For lumber and enthusiastic outdoorsmen alike, a felling axe can be a useful and convenient tool to hack down moderately sized trees and large tree limbs.
Unlike a Hudson Bay axe – its smaller counterpart – a felling axe is designed with a thin but powerful blade to cut deep into the grain of tree wood.
While a felling axe itself is easy to find, distinguishing a great felling axe from the others can be quite tough, which is why we’ve created an easy-to-read guide to help you find the best felling axe.
If this is what you’re looking for, you’ve arrived at the right article, so keep reading to learn more about what makes a felling axe a great one!
Top 10 Felling Axes Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Axe Length | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. 1844 Helko Werk Germany Classic Expedition Felling Axe | 35 Inches | $$$$ | 4.4 |
| 2. Hults Bruk Torneo Compact Felling Axe | 26 Inches | $$$ | 4.6 |
| 3. Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe, 36-Inch | 36 Inches | $$ | 4.8 |
| 4. Hultafors Hand-forged Swedish Felling Axe | 28 Inches | $$$ | 4.5 |
| 5. Estwing E45A 26-Inch Camper's Axe-All Steel with Shock Reduction Grip | 26 Inches | $ | 4.6 |
| 6. Council Tool 3.5 lb Dayton Pattern Single Bit Axe | 36 Inches | $ | 4.1 |
| 7. Husqvarna 26" Wooden Multi-Purpose Axe | 26 Inches | $$ | 4.7 |
| 8. Helko Classic Forester - 3.5 lb Felling Axe | 31 Inches | $$$ | 4.7 |
| 9. Council Tool 3.5 Lbs. Double Bit Classic Michigan Axe With 36" Straight Hickory Handle | 36 Inches | $$ | 3.2 |
| 10. Truper 30520 3-1/2-Pound Single Bit Michigan Axe, Hickory Handle, 35-Inch | 35 Inches | $ | 4 |
What You’ll Need to Know to Fell the Most Timber
A felling axe, while simple in design and operation, can possess certain features related to the axe’s design and function that help it stand out beyond others in its category.
Let’s look at what you’ll need to know to find the best felling axe for your needs.
- Axe Length. The length of the entire felling axe is a measure from the top of the axe head to the bottom of the axe shaft, with a greater length corresponding to both better control and more power.
- The Weight of Axe Head. Another powerful indicator of force, the weight of an axe head should be no lighter than 3.5 pounds on a decent felling axe.
As we discussed in the length section, greater weight on the head means a more powerful and devastating blow from the axe.
- Wood Grain Versus Synthetic Grip/Axe Haft. Both types of grips for felling axes have their pros and cons. Still, we find that synthetic grips generally hold up much better to wear over time and are considerably less vulnerable to breakage and splintering.
Axes with a wooden shaft are also considerably more expensive to make, raising the price of the axe.
- Sheath. While it may seem silly for a felling axe not to have a sheath, it’s important to ensure the one you want has one.
The type of sheath also matters since some felling axes have a mere strip of rubber or plastic on the blade, whereas others come with a full-blown leather or cloth sheath.
Top 3 Best Felling Axe Reviews
1. 1844 Helko Werk Germany Classic Expedition Felling Axe
- Head Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Length: 35 inches
- Total Weight: 6.5 pounds
This felling axe, designed by Helko, is handmade in Germany. It is so beautiful that you’ll be ashamed to get it sappy and dirty. Beyond its looks, it’s compact, comes with a high-quality leather sheath, and its blade is large.
Make sure everyone stands clear when you swing this felling axe – its blade is substantially larger than the width of its head, which is quite handy as far as chopping wood is concerned.
It comes with a beautiful sheath to keep whoever is carrying it safely, which is made out of leather for long-lasting blade protection.
The Helko Woodworker is made of high-quality hickory, a very powerful wood destined to last for years.
It stands in a class of its own, that’s for sure! It looks great, has a fierce blade, comes with a high-quality sheath, and is made of even better-quality wood.
2. Hults Bruk Torneo Compact Felling Axe
- Head Weight: 1.75 pounds
- Length: 26 inches
- Total Weight: 2.86 pounds
The Hults Bruk is a compact felling axe, making it a portable choice. It weighs approximately 2.86 pounds and measures 26 inches. Its solid Swedish steel axehead is slim enough to provide easier penetration and durability.
This felling axe comes with a 26-inch long solid American Hickory handle. It is polished with linseed oil, making it easy to sand it off. Besides, it is relatively light, allowing you to maintain your control whenever you take a swing.
You will readily appreciate the robustness highlighted by this axe. This sturdiness assures you of your safety and its reliability. Ideally, it is all you need to make your work easier and faster.
3. Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe
- Length: 36 inches
- Total Weight: 5.85 pounds
Felling trees has never been easier – the Fiskars X27 will drive down any in its way with its sturdy shaft, precise blade, and excellent grip.
It’s at the largest end of the spectrum as far as felling axe height is concerned, with 36 inches. It’s the ideal blade for hacking tough limbs and clearing brush and trees out of your way.
Its synthetic grip allows you to smoothly operate the axe, from swing to hit, delivering a precise and powerful stroke to your target.
In addition to a lifetime warranty, the blade itself is designed to make it incredibly easy to remove from wood – say goodbye to almost chopping your foot off trying to remove the axe from a stump!
Overall, the Fiskars X27 Splitting Axe is the best felling axe you can find. It is sturdy, well designed, and large enough to deliver the power you’ll need from a felling axe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Look for in a Felling Axe?
Various aspects go into selecting the right felling axe. Ensure that you observe the following elements in this pursuit.
- Check the materials. Always choose premium materials, whether the handle or the axehead. These materials need to be durable. If the axehead is polished, you will be confident of enhanced longevity.
- The handle’s length. It is crucial to select a handle that assures you of better swings and more control. The best lengths will often be between 32 and 36 inches. Whichever you choose, ensure that it provides you with more control.
- Sharpness is vital. Ensure that the axehead is sharp at all times. The weight around this blade should be balanced too.
- Consider the price. Choose a product that you can readily afford. In that light, take the time to compare how different brands and sellers charge. Regardless, quality is supreme.
- Weight. Focus on an axe that you can comfortably handle. Cutting faster without the proper weight and weight distribution will be a mirage.
What Makes a Good Felling Axe?
There is barely a one-dimensional answer to this, thanks to varying preferences. However, a good axe provides you with optimal performance. It must assure you of excellent weight distribution, sharpness, and durability.
This felling axe can be either single or double bit, depending on the tasks you want to use it for in the long run. Its handle needs to be of the right length, and its handle material is comfortable. Above all, let it be compact in design.
How to Use a Felling Axe?
You cannot overlook safety whenever you use a felling axe. Unless you understand how to use this axe properly, you will find it hard to get the results you envision. The following steps will suffice if you want to use it for chopping, cutting, or splitting.
- Ensure that you clean and prepare your chopping area.
- Check whether the length of the handle is suitable for you. Usually, you can start by taking a slow swing and gauge whether you will be comfortable.
- Ensure that any onlooker is around 2 meters away.
- Have something where you can place your axe when not in use.
How to Sharpen a Felling Axe?
Sharpening your felling axe ensures that you have a seamless experience. This axe needs to be sharp enough to handle whatever task you have at hand.
Take the time to assemble all the necessary tools, including a sharpening stone or a DC4 whetstone. You could also consider a file between 200 and 300 mm fine.
Hold the axehead relatively firmly and place the file against its edge. Apply a little pressure as you push this file against the edge. Make sure that the edge curves away from the file.
Keep moving the file back and forth until you create a burr. Once you attain this level, turn to the other side and repeat the procedure.
Next, pick your whetstone and place the axe on its coarse side. Move the edge in a circular motion until you attain an overhang. Once you do, turn to the other side and repeat the process. Be careful not to compromise the balance. Once you are sure it is sharp enough, you are good to go.
How Sharp Should a Felling Axe Be?
Many people ask how sharp an axe should be. While it depends on the task at hand, usually, your axe needs to be sharp enough to fell, cut, or split wood comfortably. That means the sharpness must allow you to shave without a struggle and enjoy your work.
Remember, a dull axe could readily expose you to disappointments and even be too tiring to use. Many buyers don’t realize that an axe is a cutting tool. Like any other cutting tool, the sharper it is, the more efficiently it will work. A well-honed edge on your axe will make every job easier – from splitting logs for the fireplace to carving kindling for starting a campfire.
Not only that, but a sharp axe is also safer to use than a dull one. When an axe is dull, you are more likely to slip and cut yourself. So, how often should you sharpen your axe? It depends on how often you use it. If you are using your axe daily, you will need to sharpen it more often than if you only use it once a week.
A good rule of thumb is to give your axe a quick touch-up after every few uses. This will ensure that it is always ready for action and performing at its best.
What is the Difference Between a Felling Axe and a Splitting Axe?
There is a significant difference between felling axes and splitting axes, including their design and purpose. Usually, the design of splitting axes allows them to split wood fibers apart and create smaller chunks of wood. On the other hand, a felling axe is designed to cut through wood fibers only.
A felling axe comes with a relatively thin and sharp blade. That means it can cut cross-way through wood fibers, and effortlessly so. On the other hand, a splitting axe highlights a relatively wider profile, meaning it is less sharp. For that reason, splitting axes can barely cut through wood fibers. Besides, they can hardly cut across the wood grain.
There is no denying that felling axes are relatively long. However, splitting axes tend to be much longer and even heavier. Splitting axes are seven pounds heavier and over 10 inches longer than felling axes.
What Kind of Axe Do I Need to Cut Down a Tree?
A felling axe comes in handy if you want to cut down a tree. This axe can cut through wood fibers without too much strain. Its ability to penetrate through wood remains impeccable.
Besides, thanks to its lightweight and compact design, you will find it much easier to swing and even control. This axe is much more straightforward to use and cut across the grain.
What is the Largest Felling Axe?
Felling axes are often between 32 and 36 inches long. They can weigh about three pounds or more. With this, an enormous felling axe is approximately 36 inches long and 7 pounds heavy.
However, some felling axes could be as long as 40 inches. Longer axes will likely compromise the quality of swing you take, thanks to the excess kinetic energy you have to invest. Remember, the goal is to fell trees, and a reliable swing will always come in handy.
Conclusion
Having the best felling axe saves you from wasting energy and time. A good option provides you with the sharpness, length, and premium material you envision. As long as you invest time choosing one that appeals to your preferences, disappointments will be a mirage. Thankfully, the insights above will guide you accordingly.
