive retention, which are both essential for every outdoor enthusiast out there.
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:
Oh, who wouldn't want to swing a sharp axe in their backyard, workshop, or campsite? Despite the presence of modern power tools, an axe remains a pivotal tool for achieving a number of splitting and chopping tasks.
Hence, before you decide which axe you should pick, there are some considerations that you need to take into account.
There are two categories for axes: splitting and chopping. The axe that you pick should be able to accommodate your intended application without compromising your safety and convenience.
A splitting axe is designed to handle vertically erected logs. Specifically, they can split the wood in half by just a single stroke. An axe intended for this application has blades that are capable of penetrating as deeply as possible, enabling the wood to be divided efficiently.
Meanwhile, a chopping axe is required to work with logs that have been horizontally positioned. The axe is capable of cutting the wood into a number of segments. Each stroke you swing should be able to penetrate the rugged body of the log. Keep in mind that a chopping axe must cut the fibers, not break them entirely. The more penetrating power the axe has, the less you need to swing it to make a successful cut.
Most of the camping axes are designed to be compact, given the fact that there's no need for you to fell large trees while you are camping. If you only intend to split or chop small logs, then these small-sized cutting tools are already enough.
A 17-inch axe should be more than enough to execute single-strike splits to medium and small logs. Moreover, their small frame lets you carry them on your backpacking and camping activities.
However, if you think that there's a lot of work that needs to be done in the field, I suggest that you bring a larger axe. But since we are talking about camping, I don't think that you'll ever need those sizable axes.
Another interesting factor that you need to take into account is the weight of the axe head. For those who have witnessed woodcutting competitions, most participants utilize axe heads that weigh up to seven pounds. The heavier the head, the more cutting power the axe can produce.
But for camping purposes, you don't actually need such heavy options. You can already settle with axe heads that are five pounds or less. The reason for this preference is accuracy. Weight affects your overall control over the axe. Starting with lighter options will let you practice your swings. The more experience and strength you gather, you can gradually start upgrading.
Moreover, you should never exclude the length of the handle as a consideration. You see, many people tend to opt for an axe that comes with a long handle. The latter amplifies the strength of your swing. But for camping purposes, that's no longer necessary.
In fact, a long handle is not always preferable unless you are an expert in handling an axe. While it is true that it helps to generate more force, it also prevents you from executing enough accuracy in your swings. A short axe may not give you the splitting or chopping power that you want, but they give you the accuracy to improve the consistency of your cuts.
Keep in mind that the handle's length is measured from the bottom knob up to the top of the axe blade.
Moreover, you also need to decide about the shape of your handle. You have two options here: straight and curved. A single bit-axe typically wields a curved handle since they feel natural to the hands. If your axe is a double-bit, you have no other choice but to go with a straight handle.
Most camping axes today have a plastic handle. While they perform alright, it is still better if you get a wooden unit. Here, hickory and ash are the best choices.
The best camping axe can solve a number of tasks at your campsite. Even along your journey, the axe can help you clear off bushes and debris. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, learning how to use an axe is quite essential. It is a versatile tool that can help you in your errands and in emergencies.
That's it for the meantime. If you have other inquiries, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.
