Best Gardening Axes of 2025

Steven Taylor Avatar
Steven Taylor
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Gardening axes are a must-have tool for any avid gardener or landscaper. These axes are specially designed to help you clear away unwanted shrubs, branches, and vines with ease. With their sharp blades and sturdy handles, gardening axes can help you get the job done quickly and efficiently. They are also great for chopping firewood or splitting logs. Whether you're a professional landscaper or just looking to spruce up your backyard, a gardening axe is an essential tool that you won't want to be without.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe Cover #TOP 1
Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Fiskars 8 lb. Splitter Maul Cover #TOP 2
Fiskars 8 lb. Splitter Maul
ftb score rating icon 9.8
WilFiks Chopping Axe for Wood Splitting and Kindling Cover #TOP 3
WilFiks Chopping Axe for Wood Splitting and Kindling
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Gardening Axes

#TOP 1

Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe

378841-1002
Black
36-Inch Axe
Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe Cover
Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe - 36" Wood Splitting Axe for Medium to Large Size Logs with Shock-Absorbing Handle - Split Firewood - Forged Steel Blade - Bushcraft Gear and Camping Axe

The Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe is designed for efficient splitting of medium to large-sized logs. Its hardened forged steel blade stays sharper longer than traditional axes and the advanced bevel convex design splits efficiently, making the blade easier to remove from wood. The shock-absorbing handle with textured non-slip grip reduces hand strain, improves control and prevents overstrike damage. With an included sheath for protection and an overall length of 36 inches, this axe is perfect for chopping wood, yard work, lawn cleanup, and firewood.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to handle
Sharp and efficient blade design
Durable materials and construction
Comfortable grip for extended use
Great for camping and home use
What We Don't Like
Plastic sheath not ideal for carry
Soft steel may require frequent sharpening
#TOP 2

Fiskars 8 lb. Splitter Maul

1066016
Black
8 lb
Fiskars 8 lb. Splitter Maul Cover
Fiskars 8 lb. Splitting Maul - 36" Shock-Absorbing, Comfort Grip Handle - Rust Resistant Forged Steel Blade - Wood Splitter Maul for Hardwood - Split Wood for Campfires - Bushcraft Gear

The Fiskars Splitting Maul is a versatile tool designed for chopping firewood and tackling yard work efficiently. Its sharp, riveted blade is perfect for splitting medium to large logs with just one strike, making your outdoor tasks quicker and easier. The IsoCore handle absorbs shock and reduces hand strain, giving you better control during use. With a 36-inch length, it’s particularly comfortable for taller users. Plus, the durable steel blade stays sharper longer than traditional axes, ensuring you can split tough logs with ease and confidence.

What We Like
Quality tool construction
Effective for tough wood
Comfortable grip reduces soreness
Lightweight design for control
Versatile multi-purpose usage
What We Don't Like
Higher price point
Some users find it heavy

WilFiks Chopping Axe for Wood Splitting and Kindling

WGT620510 WGT620511 WGT620515 WGT620516
15" Chopping Axe
WilFiks Chopping Axe for Wood Splitting and Kindling Cover
WilFiks Chopping Axe, 15” Camping Outdoor Hatchet for Wood Splitting and Kindling, Forged Carbon Steel Heat Treated Hand Maul Tool, Fiberglass Shock Reduction Handle with Anti-Slip Grip

The WilFiks Chopping Axe is a durable and efficient tool designed for easy chopping of firewood, logs, kindling, and branches. Its optimized blade geometry allows for maximum efficiency, and the forged carbon steel heat treated blade produces smooth, sharp, and quick splits that stay sharp longer than traditional axes. The ergonomic design features a shock-absorbing anti-slip grip and cold-resistant fiberglass handle that reduces strain and adds comfort. Additionally, the chopping blade is fully polished and resharpenable, and the axe comes with a plastic protective cover for easy and convenient storage.

What We Like
Holds a sharp edge
Perfect weight for splitting
Great value for quality
Easy to use in tight spaces
Well-made and durable
What We Don't Like
Edge guard quality issues
Not heavy-duty for all tasks
#TOP 4

Fiskars 28" Chopping Axe

375581-1002
black
Fiskars 28" Chopping Axe Cover
Fiskars 28" Chopping Axe, Ultra-Sharp Blade for Kindling with Ease, Weight Balanced, Garden and Outdoor Gear, 3.5 pounds, Black

The Fiskars Chopping Axe is designed to make your outdoor tasks easier and more efficient. Its powerful performance allows you to tackle both small and larger jobs, whether you’re felling trees or splitting logs. You will appreciate the precision-balanced design and ultra-sharp blade, which enable cleaner cuts and deeper chopping with each swing. The low-friction coating minimizes drag, ensuring smoother cuts and preventing the axe from getting stuck in wood. With its durable construction, this axe promises years of dependable use, making it a great companion for all your gardening and camping needs.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to use
Sharp blade for efficient splitting
Durable handle, good grip
Excellent leverage for splitting
Great performance on hardwood
What We Don't Like
Handle may feel short for some
Some overstrike shock reported
#TOP 5

Cold Steel Trail Boss Axe

90TA
Multi
One Size
Cold Steel Trail Boss Axe Cover
Cold Steel Trail Boss Axe, 27 Inch

The Cold Steel Trail Boss Axe is a gardening axe with a European style head featuring a 4" blade and a 4 1/2" cutting edge. It has a durable straight-grained American Hickory handle and can be used for chopping kindling, clearing roads and trails, building blinds, and even chopping down a fair sized tree.

What We Like
Durable build quality
Sharp, effective cutting edge
Lightweight and easy to handle
Great value for the price
Well-suited for various tasks
What We Don't Like
Short handle may limit swings
Temporary blade guard provided
#TOP 6

INTERTOOL 35-inch Splitting Maul, Axe for Wood Logs, 5 lb / 2270 g

HT08-0275
INTERTOOL 35-inch Splitting Maul, Axe for Wood Logs, 5 lb / 2270 g Cover
INTERTOOL 36” Splitting Axe, Wood Splitter Maul, Log Ax, Shock Absorbing Fiberglass Anti-Slip Handle with Blade Cover HT-0275

The INTERTOOL Splitting Maul is a heavy-duty wood splitter designed for excellent striking force and control when splitting rounds or logs for firewood. The sharpened carbon steel blade is reinforced with heat-treated steel and has an anti-corrosive coating to prevent rust and wear. The tough, lightweight fiberglass handle effectively absorbs impact shock and includes grip-textured rubber for non-slip performance. The head-to-handle weight balance and shape are optimally designed to increase splitting force, grip, and supportive leverage. Suitable for bonfire prep, camping, landscaping, and many other outdoor tasks, this tool is a reliable choice for anyone who needs a sturdy and efficient wood splitter.

What We Like
Amazing workout
Great weight and balance
Sharp blade
Excellent for camping
Effective for splitting wood
What We Don't Like
Heavy for prolonged use
Some concerns about durability
#TOP 7

Snow & Nealley Hudson Bay Axe

Hudson Bay Axe
Hudson Bay Axe
Snow & Nealley Hudson Bay Axe Cover
Snow & Nealley Hudson Bay Axe

The Snow & Nealley Axe is designed for gardening tasks with a sturdy 1 3/4-pound head attached to a 24-inch hickory handle. This combination provides excellent leverage and control, making it easier for you to chop or split wood efficiently. For added safety, a genuine leather sheath is included, protecting the blade when not in use. The quality craftsmanship from Drake Off Road Tools ensures durability, allowing you to rely on this axe for various outdoor projects. Whether you're clearing brush or preparing firewood, this tool can enhance your gardening experience.

What We Like
Beautiful craftsmanship
Great balance and feel
High-quality materials
American-made
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Requires sharpening out of the box
Some minor imperfections
#TOP 8

Edward Tools Wood Splitting Maul 17”

Black
Edward Tools Wood Splitting Maul 17” Cover
Edward Tools Wood Splitting Maul 17” - 3 lb. Axe and Sledge Combined - Forged Steel Head Hand Axe - Splitting Axe Splits Wood Better Than Camp Axe or Hatchet - Kindling Splitter - Rubber Sheath

The Edward Tools Wood Splitting Maul 17” is a heavy-duty gardening axe designed for chopping firewood or kindling. The sharp fine-grain steel blade with weighted head ensures quicker chopping, while the ergonomic shock-resistant fiberglass handle offers a comfortable grip. The rubber sheath provides extra safety during use. It comes with a lifetime warranty.

What We Like
Great value for money
Well balanced and portable
Good for kindling and small wood
Durable and long-lasting
Sharp out of the box
What We Don't Like
Heavy for splitting kindling
Edge not sharpened on some units
#TOP 9

ESTWING Fireside Friend Axe - 14" Wood Splitting Maul

E3-FF4
No Color
No Size
ESTWING Fireside Friend Axe - 14" Wood Splitting Maul Cover
ESTWING Fireside Friend Axe - 14" Wood Splitting Maul with Forged Steel Construction & Shock Reduction Grip - E3-FF4, Blue

The ESTWING Fireside Friend Axe is a powerful and durable tool that makes chopping logs and firewood a breeze. It features a weighted wedge design that allows for easy wood splitting, and a genuine leather grip that is hand sanded and lacquered for a durable yet comfortable finish. The axe is forged in one piece using the finest American steel, ensuring its longevity. Additionally, it comes with a heavy duty ballistic nylon sheath to protect the hand sharpened cutting edge.

What We Like
Excellent quality construction
Heavy-duty and durable
Versatile tool for splitting
Sharp blade and hammer side
Comfortable, shock-absorbing handle
What We Don't Like
Weight may be heavy for some
Blue color may wear off
#TOP 10

Husqvarna Hatchet 596270901

596270901
Gray
Husqvarna Hatchet 596270901 Cover
Husqvarna Hatchet 596270901

The Husqvarna Hatchet is perfect for light wood cutting tasks, allowing you to work with one hand for added convenience. Weighing only 1.32 lbs, the hand-forged axe head is crafted from premium Swedish steel, ensuring durability and efficiency in your cutting efforts. The handle is made from hickory, giving you a comfortable grip while you tackle your gardening projects. Additionally, it comes with a leather edge cover, protecting the blade when not in use and enhancing safety in your workspace.

What We Like
High-quality construction
Hand-forged Swedish steel
Aesthetic wood grain handle
Great value for price
Maintains sharp edge well
What We Don't Like
Requires some finishing work
Simple sheath design
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a forest axe and a splitting axe?

A forest axe is designed to cut across the grain of wood fibers, while a splitting axe is made to chop along the grain. Splitting axes have a large and heavy head with a concave shape and a thin edge, while forestry axes are made for cutting across the grain.

2. What is an axe used for in gardening?

In gardening, an axe can be used for various tasks. A garden pick axe, for example, has a dual-purpose head that can break soil, pry away hard soil or rocks with its tip, and also be used for hoeing, loosening, weeding, and ventilating in the yard, herb garden, lawn, or vegetable garden.

3. What is the difference between a felling axe and a limbing axe?

A felling axe is designed for chopping down large trees or splitting large pieces of wood. On the other hand, a limbing axe is versatile and suitable for tasks like splitting firewood at home or limbing trees in the forest. The size of the axe determines the scale of the job.

4. What is a tree cutting axe called?

A tree cutting axe is called a felling axe or a forestry axe. It is purpose-built for felling trees and limbing smaller logs. Felling axes have a sharp and thin blade with a flared shape, providing the necessary cutting power and leverage for cutting down large trees.

5. What is the hardest wood to split with an axe?

The Australian Buloke and Quebracho are considered to have some of the hardest wood in the world. The Australian Buloke has a Janka hardness rating of 5,060 lbf, while Quebracho is known as the 'ax-breaker' in Spanish. These woods are extremely tough and challenging to split with an axe.

6. What is the best axe shape for splitting wood?

A maul or splitting axe is ideal for splitting larger hardwood logs that are difficult to handle with a regular axe. The weight and wedge-shaped head of a maul make it effective for splitting wood along the grain, allowing you to separate logs into smaller pieces with minimal effort.

7. Why use an axe instead of a saw?

An axe is favored over a saw for its reliability and durability. While it is possible to damage the edge of an axe if driven into the ground, it is generally more robust than a saw blade. Using an axe properly can save you from the hassle of frequent resharpening that a saw blade may require.

8. Is it better to cut down a tree with an axe or saw?

While it is possible to make back cuts with an axe, using a saw provides better control. A saw is recommended for making back cuts when cutting down a tree as the fibres at the back are usually under tension, reducing the chances of the saw blade getting pinched.

9. Can you use a splitting axe to cut a tree down?

No, a splitting axe is not suitable for cutting down a tree. To effectively fell a tree, a forestry axe or a felling axe is needed. Splitting axes are not sharp enough and are too heavy for this task. A felling axe is the fastest option when it comes to felling a tree, although it is heavier than a forestry axe.

Editor's Notes

During our gardening axis research, we found 24 gardening axis products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 201,538 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gardening axes list. We found that most customers choose gardening axes with an average price of $51.97.

The gardening axes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gardening axes, including Fiskars, WilFiks, Cold Steel, INTERTOOL, Snow & Nealley. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Steven Taylor Avatar

Steven Taylor grew up in a small town called Beaufort in South Carolina and his passion for building and woodworking has led him to master the latest garden gadgets. He always holds every chance to patch up or sand down his beloved garden. There are various novel technologies in his articles.

Gardening Axes Comparison Table

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#TOP5
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#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Fiskars Fiskars WilFiks Fiskars Cold Steel INTERTOOL Snow & Nealley Edward Tools Estwing Husqvarna
Handle Material Steel,Wood Steel,Wood Fiberglass,Steel,Wood Steel,Wood Hickory,Steel Fiberglass Hickory,Leather,Steel Fiberglass,Rubber,Steel,Wood Alloy Steel Hickory,Leather,Steel,Wood
Color Black Black 15" Inch Camping Axe black Multi Red Hudson Bay Axe Black No Color Gray
Head Type Hatchet Splitting Maul Hatchet Felling Hatchet Splitting Maul Hudson Bay Splitting Maul Splitting Maul Hatchet
Item Weight 6.28 Pounds 10.4 Pounds 1.76 Pounds 3.5 Pounds - 7.1 Pounds 2 Pounds 3 Pounds - 2.24 Pounds
Style X27 Super Splitting Axe Pro IsoCore 8lb Maul Hatchet Chopping Axe (28 in) - 36" Splitting Axe Classic sheath Splitting Maul - 13 in. Wooden Handle Hatchet
Blade Material Alloy Steel Forged Steel Carbon Steel Alloy Steel - Carbon Steel Alloy Steel - - Alloy Steel
Blade Edge bevel,convex blunt Plain hardened, non-stick - Convex - Sharp - -
Global Trade Identification Number 00046561178840, 05662252279112 00611618111103 - - - - 00008923000121 00810083550053 - 00193028000326
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
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