12 best axes

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

For a Russian person, an ax is a familiar tool that distant ancestors held in their hands. With his help, huts were cut down, palaces were erected, baths and farm buildings were assembled. The ax helped to prepare firewood for the whole winter. Over time, the tool has undergone a number of improvements and modifications. However, the classical form has hardly changed. Today, there are models of different sizes on sale, they differ in weight, shape and price. To choose the right tool, you should pay attention to several parameters.

How to choose a quality ax

1. Appointment. First of all, it is necessary to designate a list of tasks that will be assigned to the chopping product. There are universal models, they are most often bought by owners of private houses. Some axes are designed for professional woodworking and are needed by carpenters or joiners. The smallest and lightest hatchets help tourists out on a hike.
2. Blade. A major difference is observed in the shape of the blade. For splitting firewood, thickened products are better suited, in which the cutting part has a not very sharp angle. This shape prevents the ax from getting stuck in the log. But to remove bark or create cavities in wood, a sharp, thin blade is required.
3. Often, during work, you have to knock on the butt in order to free the cleaver from a knotty log or evenly chop off the excess part of the tree. Therefore, when buying a tool, you should pay attention to whether the manufacturer allows impact on the butt.
4. Handle. Convenience in work is provided by the handle. The classic option is to use natural wood. However, due attention is not always paid to the sludge in production. After a short period of use, the handle starts to wobble, making the tool dangerous to use. But the handles made of artificial materials do not swell when moistened and do not dry out after drying. Only not all of them are capable of withstanding shock loads.
5. Safety. So that the ax does not pose a danger to a person during storage or movement, you should take care of a protective cover. It is convenient to hang the tool if there is a special hole on the handle.

Our review includes 12 of the best axes. With the help of experts and users, we managed to identify winners in several nominations.

Rating of the best axes

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best axes for chopping wood (cleavers)	1	Fiskars X11-S 440 mm	RUB 2,790
	2	Matrix 21820	1 359 RUB
	3	GARDENA 1600S	RUB 2,660
Best all-round ax	1	Fiskars X10-S	2 399 RUB
	2	Cold Steel Trail Boss Ax 660mm	RUB 3 310
Best carpentry axes	1	Husqvarna 5769264-01	RUB 2,494
	2	IZHSTAL 030904-120	429 r
	3	MATRIX 21649	749 RUB
Best Touring Ax	1	Fiskars X5-XXS	2 110 rub.
	2	GARDENA 900B 340 mm	RUB 1,650
	3	Zubr 20646-05 300 mm	758 r
Best Ax Hammer	1	Bahco 494-600	RUB 1,749

The best axes for chopping wood (cleavers)

Only special axes, which are called cleavers, can split a thick log with one blow. Thanks to the massive working part with a thick blade, the impact leads to cracking of the wood along the grain. The specialists recognized the following models as the most effective.

Fiskars X11-S 440 mm

Rating: 4.9

According to experts, the most convenient ax for chopping firewood is the Fiskars X11-S 440 mm model. The tool is of high quality workmanship, while it is sold in Russia at an affordable price. With the help of a cleaver, it is possible to carry out various types of work, starting with the preparation of firewood and ending with construction. The manufacturer made a clearly defined butt, which makes it possible to use the back side as a hammer. Teflon coating is used to protect the steel blade.

The ax ranks first in the ranking for its compact size and light weight (1.13 kg), an ergonomic ax handle with a shock-absorbing coating. The handle is made of a special material FiberComp, which is not afraid of moisture and is resistant to mechanical damage.

Advantages

• versatility;
• does not get stuck in logs;
• easily splits logs up to 20 cm in diameter;
• durable handle.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Matrix 21820

Rating: 4.8

The cleaver Matrix 21820 is sold at the lowest price on the domestic market. The well-known German manufacturer has managed to reduce the production cost by locating a production site in China. The ax is made of 65G steel, which after heat treatment acquires high hardness (50 HRc). Even logs with twigs can be split thanks to the back, made in the form of an anvil. Using a hammer, you can free a stuck ax and chop a log. For ease of use, the handle is made of fiberglass, it absorbs on impact. In addition, the material does not swell or dry out.

The model ranks second in the ranking, behind the winner in weight (3.55 kg) and dimensions (length 900 mm). But users complain about hand fatigue in the wrists.

Advantages

• low price;
• high-quality manufacturing;
• comfortable handle;
• moderate angle.

disadvantages

• heavy weight;
• tangible recoil in the hands on impact.

GARDENA 1600S

Rating: 4.8

The GARDENA 1600S Cleaver will help you quickly tackle a pile of firewood. The blade geometry is specially selected for splitting medium-sized logs. The tool is made in the Czech Republic, so the price is slightly higher than the offer of competitors. But the manufacturer processed the ax blade with a special compound to reduce friction. The total weight of the cleaver is 1.6 kg, which becomes a serious force with a length of 600 mm.

It was possible to lighten the tool due to the carbon fiber handle. She is not afraid of moisture and does not dry out. However, the material is destroyed by strong blows of a sledgehammer on the butt of a stuck ax. Therefore, you will have to work according to the blow-extract-blow scheme. Over time, sticky resin builds up on the blade, which makes chopping wood worse. Cleaning is best done with organic solvents.

Advantages

• comfortable grip;
• minimal friction of the blade;
• quality workmanship.

disadvantages

• high price;
• the handle is afraid of shock loads.

Best all-round ax

The farm should have an ax on hand, which can chop wood and carcass of an animal with equal success. With its help, it is possible to monitor the garden, and, if necessary, hammer stakes into the ground. This range of tasks can be performed by the following products.

Fiskars X10-S

Rating: 4.9

The Fiskars X10-S universal ax is capable of performing a wide range of woodworking operations. These are joinery and carpentry work, chopping wood, cutting shrubs and small trees. The high strength of the blade is ensured by hardened steel. To protect the blade from corrosion, the manufacturer used an anti-friction coating. With a total length of 440 mm, the tool weighs 0.98 kg. The handle is made of a two-component material that does not absorb moisture and does not dry out. A plastic cover ensures safe transportation of the ax.

The model deservedly becomes the winner of the rating, its excellent working qualities are confirmed by consumer reviews. The ax is comfortable, does not slip in the hands, it successfully combines length and weight. But knocking with a hammer on the back is not recommended.

Advantages

• comfortable handle;
• light weight;
• protective case;
• quality workmanship.

disadvantages

• you cannot knock with the butt of an ax.

Cold Steel Trail Boss Ax 660mm

Rating: 4.8

The American Cold Steel Trail Boss Ax 660 mm is already considered a living legend. A well-known company at one time made a real revolution in the world of chopping tools. For the manufacture of a masterpiece, modern materials with a large margin of safety are used. The hardness of a steel blade with a length of 114 mm is 54-56 HRc, which allows you to work with an ax without sharpening for a long time. The handle is made of natural walnut wood. An ax can not only chop branches and logs, it can be thrown into logs, butchered animal carcasses, and hammered in nails with a butt. With a total length of 660 mm, the tool weighs 1.115 kg.

Experts gave the model the second place in the rating due to the high price. Users are satisfied with the quality of the ax and its durability.

Advantages

• durable modern materials;
• high blade hardness;
• comfortable handle without cracks.

disadvantages

• high price.

Best carpentry axes

In the work of a carpenter there is always work for an ax. The tool should not only be extremely sharp, but also as comfortable as possible. Several models have these properties.

Husqvarna 5769264-01

Rating: 4.9

One of the best carpentry axes on the domestic market is the Husqvarna 5769264-01 model. The Swedish tool does not need much advertising, even the high price does not stop the woodworking professionals. It can be used not only in the professional activities of carpenters and joiners, but also for the preparation of firewood. The ax has a small length (375 mm), the ergonomic wooden handle has a hole for hanging the tool. Experts especially note the reliable fit of the ax. Even after 2-3 years of daily use, no backlashes or displacements are formed. The secret of immobility lies in two wedges (wood and steel).

The ax tops the rating of carpentry models; craftsmen note the optimal weight (985 g) for work and the presence of a good protective cover.

Advantages

• sharp blade;
• optimal length and weight;
• ergonomic handle;
• Leather Case.

disadvantages

• high price.

IZHSTAL 030904-120

Rating: 4.7

The Izhevsk enterprise boasts a rich history in the manufacture of hand tools. Ax IZHSTAL 030904-120 is devoid of many drawbacks typical for budget products. Both experts and users are satisfied with the quality of the Russian instrument. The wooden handle lies comfortably in the hands and does not slip during operation. The ax itself is made of hardened steel, the blade is sharpened specifically for wood processing. If necessary, you can chop wood or cut tree branches. The fastening of the handle to the ax turned out to be reliable.

The instrument deserves the second line of our rating, losing to the winner in weight (1.2 kg). Users note slight flaws in the handle processing, in some models there are gaps between the handle and the ax.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• sharp sharpening;
• strength and durability;
• comfortable handle.

disadvantages

• marriage is often found.

MATRIX 21649

Rating: 4.6

The experts put the German-Chinese ax MATRIX 21649 in third place in the rating. The strong points of the tool include the forged steel base made of grade 60G. After hardening, the manufacturer managed to achieve high strength (50 HRc) for both the blade and the butt. The handle is made of fiberglass, rubber inserts reduce shock to the hands. The handle retains its original shape, both when wet and when it dries. The model weighs 1,392 kg, in this parameter it is inferior to the leaders of the rating. The ax can be suspended thanks to a special hole in the handle.

Along with the low price and comfortable grip, users found some drawbacks. First, the cutting angle is too large. The second disadvantage of the tool is the unreliable fixation of the handle.

Advantages

• ergonomic rubberized handle;
• acceptable price;
• good hardening.

disadvantages

• poor blade sharpening;
• unreliable hatchet draft.

Best Touring Ax

Camping is not complete without a fire, and for convenience, a small table and simple benches are often made. A compact and lightweight hatchet will become a reliable assistant for a tourist or fisherman. Experts recommend several models for outdoor enthusiasts.

Fiskars X5-XXS

Rating: 4.9

The Fiskars X5-XXS universal ax is an excellent helper for outdoor enthusiasts. The short handle (23 cm) and low weight (0.55 kg) make the tool easy to transport. You can wear an ax not only in a backpack, but also on a waist belt. The experts gave the product the first place in the rating for the sharp blade made of durable and hard steel. The fiberglass handle has a shock-absorbing coating, so it does not slip in the hand even after getting wet. Users note the convenient shape of the handle, due to this, a reliable grip is provided.

For safe movement of the ax, there is a protective cover with a snap. The blade is securely connected to the handle, forming a monolithic structure. Users note a sharp blade that easily handles branches or small logs.

Advantages

• high-quality manufacturing;
• ease of use;
• good blade sharpening;
• reliable cover.

disadvantages

• not detected.

GARDENA 900B 340 mm

Rating: 4.8

Many gardeners are familiar with the German company Gardena tools. The GARDENA Hiking Ax 900B 340 mm is not only suitable for going out into the countryside, but also for gardening. The sharp blade is protected from corrosion by a special coating that helps reduce friction. The ergonomic handle has an elastic soft insert, which not only softens the impact energy, but also prevents the tool from slipping out of the hand. The strength of the ax is provided by a fiberglass reinforced layer. Experts drew attention to a durable butt, it turns an ordinary ax into a small sledgehammer. The high quality of the product is confirmed by a 10-year warranty.

Users appreciated the comfortable grip, sharp blade, and beautiful appearance. The main disadvantage of the ax is its high price.

Advantages

• lightweight and comfortable;
• protective case;
• cuts well;
• reinforced hatchet.

disadvantages

• high price.

Zubr 20646-05 300 mm

Rating: 4.7

The hatchet Zubr 20646-05 was specially developed for field conditions. With a length of 300 mm, the tool weighs 0.5 kg, and the protective case reliably hides the sharp blade during transport. The ax allows you to quickly and efficiently cut brushwood or small logs. The model is based on durable hardened steel 65G, it is covered with a Teflon layer to protect it from corrosion. In addition, the coating gives the surface a smooth surface, so the blade does not get stuck in the wood. A fiberglass handle is used to facilitate the walking ax. A special soft insert reduces the load on the hand when chopping, and also contributes to a secure grip.

The experts put the hatchet in third place due to the unreliable handle. Domestic consumers mention this disadvantage in reviews.

Advantages

• low price;
• compactness and lightness;
• smooth blade.

disadvantages

• unreliable grip.

Best Ax Hammer

Some builders appreciate the versatility of the ax. For example, installers have to trim boards with an ax, knock down shields, remove bent nails. One effective hammer-ax can handle such tasks.

Bahco 494-600

Rating: 4.9

Many DIYers, as well as builders, need to have a multifunctional tool on hand. The Bahco 494-600 ax hammer is an excellent combination of impact and chopping product. In addition, nails can be removed quickly and easily with the tool. A set of these qualities will suit both a plasterer, a roofer, and an installer. Experts pay attention to a durable steel handle with a rubber grip. It is securely connected to the working part, which consists of an ax blade with a nailer and a square butt.

The model becomes the winner of the rating, it is compact (31.5 cm) and lightweight (0.85 kg). Only the manufacturer forgot to make a hole for hanging on the handle.

Advantages

• wide scope;
• strength and durability;
• reliable and comfortable handle;
• hardened steel working part.

disadvantages

• no hanging hole.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.