Gardening
Best Log Splitting Axe: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Wood Splitter
Written by Dale RichardsonUpdated: July 2, 2024
Hello, fellow wood-choppers! It's Dale here, and I'm excited to talk about one of my favourite topics: log splitting axes. Now, who doesn't love the satisfying thud of an axe splitting a log clean in half? So, let me guide you through choosing the perfect axe to make your log-splitting experience smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. Are you ready to find the ideal tool to conquer those stubborn logs? Let's dive in!
Here is a glance at the best Log Splitting Axes before we review them in depth further down:
The Current Best Log Splitting Axes In 2024
Consideration Points:
Axe Head Weight: The Davaon Pro 71cm Log Splitting Axe has a moderate head weight of 2.4kg, making it suitable for users looking for a balance between power and control.
Handle Length: With a handle length of 71cm, this axe provides good leverage for more efficient log splitting without being too long for most users to handle comfortably.
Handle Material: The fibreglass handle ensures excellent durability and reduced shock, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.
Blade Geometry: The carbon steel blade features a well-crafted wedge shape, allowing for efficient log splitting and reducing the risk of getting stuck in the wood.
Price and Brand: The Davaon Pro 71cm Log Splitting Axe is offered at a reasonable price, making it an accessible choice for those on a budget without sacrificing quality.
Product Summary:
The Davaon Pro 71cm Log Splitting Axe is a well-rounded option for those looking to invest in a reliable and efficient log splitting tool. With a 2.4kg axe head weight, this tool strikes a balance between power and control, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
The 71cm handle length provides ample leverage, while the fibreglass material ensures durability and reduces shock during use. The non-slip soft grip adds an extra layer of comfort and control, making it easier to wield.
The carbon steel blade features a well-designed wedge shape, allowing for efficient splitting and minimizing the risk of getting stuck in the wood. The Davaon brand is known for its quality products, and this axe is no exception.
Offered at a reasonable price, the Davaon Pro 71cm Log Splitting Axe is an excellent choice for those looking to invest in a high-quality log splitting tool without breaking the bank.
Where to buy Davaon Pro 71cm Log Splitting Axe?
Consideration Points:
Axe Head Weight: The Fiskars Chopping Axe X7 has a lightweight head of 0.64kg, which offers excellent control and ease of use but may not provide enough splitting power for larger logs.
Handle Length: With a shorter handle length of 35.5cm, this axe may not provide as much leverage as longer alternatives, making it more suitable for smaller logs and kindling.
Handle Material: The FibreComp handle material is known for its strength and durability, ensuring a long-lasting tool with reduced shock during use.
Blade Geometry: The high carbon steel blade features a sharp, efficient edge and a well-crafted wedge shape for effective log splitting.
Price and Brand: Fiskars is a reputable brand known for producing high-quality tools, and the Chopping Axe is reasonably priced, offering good value for money.
Product Summary:
The Fiskars Chopping Axe X7 with Storage and Carrying Case is a compact and lightweight log splitting tool designed for smaller tasks such as chopping kindling or splitting smaller logs. Its lightweight 0.64kg axe head provides excellent control, but may not offer enough power for larger logs.
The 35.5cm handle length is shorter than some alternatives, which may limit leverage for more challenging log splitting tasks. However, the FibreComp handle material is strong and durable, ensuring a long-lasting tool with reduced shock during use.
The high carbon steel blade boasts an efficient edge and a well-crafted wedge shape, making it effective at splitting logs with ease. As a reputable brand, Fiskars delivers quality and value for money with their X7 Chopping Axe, making it a solid choice for those looking for a compact and lightweight tool for smaller wood-splitting tasks.
Read all user reviews on Amazon
"Best Axes, hands down!"
"Stop looking for axes, stop looking at reviews. These are by far the best axes you can buy. Weighted perfectly, and pack a punch with the perfect geometry. With previous wooden handled axes and solid fibre glass handles, I was suffering with pain from vibration/ shock in my wrists. I’ve not had this problem with the X7 or X27. The design prevents shock and vibrations."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 July 2023
"Well Built"
"Definitely worth the money, built is excellent, Sharp out of box..."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 July 2023
"Sharp as possible, no rework required."
"As above"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 July 2023
Where to buy Fiskars Chopping Axe X7 with Storage and Carrying Case?
Consideration Points:
Axe Head Weight: The Gardena 2800S Splitting Axe features a 2.96kg axe head weight, providing good splitting power while still being manageable for most users.
Handle Length: With a handle length of 72.3cm, this axe offers sufficient leverage for efficient log splitting without being too unwieldy.
Handle Material: The aluminium handle is lightweight and strong, ensuring durability and reduced fatigue during use.
Blade Geometry: The coated steel blade is designed for efficient log splitting, with a wedge shape that helps drive the wood apart effectively.
Price and Brand: Gardena is a well-known brand, but the 2800 S Splitting Axe is priced somewhat higher than some comparable alternatives, which may be a consideration for those on a budget.
Product Summary:
The Gardena 2800 S Splitting Axe 72.3 cm is a reliable and efficient log splitting tool that combines power and control. Its 2.96kg axe head weight offers sufficient splitting force while remaining manageable for most users.
The 72.3cm handle length provides good leverage for efficient log splitting, and the aluminium handle material is both lightweight and strong, ensuring durability and reduced fatigue during use. The non-slip grip with soft components adds comfort and control when wielding the axe.
The coated steel blade features a well-designed wedge shape, allowing for effective log splitting and reducing the likelihood of getting stuck in the wood. While Gardena is a reputable brand known for producing high-quality tools, the 2800 S Splitting Axe is priced somewhat higher than some comparable alternatives, which may be a consideration for those on a budget. Overall, this axe is a solid choice for those seeking a powerful and efficient log splitting tool from a trusted brand.
Read all user reviews on Amazon
"Learn how to swing it properly for amazing effortless results"
"Used this hand held short version for felling silver birch trees in my garden, going to burn logs so not wasted...this axe,like most, arrive without a honed edge. This is not an issue for this wee axe, straight cut and angled cuts are perfect, made short work of those trees. Easy grip shaft.. All in all a very good tool to have, also doesn't take too long to put an edge on it with a sharpening tool or stone.this will last a lifetime...fantastic product and a reasonable price.."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 July 2023
"5.0 out of 5 stars Good axe!"
"Seems like a good axe. Have read a couple of reviews about this and other axes from different brands arriving 'blunt', but not sure if people think axes are mean to be shaving sharp... As oppose to sharp enough to break/cut the fibre of the wood. Regardless gave it a go on a tree with branches a couple of inches thick and it made short work of the branch in question."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 April 2023
"Good axe!"
"Seems like a good axe. Have read a couple of reviews about this and other axes from different brands arriving 'blunt', but not sure if people think axes are mean to be shaving sharp... As oppose to sharp enough to break/cut the fibre of the wood. Regardless gave it a go on a tree with branches a couple of inches thick and it made short work of the branch in question."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 April 2023
Where to buy Gardena 2800 S Splitting Axe (70cm)?
Consideration Points:
Axe Head Weight: The Draper Expert 09944 Splitting Axe has a heavy axe head weight of 2.7kg, which may be too much for some users to handle comfortably, especially for extended periods.
Handle Length: With a long handle length of 92.2cm, this axe provides excellent leverage for efficient log splitting, but could be unwieldy for some.
Handle Material: The fibreglass handle ensures durability and reduced shock, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.
Blade Geometry: The steel blade features a well-crafted wedge shape, allowing for efficient log splitting and reducing the risk of getting stuck in the wood.
Price and Brand: Draper Expert is a trusted brand, and the 09944 Splitting Axe is offered at a competitive price, making it a good value option for those looking for a heavy-duty axe.
Product Summary:
The Draper Expert 09944 Splitting Axe with Fibreglass Shaft is a heavy-duty log splitting tool designed for users who require maximum splitting power. With a hefty 2.7kg axe head weight, this tool is best suited for experienced users who can manage its weight comfortably.
The long 92.2cm handle length provides excellent leverage for efficient log splitting, although it may be unwieldy for some users. The fibreglass handle material ensures durability and reduced shock, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.
The steel blade boasts a well-designed wedge shape, allowing for efficient log splitting and minimizing the risk of getting stuck in the wood. As a trusted brand, Draper Expert delivers quality at a competitive price with the 09944 Splitting Axe, making it an excellent choice for those in need of a heavy-duty log splitting tool.
Read all user reviews on Amazon
"5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended by the hubby"
"This is his second axe and he loves how effective it is a chopping the logs. Highly recommended."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 March 2023
"Recommended by the hubby"
"This is his second axe and he loves how effective it is a chopping the logs. Highly recommended."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 March 2023
"Life changing (if you’ve been using an axe or hatchet)"
"Been using an axe up until today when this little (sic) baby arrived. What a difference! It’s not light - but you don’t have to swing it far - like a knife through butter!"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 March 2023
Where to buy Draper Expert 09944 Splitting Axe with Fibreglass Shaft?
Consideration Points:
Axe Head Weight: The Draper DRA83978 Hand Axe features a lightweight 600g axe head weight, making it an excellent choice for users who require a portable and easy-to-handle tool for lighter log splitting tasks.
Handle Length: With a short handle length of 36cm, this axe provides less leverage than longer alternatives, limiting its effectiveness for heavy-duty log splitting tasks.
Handle Material: The hickory handle ensures durability and a comfortable grip, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.
Blade Geometry: The carbon steel blade features an efficient wedge shape, allowing for effective log splitting and reducing the risk of getting stuck in the wood.
Price and Brand: Draper is a trusted brand, and the DRA83978 Hand Axe is offered at an affordable price, making it a great value option for those seeking a lightweight axe.
Product Summary:
The Draper DRA83978 Hand Axe (600g) is a lightweight and portable log splitting tool, ideal for users who require an easy-to-handle axe for lighter log splitting tasks. Its 784g axe head weight ensures comfortable use, even for extended periods.
However, the short 36cm handle length provides less leverage than longer alternatives, limiting its effectiveness for heavy-duty log splitting tasks. The hickory handle material ensures durability and a comfortable grip, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.
The carbon steel blade boasts an efficient wedge shape, allowing for effective log splitting and minimizing the risk of getting stuck in the wood. As a trusted brand, Draper delivers quality at an affordable price with the DRA83978 Hand Axe, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight and budget-friendly log splitting tool.
Read all user reviews on Amazon
"Does the job"
"Used for chopping kindling. Does the job well but bigger jobs would be challenging"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 June 2023
"4.0 out of 5 stars Does the job"
"Used for chopping kindling. Does the job well but bigger jobs would be challenging"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 June 2023
"5.0 out of 5 stars great little chopper"
"deals with smaller wood brilliantly"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 March 2023
Where to buy Draper DRA83978 Hand Axe (600g)?
Consideration Points:
Axe Head Weight: The Draper Expert Yankee Pattern Felling Axe features a 1.1 kg axe head weight, providing the necessary force to efficiently split logs and tackle heavier log splitting tasks.
Handle Length: The long 72.4 cm handle length offers excellent leverage, making it easier to split logs with less effort compared to shorter alternatives.
Handle Material: The hickory handle is both durable and comfortable, ensuring a reliable grip and long-lasting performance.
Blade Geometry: The carbon steel blade is designed with an effective Yankee pattern, allowing for efficient log splitting and reducing the risk of the axe head getting stuck in the wood.
Price and Brand: Draper is a reputable brand known for their quality tools, and the Yankee Pattern Felling Axe is offered at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value for those in need of a heavy-duty log splitting axe.
Product Summary:
The Draper Expert Yankee Pattern Felling Axe is a powerful tool designed for efficient log splitting and heavier tasks. Its 1.1 kg axe head weight delivers the necessary force to split logs with ease, and the long 72.4 cm handle length provides excellent leverage, allowing users to exert less effort compared to shorter alternatives.
The hickory handle is both durable and comfortable, ensuring a reliable grip and long-lasting performance. The carbon steel blade features a Yankee pattern, which promotes efficient log splitting and reduces the risk of the axe head getting stuck in the wood. As a reputable brand, Draper offers quality and value with the Yankee Pattern Felling Axe, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a heavy-duty log splitting tool at a reasonable price.
Read all user reviews on Amazon
"4.0 out of 5 stars Axe"
"A very good axe, and heavy duty.thanks"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 May 2023
"Axe"
"A very good axe, and heavy duty.thanks"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 6 May 2023
"5.0 out of 5 stars Axe"
"This is a great tool, just a shame uts not hardened steel, ut goes blunt very easily and in my opinion should be supplied with a sharpening stone"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 February 2023
Where to buy Draper Expert Yankee Pattern Felling Axe?
Consideration Points:
Axe Head Weight: The Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Splitting Axe features a 3.62 kg axe head, providing ample weight for efficient log splitting.
Handle Length: The axe has a 90 cm hickory handle, offering a comfortable grip and leverage for effective splitting.
Handle Material: The hickory wood handle is a durable and reliable material, known for its strength and shock absorption capabilities.
Blade Geometry: The drop-forged carbon steel axe head features a Razorsharp edge, ensuring efficient splitting and cutting with each swing.
Price and Brand: Spear & Jackson is a reputable brand with a history of producing high-quality tools, offering a well-priced and dependable splitting axe.
Product Summary:
The Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Splitting Axe is an ideal tool for splitting logs efficiently. The 3.62 kg axe head weight, combined with the 90 cm hickory handle, provides the necessary force and leverage for effective log splitting. The hickory wood handle is known for its durability and shock absorption, ensuring a comfortable and reliable grip during use.
The drop-forged carbon steel axe head features a Razorsharp edge, promoting efficient splitting and cutting with each swing. Spear & Jackson is a respected brand, and their Razorsharp Splitting Axe is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and well-priced tool for log splitting tasks.
Read all user reviews on Amazon
"Not razor sharp"
"But it’s that heavy and the blade is relatively small, so loads of force on a small area means it works very well"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 July 2023
"5.0 out of 5 stars Patrick Bateman seal of approval."
"I'm not especially strong, so went for this with the 6.5lb head, after borrowing a friend's maul which had an 8.5lb head. 6.5lb seems more than heavy enough for my needs, but half an hour of splitting logs gives me a satisfying pile of split logs for stacking , storing and seasoning. And gives me a very comprehensive upper body workout. Which for someone who doesn't use gyms is ideal."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 11 May 2023
"Patrick Bateman seal of approval."
"I'm not especially strong, so went for this with the 6.5lb head, after borrowing a friend's maul which had an 8.5lb head. 6.5lb seems more than heavy enough for my needs, but half an hour of splitting logs gives me a satisfying pile of split logs for stacking , storing and seasoning. And gives me a very comprehensive upper body workout. Which for someone who doesn't use gyms is ideal."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 May 2023
Where to buy Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Splitting Axe?
Consideration Points:
Axe Head Weight: The Roughneck 65660 Splitting Maul features a 3.73 kg axe head, providing sufficient weight for efficient log splitting.
Handle Length: The axe has a (88 cm) handle, offering a comfortable grip and leverage for effective splitting.
Handle Material: The fibreglass handle is strong and lightweight, ensuring durability and reduced user fatigue.
Blade Geometry: The drop-forged steel axe head has a sharp, durable edge for efficient splitting and cutting with each swing.
Price and Brand: Roughneck is a reliable brand known for producing quality tools, and their 65660 Splitting Maul is offered at a competitive price.
Product Summary:
The Roughneck 65660 Splitting Maul is an excellent choice for those in need of a durable and efficient tool for splitting logs. The (3.73 kg) axe head weight, combined with the (88 cm) fibreglass handle, delivers the necessary force and leverage for effective log splitting. The fibreglass handle is strong and lightweight, ensuring durability and reducing user fatigue during extended use.
The drop-forged steel axe head features a sharp, durable edge, ensuring efficient splitting and cutting with each swing. As a reliable brand known for producing quality tools, Roughneck's 65660 Splitting Maul is a competitively priced and dependable option for log splitting tasks.
Read all user reviews on Amazon
"Very effective"
"Watched a video on chopping logs and decided in favor of a maul over an axe ... and so glad I did. It works so well!! Super effective, have created a mountain of logs in no time. Choose the slightly lighter one so that my wife can also use it. Does not appear to hinder its effectiveness. My only criticism is the rubber at the maul side, see picture, after 30 minutes of work it has already started to tear. It does not appear to hinder its effectiveness, but it is odd how its basic use would have such an impact so quickly."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 August 2023
"Good value for money"
"Excellent maul at a good price"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 August 2023
"Tough and well made Maul."
"I wanted a slightly heavier maul but this one got straight to work on some monstrous ash logs and worked very well. It never got stuck and as it's light-ish, I could swing it around for hours."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 August 2023
Where to buy Roughneck 65660 Splitting Maul?
Consideration Points:
Axe Head Weight: The Spear & Jackson Cutting Axe features a lightweight 400g axe head weight, making it easy to handle and ideal for users who may struggle with heavier axes.
Handle Length: With a short handle length of 23cm, this axe provides less leverage than longer alternatives, which may make it less suitable for heavy-duty log splitting tasks.
Handle Material: The fibreglass handle ensures durability and reduced shock, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.
Blade Geometry: The carbon steel blade features an efficient wedge shape, allowing for effective log splitting and reducing the risk of getting stuck in the wood.
Price and Brand: Spear & Jackson is a reputable brand, and the Cutting Axe is offered at an affordable price, making it an excellent value option for those seeking a lightweight axe.
In-depth Product Summary:
The Spear & Jackson Cutting Axe (Blue) is a lightweight and easy-to-handle log splitting tool, ideal for users who may struggle with heavier axes. Its 400g axe head weight ensures comfortable use, even for extended periods.
However, the short 23cm handle length provides less leverage than longer alternatives, which may make it less suitable for heavy-duty log splitting tasks. The fibreglass handle material ensures durability and reduced shock, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.
The carbon steel blade boasts an efficient wedge shape, allowing for effective log splitting and minimizing the risk of getting stuck in the wood. As a reputable brand, Spear & Jackson delivers quality at an affordable price with the Cutting Axe, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight and budget-friendly log splitting tool.
Read all user reviews on Amazon
"You must. Not forget this tool for camping it has a lot of users"
"This is the perfect tool for the outdoors and don't underestimate it's capability"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 September 2023
"Good size"
"Tough and handy sized axe, easily stored"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 July 2023
"Nice!"
"Ideal for chopping little bits of wood. Great feel and handle."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 July 2023
Where to buy Spear & Jackson Cutting Axe (Blue)?
Why are log splitting axes better than their alternatives?
Now, you might be wondering: why should I choose a log splitting axe over other alternatives? Well, let me explain.
First and foremost, log splitting axes are specifically designed for splitting logs, as the name suggests. The wedge-shaped head helps drive the wood apart with ease, whereas a regular axe or hatchet might get stuck in the log. Have you ever had to wrestle an axe out of a stubborn log? Not fun, trust me.
Secondly, log splitting axes have a longer handle, providing you with more leverage and power in your swing. This helps you split logs more efficiently and with less effort compared to using a maul or hatchet. Who doesn't want to save some energy for later?
Lastly, when it comes to safety, log splitting axes are the way to go. They're lighter and easier to control than mauls, reducing the risk of accidents. Plus, they're less likely to cause fatigue and strain on your body. After all, we want to enjoy our time outdoors, right?
Consideration points when buying a log splitting axe:
So, what should you look for when choosing the perfect log splitting axe? Here are some key factors to consider:
- Axe head weight: The weight of the axe head will determine how much force you can generate in each swing. A heavier head provides more splitting power, but can be more difficult to control. Think about your own strength and what you can handle comfortably.
- Handle length: Handle length is crucial for leverage and control. Longer handles offer more leverage, making it easier to split logs, but can be harder to control for some folks. Shorter handles provide better control, but less splitting power. What feels best in your hands?
- Handle material: There are various handle materials to choose from, such as wood, fibreglass, and composite materials. Wooden handles offer a classic feel and natural shock absorption, but can be prone to breakage. Fibreglass and composite handles provide excellent durability and reduced shock, but may feel less comfortable for some users. Which one suits your preferences?
- Blade geometry: The shape and angle of the blade play a significant role in how effectively the axe will split logs. A wider, more wedge-shaped blade will help drive the wood apart more efficiently. Remember, we want to avoid getting stuck, right?
- Price and brand: Lastly, consider your budget and research reputable brands. Quality matters, and investing in a durable, well-crafted axe will save you time and frustration in the long run. After all, who wants to keep replacing their axe every season?
I hope these tips help you find the best log splitting axe for your needs. Now, go out there and conquer those logs like a true wood-chopping champion!
The current best log splitting axes in 2023
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Read all user reviews on Amazon
"5.0 out of 5 stars Quality item"
"Perfect for splitting logs."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 March 2023
"Quality item"
"Perfect for splitting logs."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 25 March 2023
"Very sharp log splitter"
"Great product. Well balanced to maximise power - not that you need much as it cuts through dry logs easily. Just make sure you have a soft (ideally wood) base to chop in top of otherwise it will blunt easily."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 8 February 2023