If it is not broken, don’t fix it! That statement can be applied to one of the oldest tools known to man, one that continues to prove its worth in the deep outdoors, and that tool is the ax. This chopper takes many forms. From its smaller brother, the hatchet, to its slimmer streamlined cousin, the tomahawk, and the full-figured ax itself, the function of all these remains the same, and that’s to chop wood, and it does that exceptionally well.
Top Tier Axes
An ax serves many purposes, both in a rural and urban setting. It can fell a tree, shave tinder, split kindling, hack through a door, hammer tent stakes, and in a pinch can become a weapon against both man and beast. From traditional styles with simple yet effective features to modernized versions with extra bells and whistles, the sampling below offers something for everyone when a trusted chopper is needed to get the job done.
Gerber Gear Pack Hatchet
Overview
Though this hatchet may be small and compact, it packs a powerful punch when needed around your campsite. With a rubber overmold handle and exaggerated finger grooves, you’ll have precise control for both power and precision cuts. Its large cutting edge ensures you’ll get the job done quickly with reduced user fatigue. The hatchet comes with a nylon sheath and integrated lanyard hole for easy storage or for tethering cordage if desired. Go big with this small wonder.
Specifications
• Stainless steel blade
• Full tang construction
• Tall grind for optimal sharpness
• Rubber overmold handle
• Included belt carry sheath
MSRP: $45.00
GerberGear.com
Gerber Gear Bushcraft Ax
Overview
There’s nothing like a trusty ax when you’re deep in the woods and need material for your fire or shelter. The Bushcraft ax delivers the goods while sporting a “secret” waterproof tube container, useful to hold your disposable lighter, tinder, or other necessary small gear. The ax offers a modern and highly durable design with a hammerhead backside, overstrike guard, ergonomic handle, and overall toughness to withstand the rigors of Mother Nature’s harsh outdoors.
Specifications
• Forged single-piece ax head
• Rubber overmold grip
• Waterproof gear storage stick
• Overstrike guard
• Integrated hammerhead
MSRP: $90.00
GerberGear.com
Gerber Gear Bushcraft Hatchet
Overview
This hatchet is much more than an average chopper but hides it like a pro. The Bushcraft hatchet features a one-piece forged head, a hammerhead backside, and an overstrike guard for those accidental mis-strikes. Inside this campsite helper are five feet of paracord and a waterproof storage tube that holds a lighter, tinder, or other small survival gear items. The entire hatchet is ultra-tough and a must-have for deep woods adventures.
Specifications
• Forged single-piece ax head
• Waterproof gear storage stick
• Porting for weight reduction
• Overall length: 15.25 inches
• Includes 5-feet of paracord
MSRP: $70.00
GerberGear.com
Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet
Overview
Lopping off large branches, splitting logs for your campfire, or even felling small-diameter trees is just all in a day’s work for this Wildlife hatchet. Famous Swedish craftsmanship almost ensures reliable use year after year as you tear through the dense woodlands worldwide. Its extra-long handle and solid steel head convert your swings into superior results while working outdoors. A vegetable-tanned leather sheath protects the blade and ensures gear safety when packed or stored.
Specifications
• Compact, easy-to-carry and store
• Overall length: 13.78 inches
• Overall weight: 1.30 pounds
• Vegetable-tanned leather sheath
• Long handle delivers extra power
MSRP: $173.25
GransforsBruk.com
CRKT Chogan Hatchet
Overview
Designed by Ryan Johnson, this hatchet takes the design of a classic rifleman’s tomahawk and updates it with a solid 1055 carbon steel head and a durable glass-reinforced nylon handle. This little chopper that could is relentless when it comes to campsite tasks such as splitting logs and pounding stakes. Its distinctive red color keeps this tool always in sight and adds a modern tactical feel to this centuries-old implement. A lanyard hole with included cordage complements this compact chopper.
Specifications
• 1055 Carbon steel head
• Manganese phosphate coating
• Overall length: 13.19 inches
• Overall weight: 1.48 pounds
• Glass-reinforced nylon handle
MSRP: $40.00
CRKT.com
Gransfors Bruk Small Splitting Ax
Overview
This ax’s primary job is to split logs, and it does it very well. With a thin blade at the bit and a broad section that pushes apart wood, you’ll stack up a huge pile of usable firewood in no time flat. Its compact body allows for easy carrying through harsh terrain, while the circular grooved handle keeps your grip firmly in place when it’s time to get back to work. The included leather sheath allows blade protection and safety to the user when not in use.
Specifications
• Ideal for efficient log splitting
• Overall length: 23.62 inches
• Overall weight: 3.50 pounds
• Vegetable-tanned leather sheath
• Protective striking collar
MSRP: $194.99
GransforsBruk.com
CRKT Jenny Wren Compact Hatchet
Overview
This hatchet is a true triple threat. With puncture and three sharpened edges, you’ll chop, puncture, and shave your way through the most challenging natural material out there. Its full tang construction allows for a solid, powerful tool that will stand tough season after season. It sports a glass-reinforced nylon handle and a multiple-carry option sheath for easy placement on your body or gear bag as you trek through nature’s backyard.
Specifications
• Triple edge design
• Strong yet highly lightweight
• Overall length: 10.06 inches
• Overall weight: 1.12 pounds
• Versatile sheath for multiple carry options
MSRP: $119.00
CRKT.com
Gransfors Bruk Carpenter’s Ax
Overview
Sporting a long, thin, straight edge and bevel face, this carpenter’s ax offers stability and precision for all outdoor construction projects. Log cabin homes or temporary survival shelters will go up fast and easy with this handy helper on the job. It is specially designed for work in dry wood and fits the gap between a smaller hatchet and a full-sized tree-felling ax. The ax comes complete with a pre-drilled lanyard hole for easy hanging and a vegetable-tanned leather sheath for protection when not in use.
Specifications
• Solid, straight handle to suit all grips
• Ideal for stability and precision jobs
• Overall length: 17.71 inches
• Overall weight: 2.00 pounds
• Includes vegetable-tanned leather sheath
MSRP: $196.00
GransforsBruk.com
Gerber gear Freescape Hatchet
Overview
Bright green accents, a comfortable handle, and a bite that digs deep into material, and you have the Freescape hatchet. This aid around the campsite or gear for your survival kit will aid with small tasks and bigger projects and won’t stop until you do. It sports a cutting edge over three inches, so you’ll tear through material faster using less energy. The back end of the head hammers down tent stakes in seconds, while the ingenious sheath protects and secures the blade when not in use. Finally, a convenient lanyard hole is cordage-ready for hanging or tethering.
Specifications
• Soft touch, overmold shaft
• Cutting edge: 3.12 inches
• Overall length: 17.32 inches
• Overall weight: 40.60 ounces
• Innovative sheath for easy storage
MSRP: $51.95
BladeHQ.com
Camillus Camtrax 3-In-1 Hatchet
Overview
This amalgamation of a hatchet and a saw (and hammer) can be your ultimate go-to tool during your campout. Constructed of glass nylon components with infused polypropylene and ABS included, durability won’t be a thought in your mind as you hack, saw, or hammer material. This compact tool also features a titanium steel blade, a belt-clip integrated sheath, and even a bottle opener for when it’s time to relax with a cold one. Three tools in one and built to last for years, how can you go wrong?
Specifications
• Three function tool, hatchet, saw, and hammer
• Titanium stainless steel blade
• Overall length: 12.00 inches
• Glass-filled nylon handle
• Included sheath with belt clip
MSRP: $38.99
CamillusKnives.com
Tops Knives Grandpa’s Ax
Overview
When pack space is limited, but your cutting tasks are huge, it’s time to look towards Grandpa or, rather, Grandpa’s Ax. This top-heavy compact chopper offers a superb balance of size, weight, and cutting ability for the minimalist outdoorsman. Weighing in at less than a pound and a half, you won’t be bogged down as you travel and won’t sacrifice power or precision when it’s time to split wood, severe saplings, or break down game. Its ergonomic handle allows for both comfort and gripping ability, and an included leather sheath keeps it secure and safe when the work is done.
Specifications
• Four-inch cutting edge
• Overall length: 11.00 inches
• Overall weight: 27.10 ounces
• Handle material: Green canvas micarta
• Includes brown leather sheath with belt loop
MSRP: $285.00
TopsKnives.com
Husqvarna Composite Splitting Ax
Overview
When it comes to splitting logs, this ax takes the lead. Specially designed with a practical geometrical head and non-stick coating for minimal friction, you’ll build your firewood pile in no time flat with this amazing tool. It offers a stainless steel shaft protector for missed strikes, the perfect weight and balance ratio for less user fatigue, and a convenient hammer function for splitting wedge use (non-steel.) A fiber-reinforced PA shaft that will last season after season complements this splitting wonder.
Specifications
• Head geometry for perfect wood splitting
• Stainless steel shaft protector
• Durable rear hammer
• Soft grip handle
• Non-stick coating for less friction
