Best Axe Reviews UK 2023 – Top 9 Comparison

Last Updated On June 8th, 2022

An axe is a handy tool to have in your DIY arsenal. It has multiple uses and the best axe can be used for much for than simply chopping wood. Axes are great for camping and survival training. Also, they can be used in various DIY projects, and for removing pesky tree roots.

In this guide, we are looking for the best axe in the UK, and have selected ten suitable tools in total. This includes small hatchets suitable for campaign trips, up to heavy-duty two-handed axes for tougher tasks.

Best Axe Reviews – Top 9 Picks

1. Camillus Ravenous Tomahawk (Editor’s Choice)

The Camillus Ravenous Tomahawk is a great item for camping or for survival trips. It has a small stock handle and is made from lightweight steel to make it easy to carry.

Features

This stylish tomahawk will tackle wood and logs easily. It has a sharp blade and also comes with a nylon sheath for protection.

The grip is made from glass-filled nylon, and it has a cross pattern that offers an excellent grip. The overall length is 13.5″, and this product weighs 430g.

This is a good quality axe but it could have a few problems. Firstly, it is relatively small and more like a hatchet. Also, because of its design, it may not be suitable for chopping larger items.

2. Roughneck ROU65678 FSC American Hickory Maul (Best Compact)

The Roughneck ROU65678 is a quality, compact tool that could be used around the house, or for camping trips and survival expeditions due to its lighter weight.

Features

This Roughneck product is one of the smaller axes in this guide and is quite portable. It weighs only 2.8kg and has dimensions of 6.8 x 70 x 20 cm.

Certified to DIN and GS standards, its high-grade alloy steel head has been heat-treated and tempered to ensure durability and excellent cutting. To prevent rusting, the head has been polished with a clear lacquer finish, too.  This Roughneck also boasts of a handle that is made of 100% solid American Hickory and smoke-treated to resist moisture. A steel and wood wedge also securely attach the handle to the head.

This vintage maul is a great buy, but it may not be perfect. Firstly, some users find the handle a bit short. Also, you might feel some slightly rough sections in the handle, so a little sanding might help.

3. Fiskars Splitting XL X25 (Luxury Choice)

The Fiskars Splitting Axe XL X25 is a large but durable log splitting axe that is slightly larger than other products from this manufacturers range. It can still be used one-handed but offers much greater power and purchase.

Features

The XL X25 is a medium-sized axe that has a strong head made from hardened steel. These products also have a special coating to help the durability of the blade.

The length of the axe is larger than most on this list but it can still be used one-handed with a chopping block. Also, the handle is moulded onto the tools head to give better strength. To provide a firm hold, the rubber grip is also textured and has a non-slip coating.

This tool is a great hand axe, but it could have a few problems. For example, some people have found the storage case missing on delivery. Also, you could find that the blade needs resharpening often.

4. Spear & Jackson Razorsharp (Best Wooden Handle)

The Spear & Jackson Razorsharp is one of the best splitting axes and has a gorgeous wooden handle. It is also manufactured to industry-recognised DIN standards.

Features

Spear & Jackson tools are known for their quality and these splitting axes have a long grip which allows you to get greater power behind your swings. It also offers excellent balance and an ideal weight-to-power ratio.

For wood, the large head and carbon steel cutting grade will make the task easy. The wooden grip is also fully coated with varnish and resistant materials which should reduce its wear.

This traditional wooden axe could present a few issues, however. For example, some customers have found the advertised blade guard missing. Also, others have found the wood to be split on delivery.

5. Bulldog BHATCHETFG 1.5lb Hatchet (Best Value)

The Bulldog BHATCHETFG is a quality tool but also great value. It is one of the best hand axe products in this list and is also highly portable to use for camping trips and outdoor adventures.

Features

This axe has a weight of just 1.5lbs, and it also has a lightweight fibreglass handle. Also, the head and handle are both resin-bonded for greater strength and resistance.

For chopping wood, this camp axe has an ideal length and it can be used one-handed. You can still gain a decent amount of momentum from each swing, however, and the length of the axe should be ideal. There is also a larger version of this product available specifically for felling.

This small hatchet is a great value buy, but it may not be perfect. Firstly, for anything other than chopping wood, it may not be large enough. Also, some people have reported the blade may become blunt quickly.

6. Fiskars Chopping S X10 (Weather Resistant)

Our next pick for the best axe in the UK is the Fiskars Chopping Axe S X10. This camp axe offers fantastic build quality and is also a joy to use due to the way the handle and head have been designed.

Features

This is a universal hatchet that has some excellent features. For example, the head is made from hardened steel and has a special protective coating. Also, the handles are made from impact-resistant materials.

There is also a textured grip, and the stock handle is moulded directly onto the head which gives a more durable connection and should remove the problem of breakages. This type of log splitting axe also gives excellent balance and offers enough momentum in the axe head when swinging.

This is our best log splitting axe but it could still have some issues. For example, you could find that the blade chips. Also, the handle is relatively short which some users may not like.

7. Ruthe VPA/GS Hatchet (Best Traditional Design)

If you prefer a wooden axe, make sure you choose something like the Ruthe VPA/GS Hatchet. This is a small but stylish tool that has a durable steel head and hickory handle.

Features

This quality tool can split logs with ease and you can use it for felling and clearing brush too. When used with a chopping block, you should be able to get great power in your swings.

The axe has a fully forged head that has also been hardened and annealed. The hickory handle is treated and is shaped so that when you use it, it fits comfortably in your hand.

This traditional wooden axe is not perfect, however. You could find you need to sharpen the blade before usage. Also, the wooden handle may leave splinters so be sure to wear gloves.

8. Fiskars Splitting SX11 (Best Safety Features)

The Splitting Axe SX11 is a solid tool made from hardened steel and offers a great compromise between comfort, size, and power. It is our choice for the best splitting axe.

Features

This type of axe could be considered a hatchet due to its smaller size. It has a flat blade edge which means you strike a larger area of wood with each swing. The handle length also offers good balance and weight-to-power distribution.

You also receive a protective sheath for the blade, and the grip has a hole through which you can attach a wrist strap. We also like that the blade has a high-quality coating to help reduce the rate it blunts.

These camping axes are a solid choice, however, for anything greater than splitting wood, you may struggle. Also, some customers have found the blade to be blunt on delivery.

9. GARDENA 1000 A (Best for Confined Spaces)

The GARDENA Axe 1000 A is a great felling axe that offers a balance of power with a lightweight and small design. The special coating also offers extra blade protection.

Features

For splitting wood and logs, this tool will work fantastically. It can also be used to fell trees but the way you do this will require additional effort as it does have a shorter handle.

The components are aligned perfectly which help guide your balance when you swing. Also, this product has a non-stick coating so you can easily pull it out of chopped wood or logs without too much effort.

This splitting axe may have a few issues, however. For example, some people have found the axe to arrive blunt, and the plastic handle could be difficult to adjust, too.

How to Choose the Best Axe in the UK?

As you can see there is a good selection of axes to choose from. But how can you make sure you get the right product? When choosing an axe there are several considerations you should make.

Before looking at these, however, consider what you intend to use the axe for. Do you need an axe for splitting wood or logs? Or do you need an axe to tackle tree roots or for felling trees and branches? Maybe you just need an axe for camping trips?

Once you have looked at the purpose, also consider the four factors we have listed below:

Size and Weight

Firstly, look at the weight and size of the axe. Some axes are single-handed and much smaller. These may not be suitable for heavy-duty cutting.

Alternatively, some axes are much larger and need two hands for usage. These will tackle heavier items like thick logs, but may not be suitable to use as camping axes. You also wouldn’t want to choose an axe only to find that it is too heavy for you to swing it. Consider how much you can manage and who else will benefit from using it.

Handle and Grip

Next, look at the handle and grip. If you intend to use this axe regularly, it should have a comfortable handle with a firm grip. The best handles have a rubber or textured grip but are also bonded to the head to form a solid unbreakable connection.

Shape and Material of the Blade

The shape and material of the edge are also important. Some axes have a flat head, whereas others have a curved head. Generally, flat blades are better for cutting wood and logs as more surface area hits the impact point.

Also, you ideally want an axe that is made from a durable material like carbon steel, stainless steel, or forged steel. This way, you shouldn’t have to sharpen the axe regularly.

Ease of Use

Finally, how easy is the axe to use? Does it have a good balance between the head and the handle? Is the shaft comfortable to hold and provide a secure grip so you can use it safely? Does it have a storage case or protector to help prevent dulling? All of these are factors you should take into consideration to ensure you find an axe that will not only be easy to use but will be comfortable too.

Conclusion

Regardless of if you need to chop wood for a log fire or not, an axe is still an invaluable tool to have. For camping trips, DIY jobs, and even for axe-throwing, you will find a use for these tools.

Any one of these axes we have listed will make an excellent choice for a variety of tasks. However, our top choice and what we consider to be the best axe in the UK is the Camillus Ravenous Tomahawk. This is a durable and well-made quality hatchet that you can comfortably use for wood cutting. With a titanium bonded 420 stainless steel blade and spike edge, this axe will see you through any task with ease.

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