If you’re looking for a smaller axe that can wield some good power while also being highly portable, you’ll want one of our best bushcraft axe options. These picks will be great for clearing your path while hiking, splitting some kindling for your campfire or chiminea, and any other small task you may need.
Deciding What Type of Bushcraft Axe You Need
Deciding what axe to get is no easy decision. There are so many options – axes, hatchets, mauls, and more. But when heading out on a camping trip or just homesteading, you know a survival knife may not be enough. Here is a breakdown of what you need to ask yourself before you decide on what type of axe to get.
- How far will I need to carry the axe?
- What is the main use for the axe?
- Have you used an axe before?
The answers to these questions may help you decide which axe is best for you.
What to look for in a Bushcraft Axe – Our Buying Guide
There are so many great tools to take into the bush with you. But how do you know that the option you’ve been eyeing will do the job you need it to do. Here’s a list of items you should look for when searching for the best bushcraft axe for your needs.
- Blade – The blade is essential in how well your axe cuts through what you need it to cut. Blades come in varying material. Also the sharpness and length of the blade will also play a big role. Look for these features when comparing options.
- Head Weight – You’ll want to check out how heavy the head of the axe is. Typically, the weight of the head will determine how effective the axe is at certain tasks such as cutting down limbs or trees. If you plan on using it camping or hiking you’ll want to keep the weight in mind. The axe may weigh you down if it’s too heavy.
- Handle Length – The handle length will be another aspect you’ll want to keep in mind. You’ll want to make your choice based on your own physical size, what you plan on using the axe for, and how you will be transporting the axe. You may only want it for splitting some kindling so a smaller axe is fine. But if you plan on using it for many different tasks in the bush – such as felling a tree – you may want something longer.
- Accessories or Additional Features – Depending on where and when you plan on using your axe, you may want a specific accessory or feature. Some of the options we review below include a sheath or lanyard. When choosing your axe make sure you keep in mind how you will be transporting it and any other features you’ll need included.
Bushcraft Axe Reviews
Husqvarna 19″ Wooden Splitting Axe
If you’re looking for a great axe for splitting firewood then the Husqvarna 19” Wooden Splitting Axe is a great option. It comes with a specially designed head and small hickory shaft which permits the user the ability to split lighter firewood with little effort. It also allows for one-hand use.
With a 19 inch handle, it’s not too large to take along on a hiking trip. And it’s large enough to do some serious splitting.
- Comes with leather blade cover for protection
- Swedish forged head
- Head securely fastened with wood and steel
- Handle may shrink in warm conditions
- Long term storage may cause rust
- Blade chips easily
Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet 13.50 Inch Axe
Looking for a great axe for camping? Look no further, the Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet 13.50 Inch Axe with its longer handle and light weight make it easy highly portable. You’ll be able to put it in your backpack and go.
This hatchet is great for cutting and splitting small logs making it great for cutting wood for campfires. The hatchet comes with a blade sheath (bonus!) allowing the user to carry it without worrying about the hatchet cutting through their backpack.
- Comes with “Axe-Book”
- Arrives sharp and ready to cut
- Tanned leather sheath
- Handle is too small
- Blade chips easily
- Axe head is not straight
Our #1 Pick – Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe 19 Inch
Looking for a smaller axe that packs a lot of power? Look no further than the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe that can be easily carried in your backpack and is great for cutting small sticks.
This axe has excellent balance and weight and packs power in a small size and comes with a lifetime warranty. It also comes with a sheath and is pre-sharpened so once it arrives you can grab it and go.
- Arrives sharp and ready to cut
- Lifetime warranty
- Excellent balance and weight
- Handle splinters and cracks easily
- Head rusts easily
- Arrives sharp but becomes dull easily
Snow & Nealley Hudson Bay Axe
Looking for a great axe that will last a long time? If so, the Snow & Nealley Hudson Bay Axe created by Drake Off Road Tools is great for multi tasks required by outdoorsmen. The 24” hickory handle and 1 ¾ lb head not only look great but work great as well.
Great looking leather sheath and hickory handle is not only functional but looks great too. The handle is one of the longer options we are reviewing so if you’re looking to pack a bit of a punch this is a good option.
- Genuine leather blade sheath
- Drake Off Road Tools in business since 1864
- Handle made from hickory
- Arrives dull and needs to be sharpened
- Sheath is flimsy and poor quality
- Axe head made in China
Wetterlings SAW118 Outdoor Axe Knife
Looking for a great outdoor axe? Look no further, the Wetterlings SAW118 Outdoor Axe Knife with its carbon steel blade and hickory handle with lanyard hole make this a perfect axe to bring with you for any task you may encounter.
The American hickory wood handle not only looks good but provides durability as well. The 19.5 inch handle is attached to the 1 1/2 lb head for a total weight of approximately 2.4 lbs.
- Lanyard hole for easy transport
- Arrives sharp and ready to cut
- American hickory wood handle
- Blade chips easily
- Some arrive without lanyard hole
- Blade arrive dull and needs to be sharpened
Estwing Sportsman’s Axe 14″ Camping Hatchet
Looking for a great camping hatchet? Look no further, the Estwing’s Sportsman’s axe is a must have tool for outdoorsmen and its design makes it easy to handle with unsurpassed balance and temper. The leather handle is comfortable to use and its nylon sheath has a belt loop making it safe and easy to carry wherever your travels take you.
- Forged in one piece
- Genuine leather grip
- Ballistic nylon sheath
- Blade rusts easily
- Blade chips easily
- Not made in the USA
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