

Simply set up a wide log in a vertical position, then bring the splitting maul down onto the top of the log to cut through the wood and split it into pieces. With this in mind, splitting mauls are better for chopping wood and they work best when they can be used to cut with the grain of the wood. While the shape and appearance of a splitting maul may give the impression that they can be used to fell trees, these axes are actually intended for a downward swing. These heavy-duty axes can be used with a felling axe to quickly chop and split wood. Our Recommendation: Gerber Gear Pack Hatchet – Get it at Amazon for $29.99įull tang construction improves control and helps to increase the strength of strikes for simple and effective chopping, splitting, and light felling. Partial-tangs end as soon as they enter the handle, while a full-tang extends completely through the handle.īest For: The smaller size of a hatchet is designed for felling small trees, chopping firewood, and splitting kindling. The tang is the piece of metal that extends from the head of the hatchet into the handle. Some hatchets may also have full-tang designs that improve the control and power of the user.

Hatchets generally weigh about 1 to 2 pounds and have wood or fiberglass handles. The compact size makes it easy to pack a hatchet into a bag to take hiking, climbing, camping, or fishing, and these tools are typically lighter than other axes, allowing them to be used for longer periods before fatigue begins to set in. While large felling axes are made to be used with two hands, a hatchet is a one-handed tool for chopping, splitting, and felling small trees. It is ideal for felling trees and chopping firewood. Our Recommendation: Fiskars Chopping Axe – Get it at Amazon for $43.48įiskars’ chopping axe is equipped with a 2.31-pound head and a thin, sharp felling blade. These axes are a good option to have around the home for maintaining trees on the property, removing rotten trees, and chopping firewood.īest For: Felling axes are specifically intended for chopping wood and felling full-size trees.

The long handle of a felling axe increases the power of the user with greater leverage. The head of a felling axe typically weighs between 2 to 4 pounds and it has a flared shape with a sharp, thin tip for splitting wood fibers. These tools have a long, curved handle that is traditionally made of wood, though modern felling axes may also have lightweight, durable fiberglass handles that are easier to pick up and swing. Felling axes are one of the more traditional axe styles that are specifically made for felling full-size trees and chopping through thick logs.
