5 Felling Axes that are Lightweight, Durable and Efficient

A top-quality axe is an essential, useful tool for any house owner or outdoor enthusiast. It is necessary to chop firewood while camping or at home if a fireplace is available. The tools are quite versatile, but it’s not easy to select the proper tool for the money and for the job.

According to Wikipedia, an axe is a tool, an instrument or an implement that is used to cut, split and shape wood. Before the dawn of history, an axe was made of stone and used without a handle.

Modern axes are equipped with long, handy wooden handles. Meanwhile, fiberglass and plastic handles are also common nowadays. The axes’ heads are commonly made of various metals: steel, copper, bronze, iron.

An axe acts as a wedge, reducing the woodcutter’s efforts. A handle is used as a lever, to increase the cutting force.

Axes with the steel heads are incredibly popular nowadays. They are solid, strong and durable.

The basic types of axes are felling, splitting, carpenter’s tools. Broad, survival, mortising, hand axes are also widespread. The other well-known axe types are hatchets and adzes.

Thus a felling axe is a handy tool that is essential to fell an entire tree and chop the wood afterward. The tools are commonly lightweight, sharp, durable, and efficient. Of course, you would also require a durable rope to pull the tree trunk down. So, you should probably read this article on Woodblogger.com about some of the best ropes for pulling trees.

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5 axes herewith that are the most lightweight, easy-to-use and durable

A splitting maul is wedge-shaped. It is designed to split small pieces of wood. It comes with a heavy head and long, hickory handle. A hatchet, carpenter’s and hand axe are small.

Broad axes are chisel-shaped; mortising ones are equipped with long, narrow heads and designed for working on long logs. Additionally, the design of an American felling axe is different from a European one.

It is narrower and comes with a poll on the head back. It’s lightweight and suitable for small jobs. The axe is also suitable to drop large trees without great effort. That said, if you wanted to have a go at something like tree lopping, it’s probably best to leave it to the professionals. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Selecting the best felling axe, customers commonly consider its design, safety, utility and, of course, price. It is necessary to keep the steel blade always sharp, use a solidly grounded chopping block.

Additionally, as the safety is extremely important, never use the axe when it’s dark, you are tired or when the handle is cracked or the head is loose.

Take all the necessary safety precautions, maintain the axe properly and it will serve you for many years.

Additionally, they are affordable and meticulously styled. So, why don’t you select one of them right now and order from your favorite shop?

PhotoProduct's nameMore Information
1. Fiskars X27 Splitting Axe1. Fiskars X27 Splitting AxeMore Information
2. Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe2. Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest AxeMore Information
3. Fiskars Chopping Axe3. Fiskars Chopping AxeMore Information
4. Husqvarna Multi-Purpose Wooden Axe4. Husqvarna Multi-Purpose Wooden AxeMore Information
5. Hults Bruk Dave Canterbury Axe5. Hults Bruk Dave Canterbury AxeMore Information

1. Fiskars X27 Splitting Axe

Durability92%
Performance79%
Weight77%
Price77%
Fiskars is a very good, reliable, garden tools brand.

The company was established in the like-named Finnish village in 1649.

Nowadays, it is international and well-known for top-quality products and innovative approach.

Fiskars tools come with lifetime guarantees; they are scientifically validated and tested through.

The axe is extremely lightweight, top-quality and innovative by design. It is appropriate for splitting hard and medium wood, for felling trees and chopping logs. It is efficient, perfectly balanced and safe.

A long, 36-inch handle makes it suitable for tall people. It is smartly designed for maximizing the efficiency and performance, leveraging the power.

The axe weight is perfectly distributed as the head is quite heavy, while the handle is lightweight. The head is unique shaped, coming with an advanced bevel that simplifies the blade removing from the wood.

It is made of forged, hardened steel that stays sharp for years. It is covered with the innovative coating that prevents the sharp blade from getting stuck.

The handle is extremely lightweight and convenient. It’s made of the FiberComp material that is virtually an innovative, strong plastic. The handle is actually hollow inside, but it’s declared to be unbreakable.

If it breaks, the axe will be replaced. Additionally, the grip is very convenient. The material is shock-absorbing and weather-resistant. You can leave it outdoors when it’s raining and it’s ok.

A lifetime warranty is available. Thus, the axe is durable, top-quality, simple and functional. It is safe to carry thanks to advanced carrying handle and a head cover.

So, I recommend this Fiskars splitting axe for all homeowners, travelers, camping and outdoor enthusiasts.

For the most credible information, please, visit the manufacturer’s website or watch a video online.

Pros:

  • lifetime warranty;
  • unbreakable design;
  • perfect weight distribution;
  • lightweight;
  • a carrying handle is available;
  • affordable;
  • safe thanks to head cover.
Cons:

  • not appropriate for knotty firewood pieces;
  • the handle is produced from breakable, similar to plastic material;
  • not heavy enough;
  • the blade is difficult to sharpen.

Product information:

  • head dimensions: 3.25* 7.25 in.;
  • weight: 5.85 pounds;
  • head material: steel;
  • handle length: 36 in;
  • color: black.

2. Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe

Durability92%
Performance81%
Weight89%
Price76%

Gränsfors Bruk As is an old and well-reputed Swedish axes producer.

The company focuses on the products quality, functionality and reliability.

The axes are forged by hands.

They are grinded and polished by professional craftsmen.

Additionally, the manufacturers try to make the axes as environment friendly as possible. They spend few natural resources on their production thanks to smart technologies.

Thus the Scandinavian Forest Axe is really good, full-sized and reliable. It is not the most affordable, but it’s designed for professional application. The axe is efficient for felling large trees. It cuts even strong, resinous wood such as pine or spruce.

It is appropriate for two-handed or one-handed use. The axe comes with a long handle. The head is sheathed in soft, vegetable-tanned leather. It gives additional power to your efficient cut. Thus, the product is among the most top-quality, high end axes.

It seems that it has not only customer, but also a collection value. So, it can be purchased as a gift for a friend, a husband and even for a company boss. A leather sheath that ensures safety and an Axe-book (in English) are provided. A 20-years warranty is available.

A Ray Mears Bushcraft logo is cut on the handle. Additionally, every item comes with the stamped maker’s initials. If you have already purchased your axe, please, check the forge-man’s name on the manufacturer’s website or visit the product page.

A video that shows the axe being tested is also available online.

It is recommended to lubricate the axe head with an oil to avoid rust.

Pros:

  • powerful;
  • suitable for professional application;
  • a handmade product;
  • sharp blade;
  • ergonomic;
  • lightweight.
Cons:

  • a bit too expensive;
  • common rough handle issues.

Product Information:

  • dimensions: 1.26 * 7.52* 25.2 in.;
  • weight: 2.6 pounds;
  • head weight: 0.8 kg.;
  • handle material: hickory;
  • length with handle: 25 in.

3. Fiskars Chopping Axe

Durability92%
Performance76%
Weight71%
Price78%

The axe is very similar to the first, 36-inch handle products.

It is just a bit shorter and coming with the original, orange handle end.

The axe is made of strong, top-quality steel that is hardened and forged.

The head comes with low-friction coating that is beneficial, preventing the sharp blade from frequent getting stuck.

It provides time and energy-saving wood cutting thanks to deep blade penetration.

The axe is suitable for felling trees thanks to beneficial weight distribution and innovative blade geometry. A plastic sheath and a carrying handle are available for the user’s safety. The axe comes with lifetime warranty.

Therefore, if the plastic, hollow handle is used in not proper way, it is commonly returned and replaced with a new item. It is certainly the best axe for the money, but the handle material and strength is quite disputable.

Please, check the product page for your information.

A video review is also available.

Pros:

  • great weight distribution;
  • shock-absorbing handle;
  • weather-resistant handle material;
  • sharp blade edge;
  • it feels durable and lightweight;
  • affordable price.
Cons:

  • fragile for daily or professional use;
  • hollow handle.

Product Information:

  • dimensions: 9.2* 2* 31.5 in.;
  • weight: 5.58 pounds;
  • handle material: FiberComp;
  • blade material: hardened, forged steel (with low-friction, innovative coating);
  • color: black/orange.

    4. Husqvarna Multi-Purpose Wooden Axe

    Durability88%
    Performance76%
    Weight91%
    Price79%

    Husqvarna is another reliable producer that stands out by long history and flawless reputation.
    It was founded in 1689 in Sweden, being a weapons casting shop initially.

    Nowadays, the company is large, producing various electrical tools for garden such as trimmers, lawn movers, leaf blowers, seeders, etc.

    Husqvarna offers also a wide range of top-quality axes, both composite and traditional ones.

    The product I recommend herewith is a traditional-style axe. It’s equipped with a wooden handle that is curved and convenient. The handle is produced from hickory, nicely aligned, but it still requires sanding down and finishing.

    The axe head is top-notch, hand-forged and very sharp. It comes with the company logo that is deeply embossed. The axe quality is outstanding, especially for the money.

    The axe is versatile, suitable for multi-purpose use, such as tree felling, log limbing, branch trimming, wood chopping, etc. A leather cover is available for security reasons. The axe is also recommended to be greased to avoid rust.

    Please, find the product on the manufacturer’s website or watch an online review.

    Pros:

    • versatile;
    • top-quality;
    • affordable;
    • well-made;
    • sharp blade.
    Cons:

    • common axe head broken issues;
    • loose handle;
    • heavy feel;
    • too short for tall people.

    Product Information:

    • dimensions: 1.6 * 7.2 * 25.6 in.;
    • weight: 2.85 pounds;
    • handle material: hickory wood;
    • axe head (wedge) material: steel;
    • handle type: curved.

    5. Hults Bruk Dave Canterbury Axe

    Durability91%
    Performance88%
    Weight87%
    Price72%

    The famous Hults Bruk foundry was established in 1697.

    It is located in Sweden, near Norrkoping city.

    Nowadays, only about 20 people work for the company and all of the axes they produce are hand-forged.

    The product I recommend herewith, is a traditional axe.

    It is straight-handled, American-style and very reliable axe.

    It is suitable for professional application, felling large trees easily.

    Weight distribution is perfect, as it lets reduce wrist pivoting. Therefore, the operator (user) doesn’t get tired and can work longer. The axe’s head is of deep eye, wide cheeks Montreal pattern type. I think, it’s the best type of axe for splitting wood.

    The product is razor-sharp and it is appropriate also for other works, such as logs splitting, wood processing, etc. The axe is initially recommended for weekend camping use. It was created by the famous, experienced blacksmith Cartenbury.

    His axe design is wisely based on the traditional pattern that was popular throughout the 19th century and used by professional woodmen. Dave a well-known also as an outdoor, wilderness and survival skills instructor. So, he tried to make the axe not too heavy, good for hobby use.

    Meanwhile, the product is meticulously constructed, sharp and good for large, dense trees felling. The handle is produced from hickory wood; it is linseed oil treated; so it does not require sanding or finishing. The head needs lubricating, as well.

    A protective, reliable, leather sheath and a user’s manual are included to the parcel.

    For your information, please, check the manufacturer’s site or watch an online review.

    Pros:

    • the edge is easy to maintain;
    • razor sharp blade;
    • hand-forged and top-quality;
    • long handle;
    • functional;
    • unique, ergonomic design.
    Cons:

    • heavy for outdoor use;
    • a bit pricey;
    • diagonal grain pattern of the handle.

    Product Information:

    • handle length: 32 in.;
    • weight: 5 pounds;
    • head weight: 3.5 pounds;
    • head material: Swedish carbon steel;
    • handle material: durable, American hickory;
    • head finish: grey.

    Thus, I’ve reviewed several perfect axes herewith. All of them are safe, efficient and popular. The head and the handle shapes are various, as the products are of dissimilar types and designed for different applications.

    Most of axe heads are made of tempered (hardened steel). They commonly still need lubricating to avoid rust. The handles are made of traditional wood or modern, composite material.

    I think, the statement that innovative, hollow inside handles are unbreakable, is quite controversial. Meanwhile, they are weather-resistant and durable if you use them properly.

    Wooden material is always beneficial as it’s environment-friendly, and offers perfect feel to the users. Nevertheless, the surface requires regular sanding and polishing. Additionally, you are to avoid moisture.

    Some axes are hand-gorged; the other ones are advanced and industrially manufactured. Think carefully which product is the best felling axe for your application and the budget and select a perfect item for you or for your friend, as a gift.

    Additionally, please, check other informative reviews for your reference. I hope that the information will be useful, helping you to make a good decision.

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