11 Best Axe For Cutting Down Trees – Buyer’s Guide

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There is no doubt that every one of us wishes for a hassle-free life that is filled with convenient products and services. Packing all the essentials is important before going on vacation, spending time outdoors, or backpacking. In such situations, a powerful axe is equally important. 

A portable, lightweight, edgy, and sturdy axe will allow us to chop down trees to make camping space and have enough wood for a bonfire. In this review guide, you will get the complete information related to the “best axe for cutting down trees”.

11 Best Axe For Cutting Down Trees

1: 1844 Helko Werk Traditional Hinterland Double Bit Axe – Double Edge Axe or Double Head Axe Felling Axe Best Double Bladed Axe for Large Timber Double Axe 13575

Heliko Werk manufactures axes that are distinguishable and produces well-known products in the industry. The main feature of these axes is that they are double-bladed and handcrafted by skilled blacksmiths. The axes offer a traditional, ancient experience while remaining durable. The sturdy body of the machines makes them ideal for cutting large timbers and magnificent trees, but their application is not limited to the cutting arena.  

In addition to splitting and peeling, these axes are also useful for fine and coarse chopping, since they have two heads. This particular product is incredibly efficient because it is created with premium quality C50 carbon steel and has a hickory handle with a linseed oil finish.

A blister-free experience is provided to the users. To protect its products from rust and friction, the brand ensures they go through thorough quality controls and are finished with specific elements. In addition to the axe, the package includes a leather case that protects it and oil for maintenance.

This particular item is the old-fashioned authentic axe that is twin-headed and of traditional appearance. Besides being able to chop, the other head can also be used for splitting and cutting.

Due to the fact that this piece has two heads, intricate design and expertise is required to achieve the polished finish.

When you need a double-headed axe with efficiency and versatility, Helko Werk Traditional Hinterland Double Bit Axe is a good choice.

Features

• Axe heads from Helko Werk are hand-forged using German C50 high grade carbon steel, which has a hardness of 53-56 HRC. In drop forging, hot steel is held and shaped with tongs while a drop hammer falls repeatedly on it.
• A capable, highly effective felling tool, the Hinterland Double Bit is made in Germany using American inspiration. If inclined, the user can profile each blade differently and use one edge for splitting and another for cutting. One bit was traditionally used for heavy work that would dull the blade, while the other was honed perfectly.
• Size: Head Weight: 3-1/2 lbs / Length: 30 in. 5 pounds total weight
• Sustainable American hickory handle finished with linseed oil and sanded to 150 grit. Each handle on Helko Werk camping axes and hatchets is hand finished, selected for grain orientation and density, boiled linseed oil finished, and sanded to 150 grit for a comfortable and smooth finish.
• Includes a full grain leather sheath for your axe blade and a 1 oz bottle of Axe Guard Protective Oil. Axe Guard oil helps maintain the steel of your axe head and prevents rust over time by protecting it from corrosion.

2: GEDORE OX 20 H-1257 Universal Forestry Axe, Hickory Handle 1250 g

A universal forestry axe from GEDORE OX didn’t live up to our expectations. Although it’s one of the cheaper tools on this list, there are still cheaper tools we tested that provided better performance. Considering the GEDORE OX’s quality, we actually think it’s overpriced compared to other axes which were available for a lot less.

This axe best meets our test criteria for being balanced and easy to swing. While the 28-inch handle is a little short for our taste, that’s a personal preference. However, the handle is subject to quality concerns owing to the poor grain alignment, which makes the handle weaker and more prone to breaking.

Furthermore, the blade is quite soft. It has difficulty taking an edge and even rolls over during hard impacts. It typically includes a leather blade cover, but since this sheath isn’t real leather, it won’t be able to withstand heavy use. Our opinion is that, given its poor quality, we overpaid for this axe. This tool is not built to the same standard as something with higher build quality, so we recommend that you learn from our mistake and skip it.

Features

• With blade-protection, the axe head is finely polished.
• Axe head weight is 1250g (3 pounds), blade length is 120mm (5″), handle length is 700mm (28″), weight of the axe is 1850g (4 pounds), spare handle is OX E-94 H-0700.
• Wood-working and gardening cannot be done without it.
• The handle is made from high-quality hickory wood.

3. Black Eagle Double Bit Axe

A few words would describe the Estwing Double-Bit Axe best, and we would pick “heavy duty”. The Drop Forged range is made from one single piece of American steel, so there are no joints to break or have to tighten. Meanwhile, it’s double blades are hand-sharpened and polished for superior performance. With its specially designed handle, impact shock is reduced by up to 70% while still remaining comfortable to use.

As well as offering you a secure grip on the axe during use, the shock-reduction grip also prevents impact shock from reaching your body. Featuring a double-bit axe with a length of 17 inches, this axe is made in the USA. Despite its small size, it is more than capable of producing great power. The club is perfecty weighted and balanced, allowing you to get a powerful strike whenever you swing.

In addition to this, there are three color options, and while this has little impact on performance, it’s always nice to add some personality wherever you can! Additionally, the axe comes with a sheath that fits perfectly to the shape of the head and helps to protect the blades when not in use.

This, combined with its size, makes it an excellent camping and hiking companion, and it will also keep your blades dry if you get caught in a sudden downpour. 

Features

• The sheath comes with a ballistic nylon sheath to protect the cutting edge and prevent it from rusting.
• SHOCK REDUCTION GRIP – Reduce impact vibration by 70% with this comfortable, durable grip.
• Construction from forged steel – strongest and most durable for a lifetime of hard work.
• The outdoor versatility of this tool makes it perfect for cutting logs, small trees & branches as well as splitting firewood & kindling.

4: Snow and Nealley 3.5 lbs. Single Bit Axe

A Snow and Nealley product is known for its durability as well as its high quality. With this particular product, you’ll find a carbon steel finish and a hickory handle. Due to the tough design and high quality elements of grain steel and hickory, the product has a longer shelf life than other products. With a weight of 7 ounces, this is comparatively small and portable to carry than the other axes. It is not only smooth in functioning, but it has an impressive appearance as well.

With it, you can use an efficient saw, blade for chipping, and knife for chopping and cutting the hardwood. Despite being a bit heavy, it is a very balanced piece and will assist you as much as possible with your major cutting needs. You might even be able to pass this model on to your future generations since it has such a long lifespan.

As well as the axe, the brand includes a leather sheath to protect it from rust and dust. This axe has a modern appearance and finish, but still performs as well as a traditional axe. Snow and Nealley Single Bit Axes are easy to carry and ideal for rough handling when you need to step outdoors.

Features

• The overall length is 30.00 inches, and the head width is 7.50 inches.
• Cutting edge:4.375″. Made from carbon steel, with a black finish.
• The handle material is hickory and the weight is 5 lbs. two ounces.
• A leather sheath.
• The model number for this product is 026S – the country of origin is the United States.

5. Gransfors Bruks American Felling Axe, 35 Curved Handle

The Gransfors Bruks axe is your best option if you are looking for a professional working axe. The brand offers the authentic experience of cutting off the rough bark of trees in the most seamless way. The long handle and sturdy design make it suitable for rough use, such as cutting down massive trees in the forest. The curved handle and durable body of this product set it apart from others in the market. While dealing with tough and rugged species of trees like spruce or pine, this product will prove to be very useful.

There are 5.27 pounds of weight to it, and it features a long, curved handle with a sharp curve that makes it stand out and give it a competitive edge against other axes. Our swift wood chopping service will be your one-stop solution for all your wood cutting needs. Axes from Scandinavian Forest are heavier by about two times.

Each axe also bears the initials of the blacksmith who created it, along with the company logo. The handle and head of an axe are crafted meticulously to ensure that wood can be easily chopped off, as well as the handle being smooth but sturdy. When you need to cut off tough bark and big trees of all types and want to do so hassle-free and at a good pace, the Gransfors Bruks American Felling Axe is your best bet. The professionalism of the product also contributes to its selection.

Features

• A leather sheath tanned with vegetable oils
• The item number is 434-2
• The length of the handle with curved grip is 90 cm (35.5 inches).
• The weight of this item is 2,2 kg (4.8 lb)

6: Cold Steel All-Purpose Axe with Hickory Handle, Great for Camping, Survival, Outdoors, Wood Cutting and Splitting

Cold Steel’s Trail Boss Axe, designed in the European style, sports a 4-inch blade and a 4.5-inch cutting edge for felling trees with effortless precision. No matter what it meets, this cold steel axe will deal with it. In addition, it features a drop-forged carbon steel blade for maximum durability. 

This classic handle, made from straight-grained American hickory, is not just about appearances. The handle is designed for performance, and it’s sturdy, durable, and absorbs quite a bit of shock when it hits the ground. 

This axe is ideal for people who need to keep an axe with them all day. It is durable, lightweight and compact, all while being highly durable. The beauty of this tool lies in its simplicity as well, since it does not require any extra features in order to handle hard wood.

The axe has also been tested rigorously, namely in the Australian Outback where it was proven to be excellent at clearing paths, felling trees, and chopping wood. The axe comes with a 6-month warranty.

Features

• It takes a huge bite every time it swings. Plus, it has a straight grain American Hickory handle that is very sturdy, durable, and long-lasting.
• In our extensive testing on the outback in Australia, the Trail Boss was used to chop kindling.
• Clearing trails and building blinds, along with chopping down a few trees.
• Featuring a European style head with a 4 1/2″ cutting edge and a 4″ blade.

7: Hults Bruk Atran Felling Axe

A durable axe with a long lifespan, this is one of the most efficient tools on the market. With a sturdy body made of Swedish steel, it is ideal for cutting off any type of fauna. Steel is hand-forged to ensure that the product turns out to be perfect, and it is designed so that it is easy for the consumer to use.

Axes are designed differently than other players to ensure the user can hold the sharp edges comfortably while using them. With linseed oil covering the handle, the user is further provided with a hassle-free experience. A curvy design designed by skilled artists, these pieces are flawlessly lacquered and have a beautiful design.

Axes are made by striking and tampering steel multiple times in order to increase its density and ensure durability and toughness. As a standard feature, this piece is made of Swedish steel and is fitted with hickory handles.

A manual and a protective case are also included with the felling axe from Hults Bruk Atran. Handheld Axes such as Hurts Bruk Atran are an excellent choice because they are made with the user’s safety and convenience in mind and able to cut off any type of tree.

Features

• Multiple strikes make the steel more dense, increasing its durability and durability as a result of the production process.
• The leather protective sheath that each axe comes with is embellished with some unique Swedish decorative elements. Users manuals are included with each axe.
• The handle is designed so that the sharpening zone is made of tempered steel, which holds its edge even after many sharpenings.
• The head was hand-forged in a foundry that has operated since 1697 from Swedish axe steel and hand-forged.

8: Fiskars 375501-1001 Hatchet with Sheath, 14″, Black

The Fiskars 14″ Hatchet could be exactly what you’re looking for if you need a tool to fell trees quickly and easily. With its geometric blade and sharp edge, it is easy to create an entry point, and it bites deeply on each swing, helping you fell a tree quickly. 

Moreover, the blade features a low-friction coating that prevents it from becoming stuck, and it increases the power of your swing. Likewise, the DuraFrameTM handle absorbs impact shock yet remains lightweight enough to be comfortable even when used for extended periods of time.

Weight distribution is perfect on this axe, reducing the risk of muscle fatigue during use and keeping swing power consistent. You don’t need to worry about the head coming loose from the handle either thanks to PermaHeadTM, an inseparable moulded insert. It prevents overstriking which can ultimately lead to breakage.

You can also rest assured that the blade will be protected when you’re not using the axe because the blade guard is included. Therefore, it’s perfect for camping trips and as a daily carry. This highly powerful axe comes with a lifetime warranty covering quality and performance.

Features

• Overstrike breakage is prevented by molded head.
• A good tool for cutting kindling and logs of small to medium size.
• Sharper edges and cleaner cuts are achieved with a proprietary blade-grinding technique.
• Heavy-duty Dura frame handle absorbs shock while preventing overstrike damage.
• Wood-cutting blades are coated with low-friction materials to prevent head from getting stuck.

9: Council Tool Dayton Axe,4-3/4 in Edge,36 in L,Hickory

The product features the brand’s signature Dayton technology. There is only one head on this axe, and the handle is long. Besides being a strong product, it is also an ideal product for splitting and cutting wood of all kinds. This product is made with steel hand-forged by artisans and is tempered, which adds an element of perfection over other alternatives.

A modernistic look is achieved by the red enamel and clear lacquered iron on the head of this axe. The high-quality materials used to make this axe ensure its durability. A seal inside the handle is also included, as well as a sealed and secured head, to provide additional protection. An axe of this type is characterized by its innovative design, durability, light weight, and compactness.

As another gorgeous item from the brand, this one has the brand’s signature Dayton pattern and a full-sized body. Council Tool 3.5 lb Dayton Pattern Single Bit Axe is ideal for cutting and splitting tasks, thanks to its cutting and splitting capabilities, its fresh design, its efficient function, and its portability.

Features

• Equipment for the outdoors.
• The Council Tool made this.
• United States is the country of manufacturing.

10: Hultafors Hand-forged Swedish Felling Axe with American Hickory Handle

With a large, 3.3-pound head made of hand-forged high-carbon steel, the Hultafors Hand-forged Swedish Felling Axe is ideal for felling large trees. In addition, a light hickory wooden handle is included. The weight of the axe makes most of the work of felling easier, since it is designed to take deep and wide cuts.

If you buy this well-designed product directly from the world’s oldest axe maker, you can be sure it’s of the highest quality. Made from high-quality materials, it’s a good light-weight axe. Because the whole thing weighs only 4.4 pounds, this fantastic product is perfect for beginners.

In addition, it is one of the more affordable options offered here, so you are able to buy a good product without paying a lot.

Features

• This product is made in Sweden.
• It is made of high carbon steel.
• It is hand forged.

11. Ochsenkopf OX 15 H-1007 Axe ILTIS Model Canada

Ox head, which is often referred to as the Ochsenkopf brand, always makes me smile. A page on the company’s website claims that its axe forges are Germany’s oldest.

The company is known throughout the world for its superior designs, innovation, and fancy colors. Almost all of their axes have polished heads, with yellow and sometimes red handles.

Weight, length, and quality were important factors for choosing their ILTIS Canada model. There is not as much attention paid to the quality of this brand (in comparison to the more expensive options), but it is also cheaper. According to my opinion, this is a good choice for someone looking for a nice felling axe that won’t break the bank.

Features

• Debarking, felling, and cultivating. The axe “ILTIS” Model Canada weighs 2,20 lbs
• Made of hickory wood with a high-quality handle
• With blade protection, finely polished blades

How to choose the best axe for cutting down trees?

Cutting down trees can be a frustrating and tedious task if you don’t have the right tools. Axes are a traditional woodworker’s possession, even though chainsaws have begun to replace them. Furthermore, if you have the proper type of axe, half of the job is done when it comes to cutting down a tree.

As a result, there are several types of axes on the market, and choosing the right one can be a bit difficult. The following are some factors to consider while buying an axe. When purchasing an axe, you should pay attention to these factors.

1: High-quality build materials

In choosing a felling axe for cutting trees, it is important to consider its build quality first. In order to cut trees, you need an axe with a solid build that does not break after a couple of uses.

Having an axe head and handle made from quality materials will give you additional benefits. Wooden handles are usually found on these axes, while steel heads are usually found on them.

Thus, it is very important to make sure the wood used in the handle is of the best quality so that it won’t crack or break when you hit the tree with it. Furthermore, the head should be made of corrosion-resistant steel.

2: Length of the handle

A good axe for felling trees should have a long handle. Length is another important factor to consider when choosing an axe. It is generally true that the longer the handle, the less force is required to cut the tree down. When the handle length is increased, the control over the axe decreases. It is important to consider this as well.

It’s for this reason that we recommend getting an axe with a medium-length handle. A tall person can effectively handle a long-handled axe, whereas shorter people should use a short-handled axe to maximize cutting power. Shorter handles will provide less leverage than longer handles. To choose the best felling axe, you need perfect balance.

Also, consider the shape of the handle. Some people prefer straight handles for their axes, but some prefer curved handles for splitters or for felling medium trees.

3: Sharpness

The sharpness of the axe is another thing that you must look for when choosing one for felling trees. In general, this is the case with almost all axes on the market. The reason is that acquiring sharpness isn’t difficult.

This does not provide information about the material’s quality. You’ll need to make sure that the cutting head is perfectly sharp in order to cut trees easily. The sharpness of the knife becomes incredibly important in cutting small trees. The heavier the knife, the better it will cut large trees.

4: Number of bits

Axes usually come with one business end. However, you will experience some axes and cutting hatchets that come with two bits.

A single-bit ax should be sufficient for most tasks, but if you want more control and easy cutting ability, you may consider a dual-bit ax. A dual-bit axe is a little heavier than a single-bit axe, which makes cutting easier sometimes.

5: Rust resistance

Having already discussed this, it is important to pick an axe made of high-quality steel that won’t rust. That means you should purchase a rust-resistant product.

It will also keep its sharpness for a longer period when the tool is not in use. A rust-resistant axe will last longer and last sharper for a longer period.

6: Edge cover

When travelling with an axe, this is a crucial factor. If you are moving a sharp and heavy object like an axe, it is always recommended that you keep it covered for safety. To do this, pick a product with a protective edge.

However, this option is not necessary if you want a quality product as making an edge cover is not difficult. It should be easy to find edge covers. Axes at the very beginning are always good to have, aren’t they?

7: Weight of the Axe

In addition to length, weight is also an important factor in axes. You can cut faster by using a heavy axe without using much force. This, however, has its downsides. You won’t be able to work long with an overweight product. Working for a few minutes will exhaust you.

Our recommendation is one you are comfortable with. Something that is neither too light nor too heavy. The right ax makes the job easier.

You can also see the handle weight and the head weight separately. A large difference between handle and head weight can make the ax unbalanced while limbing.

8: Length

In the measuring of an axe, the length is determined from the bottom of the handle to the top of the head. In general, axes of around 27-inches in length are ideal for felling trees, but this can vary depending on the size of the tree you’re removing. 

A longer axe is generally recommended for larger trees. You will need to be able to create a rally of swings that is steady and reliable. You will never be able to chip away at a huge tree with a small axe in a short period of time! When considering the length of your axe, you’ll also need to consider the situation you’ll be using it in.

Perhaps an axe that’s smaller and lighter in weight will be easier to manage if you’re heading to the great outdoors and hiking between campsites. However, you won’t need it to be as portable if you intend to use it to chop down trees in your garden.

9: Blade

In my opinion, your axe’s blade is the most important part of the overall axe, so you should give particular attention to it when shopping for it. In order to determine the blade’s quality, you should look at the materials used in its construction.

When it comes to axe blades, carbon steel and drop-forged steel are by far the strongest materials available. Natural materials are strong, so they do not break easily when they come in contact with wood, no matter how dense it may be.

A sharpened edge should be on the blade of your axe. You can use this to create an entry point and to give yourself a target to aim for on each strike. Similarly, drop-forged steel and carbon steel are the most effective options here. As well, they can be sharpened multiple times, so you can use your axe for a long time.

10: Joints

Axes are made up of two major components – the head and handle. These parts will have a major impact on the durability and performance of the axe based on how they are connected. 

It is advisable to choose an axe that is either build from one single piece of material or that has been bonded using a special joining technique in order to create the strongest bond.

The Roland-PlusTM and PermaHeadTM are among the best features you want to look out for here, as they create a connection between the ax head and handle that virtually makes them inseparable from each other.

11: Extra Features

Whenever you make a purchase, you should consider what else you can get for your money. This also holds true for the purchase of axes as there are also a few extra features to bear in mind that will transform your axe into an even more valuable firearm. The most common of these extra features is a blade guard. Even though they can be considered more of an accessory, it is still worth paying attention to them.

If you place a blade guard over the blades of your axe when it is not in use, it will keep the axehead clean and protected. When you’re taking your blade into the wilderness, this feature is particularly useful. The handle sleeves of some axes are made of steel and are located below the axehead. Having this in place will prevent the handle from being damaged if you miss your target by accident while swinging it.

As a result, a tree branch will bounce off the sleeve, rather than smash through the handle of the axe. Keep your eye out for blades that have low-friction coatings as well.

You’ll be able to keep swinging with a good rally when the blade does not get stuck as it strikes the wood.

12: Multi-Purpose

Perhaps you should also consider what else you can do with your axe. Felling is certainly at the top of your list. However, once the trees are cleared, do you really want to be left with an axe you don’t need any more? Multi-purpose axes are useful not only for felling trees but for a variety of other tasks as well.

For instance, chopping firewood or clearing paths can be included. An axe can even be used to remove old sheds with a minimum amount of effort in some cases. 

13: Balance

The head weight must be proportional to the handle weight and length to be able to exert control and power. Controlling an unbalanced axe will be difficult. It is not possible to read this off a specification sheet. Swinging the axe is the best way to really understand how it balances. A head and shaft together must be the right weight and length.

Additional Useful Tips & Info

When you need to fell a tree, having the right axe will make the task a whole lot easier. Using a heavy maul to fell a tree would be extremely inefficient and unpleasant, just as using a special axe to split logs will be frustrating. 

The weight of the head is on the lighter side as well, since it has a thin taper rather than a thick wedge. The weight of log splitting axe heads varies from 4 to 12 pounds, while the weight of felling axe heads varies from 2.5 to 4 pounds. 

As you compare and contrast felling axe reviews, it becomes evident that some of them include a city or state name in their name, such as the Truper Double Bit Michigan Axe or the Council Tool Dayton Axe listed in our felling axe reviews chart.  The locations denote where the head shape originated as smiths from different areas experimented with designs. 

Moreover, while there are some axes that are manufactured specifically for felling trees, there are others that can split logs or fall trees.

Conclusion

Axes are not only useful for gardening and lawn maintenance, but they can also be useful while camping and hiking. The axe can be used to chop down trees without difficulty. Compact and lightweight axes are ideal since they are easy to carry. When it comes to selecting a wood slicer, it is important that it is powerful enough to slice and dice the wood, but also comfortable to use.

“1844 Helko Werk Traditional Hinterland Double Bit Axe” is our top pick which contains features like the double-bladed axe, comes with a leather sheath, superior product and many more. “GEDORE OX 20 H-1257 Universal Forestry Axe” is our overall best product which contains features like a high-quality handle, blade protection, easy to use, durable, and many more.

Axes made by skilled blacksmiths combine traditional designs with modern functionality, making it difficult to choose one. You can choose one with a single head or a double blade axe depending on your preferences. Afterwards, you will have to decide if the plant will be used for personal or professional purposes as well as what kind of plant needs to be cut. Choosing the right tool should also take into account functionality, durability, and maintenance requirements.

Some frequently asked questions related to the best axe for cutting down trees!