If you are looking for the Best Splitting Axe, then you have come to the right place.
Winter season is coming, or you may call it the arrival of the chopping season. In this season, lots of wood chopping is needed for your fireplace to keep yourself and your family warm.
What is the use of splitting?
Splitting increases the surface area of the wood, hence helping the air to circulate to encourage faster drying. When building a fire, split wood lights faster than whole logs.
Why do you need a Splitting Axe?
Many powered tools are available to do the wood splitting, but no one can replace the age-old Splitting axe. An axe is a simple hand tool that does not require any battery of fuel; only brute manual force is needed. It can be carried anywhere without occupying much space, and it is much safer than powered tools.
Advantages of Splitting Axe:
- Inexpensive: These axes are much cheaper than the powered tool.
- Environmentally friendly: Unlike powered tool, it does not make noise, nor it requires an external source of power.
- Safety: In an axe, you have full control over the tool, and it is much safer than powered tools.
Types of Axes
Axes are of three types based on their use.
- Forest Axe: This type of axes are designed for use in the forest. They are They’re ideal for chopping down trees. The shape of the head of the forest axe is more slender than the other axes.
- Splitting Axe: This type of axes are designed for splitting wood. The “V” shaped head provides a maximum split.
- Carpenter’s Axe: This type of axes are designed for carving wood. They are small in size compared to other axes.
Difference between Splitting Axe and Splitting Maul
The splitting axe has another variety called Splitting Maul. Both the axes are meant for separating the wood fibre, but the real difference comes in the shape, size and weight of the axe head. Splitting Maul has a rounded and wide head like the sledgehammer at the poll, whereas Splitting axe has a narrow head. The bevels on the splitting Maul is much wider than the splitting axe. Splitting Maul is heavier than the splitting axe due to its head shape.
Things to consider when selecting a right Splitting Axe
Head Pattern: The head is the main part of the axe. They are of different shapes and sizes, and a variety head’s design is made for different work use.
Handle: Handle or Haft is another integral part of the axe. The length of the handle determines the type of work it is capable of doing. A longer handle generates more power and swing compared to smaller handle axes. Small handle axes are handy and easier to carry. They are best for camping purpose but are not useful for felling a tree. An axe handle ranging between 10 – 16 inches in length may be considered a hatchet. A medium-size handle is perfect for a beginner. The handle ranges from 18 – 26 inches in length and can be used for splitting and carving. Long handle ranges between 28-32 inch in length. It can deliver more power when delivering a blow.
The axe handles are made up of either of three materials: hardwood, fibreglass composite material, and forged steel.
- Hardwood: Wood handles are the traditional handle. They are relatively lightweight than other handle material. The only drawback is that it gets weakens over time.
- Fibreglass: Fibreglass handles offer comfort grip and absorb some of the shocks when splitting.
- Forged steel: Splitting axe having forged steel handle is forged in a single unit (including both head and the haft.
Weight: Havier the head, more swing it will get more power it will generate. Generally, splitting Maul is heavy when compared with the traditional splitting axe.
Best Splitting Axe
Here I have selected some of the best splitting axe available in the market.
One-strike split: Fiskars Splitting Axe (36″)
If you are looking for a longer axe, then Fiskars axe can be a good choice. Its longer handle generates maximum power hence making it ideal for splitting medium- to large-sized logs. Its perfect weight distribution and bevel convex blade profile makes splitting and removal of the blade from the wood easier.
Fiberglass Handle Splitting Axe: Husqvarna (28″)
Looking for a Fiber-glass composite handle axe, then Husqvarna can be your right choice. The fibre-glass handle gives not only a premium look but also increases durability and comfort. Its 28-inch long hangle generates more velocity and power. It is the Best Splitting Axe for shorter people.
Synthetic Rubber Grip Splitting Axe: STEELHEAD (28″)
STEELHEAD axe designed for splitting medium to large-sized logs. Its perfect weight distribution provides balance and increases swing speed. The Synthetic Textured Rubber handle provides grip and comfort to hands. Its bevel blade featured a non-stick rust-resistant coating, preventing the blade from gunk and debris during work.
36″ Splitting Maul: Wilton Tools
If you are looking for a havier option other than splitting axe, you can go for Maul. Other than splitting, it can also be used as a sledgehammer. Its vulcanized rubber finish gives a premium look and provides a No-Slip Grip.
Classic Splitting Axe: Hults Bruk
If you are looking for a sturdy splitting axe with a classic look, then Hults Bruk splitting can be your right choice. Each axe comes with a traditional leather protective sheath.
