10 Best Axe For Cutting Down Trees [2023 Reviews]

Each one of us desires to lead a smooth life with access to hassle-free products and services.

Even while we are holidaying, spend time outdoors, or are backpacking, we take care to pack all the essentials so that we don’t have to face any troubles.

During such trips, having a powerful axe by your side is equally important. 

One that is lightweight, edgy, portable, and sturdy enough to chop the trees down so that we can create space for camping and gather wood for the bonfire.

Keeping these points in mind, we bring you a list of the best axes for cutting down trees in 2023.

All you need to do is select the one which fits your requirements and your pocket. So, without any further ado – let’s get started.

Our 10 Best Axe For Cutting Down Trees Review:

Here is our detailed guide on top 10 best felling axes that are capable of cutting down trees-

1. Gransfors Bruks American Felling Axe, 35 Curved Handle

If you want one of the professional working axes, then Gransfors Bruks is the ideal choice. The brand provides the authentic traditional experiences of chopping off the rough barks of trees in the most seamless way.

Its long handle and sturdy design make it appropriate for rough use, including cutting off huge trees in the forest area.

Its curved handle and durable body give it an edge over the other players in the market. This particular product will prove to be helpful while chopping off the rugged and tough species of trees like spruce or pine.

It weighs 5.27 pounds and comes with a long and curvy handle with a sharp curve that makes it stand out and gives it a professional edge from the other products in the axe arena.

This will be the one-stop solution for all your swift wood chopping requirements. It is approximately near about twice as heavy as Scandinavian Forest Axe.

Every axe bears the initials of the blacksmiths who created it along with the company logo. All the axes are meticulously prepared with the handle being smooth yet strong, the head being sharp and edgy ensuring that the woods are chopped off with ease.

You can go ahead with Gransfors Bruks American Felling Axe if you have to cut off tough barks and huge trees of all kinds and want to do so hassle-free and at a good pace. Its professional touch also makes it worthy of the selection.

2. Council Tool Velvicut Premium American Felling Axe With Sheath

The brand Council Tool offers professionally crafted tools, especially axes by expert artisans. This product, Velvicut Premium American Felling axe, comes with a Dayton pattern, making it the apt tool for all the woods’ cutting and chopping needs.  

The axes are intricately designed, and special attention is given to the ergonomic handle, the cutting edge, and the finishing.

Made out of 5160 American alloy Steel, this is a durable product and would be an extremely good option for rough use. It comes with a long shelf life due to its durability and tough design.

The handle is produced out of the 36-inch hickory substance and exhibits the perfect combination of traditional looking axes with modern technology and functioning. The handle is again curved at the head to ensure that it's easy and safe for rough use.

The Velvicut collection is known for its fine quality and premium products. As the name suggests, it ensures smooth cutting of the trees.

This comes with a personal touch as special care and attention is given while producing it. The signature Dayton pattern is indeed a famous one and is preferred by the creators while producing full-sized axes.

Coming with a sturdy handle and a sharp axe, this piece will last long and will ease up all your cutting and chopping needs.

The head is also coated with a protective oil to safeguard its edges from rusting. The hickory handle comes with a linseed oil polish but is dried appropriately to protect it from shrinking or shredding.

This product also comes with a superior quality leather sheath to ensure its protection.

Council Tool Velvicut Premium American Felling Axe is a must-have product for all your gardening sessions and backpacking trips. With its unique design, premium quality, and strong body, this can be a good choice for your axe related needs.  

3. Snow and Nealley 3.5 lbs. Single Bit Axe

Snow and Nealley is known for its durable products, which are of premium quality. This particular product comes with a carbon steel finish and a hickory handle.

Its tough designing with superior quality elements of grain steel and hickory gives it a long shelf life compared to other products.

Weighing 7 ounces, this is compact and comparatively portable to carry than the other axes. Not only is it smooth in functioning but comes with a majestic appearance too.

It comes with multiple uses in the form of an efficient saw, blade for chipping, and a knife to cut and chop the hardwood. Despite being a bit heavy, it’s a balanced piece and will assist you the maximum with all your major cutting requirements. This is a strong model and has a good lifespan that you might even pass it on to your future generations.

The brand also provides a leather sheath along with the axe to ensure its protection from rust and dust. It comes with modern appearance and finishing but works in an equally powerful manner.

You can opt for the Snow and Nealley Single Bit Axe if you need to step outdoors as it is easy to carry and is ideal for rough use.

4. Hultafors Hand-forged Swedish Felling Axe with American Hickory Handle

This brand is one of the oldest axe making companies in the market. Hence, it comes with a brand image and recall value. It’s known for the most effective and durable products in the tools segment.

The axes are designed intricately and are forged by hand. They come with a high carbon steel finish and hickory handle to ensure effective functioning.

Despite coming with the traditional looks, the axes are modern in technology and functioning. They are made with premium elements but are compact and portable.

This model is light as it weighs 4.41 pounds approximately, which makes it easy for the users to carry it around.

The body, especially the handle, is designed to make the axe light and easy to use, so that deep cuts are made on the thick wood with its powerful head combined with the bare minimum force by the user.

Hultafors Hand-forged Swedish Felling Axe can be the appropriate selection if portable size, spending time outdoors, and premium finish is in your priority list.

5. 1844 Helko Werk Traditional Hinterland Double Bit Axe for Large Timber

Helko Werk is one of the renowned brands in the industry and produces distinguishable products in the axe sector. The notable point is that these axes are double-bladed and are handcrafted by skilled blacksmiths.

They offer a traditional age-old experience but come with durability. Their sturdy body makes them ideal for chopping off large timber and majestic trees, but their use is not just limited to the cutting arena.  

As there are two heads, these axes can be used for other purposes, including splitting, peeling, both fine and rough chopping.

Since they are created with premium quality C50 carbon steel and hickory handle with a linseed oil finish, this particular product is super-efficient.

It provides a blister-free experience to the users. The brand ensures that the product goes through thorough quality checks and is finished with specific elements to prevent rust and protect it from cutting friction. The axe also comes with a protective leather case and oil for its maintenance.

This particular product is the typical authentic axe from the olden times with its twin head and traditional appearance. While one head can be used for chopping, the other head can be used for splitting and cutting.

Coming with two heads, this piece requires intricate designing and expertise to achieve the flawless polished look.

You can choose Helko Werk Traditional Hinterland Double Bit Axe if you prefer a double-headed axe with efficiency and require the right axe for multiple uses.

6. Husqvarna 26” Wooden Multi-Purpose Axe

Keeping in mind the usage of its consumers, Husqvarna offers the multi-purpose axes in various other sizes ranging from 13’’ to 32’’, each coming with distinct USPs of wooden splitting, composite splitting, to name a few.

However, the 26’’ model is another compact product as compared to others and also offers multi-usage. It can be used for not only tree chopping but also for log cutting, branch trimming, and wood thinning.

Offering a traditional experience, it also comes with state of the art facilities as per the present times’ usages and requirements.

The brand ensures extra security for the users as they seal the head with a wooden and steel wedge along with the handle. Additionally, the head is made with hand-forged steel to ensure the axe’s body is sturdy and durable.

It comes with a long handle, making it more powerful and efficient for its multiple usages. Produced with Swedish steel and hickory handle, it offers a strong body for tough usage.

This multipurpose axe comes with a protective leather cover for the head, which helps in cutting the woods, chopping the logs, trimming the branches, and clearing the humongous bushes.

The only thing to be taken care of while purchasing this product is its maintenance. Regular greasing, along with keeping it at room temperature, is essential. In the ignorance of these points, the head’s iron might rust, or the handle might shrink in warm conditions.

While the long handle can make it tough to carry but at the same time makes up for its con by giving the user extra power to be able to swing the axe and chop and trim powerfully.

This one might be a bit expensive in your pocket but will be worth the price with its multiple uses and healthy body.

Husqvarna can be a great choice due to its multiple usages, variety in sizes, and if you require the axe for rough use. But you must keep in mind that it will require maintenance and you will have to spare time for the same.

7. Hults Bruk Felling Axe

This is another efficient axe available in the market which is durable and comes with a long lifespan. Made with Swedish steel, it offers a sturdy body, making it ideal for cutting off all fauna types.

The steel of the head is hand-forged to ensure the final product turns out to be perfect and is created, keeping in mind that it is easy for the consumer’s usage.

The axe is designed differently from the other players to ensure that users can use it comfortably while holding the sharp edges.

The handle is created with linseed oil, which further provides a hassle-free experience to the users. Coming in a curvy design, skilled artists create these with their expertise and flawless clear lacquered ironwork.

While creating this, the steel is struck and tampered multiple times to increase its density and to ensure that the axe is durable and sturdy. This piece comes with the standard features, premium quality, Swedish steel, and hickory handles.

Hults Bruk Atran also gives a manual and a protective case with the felling axe.

Hults Bruk Atran Handheld Axe is an ideal selection as it is created, keeping in mind the user’s safety and convenience and cutting off all trees types.

8. Council Tool 3.5 lb. Dayton Pattern Single Bit Axe with Curved Wooden Handle

The product comes with the brand’s signature Dayton technology. This is a single-headed axe and comes with a long handle. It is another strong product and is an ideal choice for cutting and splitting wood of all kinds.

It is steel forged with hand by the artisans but is also tempered, which gives the product an edge of perfection over other available options.

This axe comes with modernistic appearances as the head has red enamel with clear lacquer iron. Prepared with high-quality material, it is rustproof.

The head is also sealed and secured inside the handle to ensure the extra protection of the users. This particular axe is known for its innovative designs and its durability, lightness, and compactness at economical prices.

This product is another beautiful selection with the brand’s signature Dayton pattern and with its full-sized body.

You must select Council Tool 3.5 lb Dayton Pattern Single Bit Axe for its cutting and splitting features, fresh designing, effective functioning, and portable body.

How to Choose the Best Axe For Cutting Down Trees?

The cutting down of trees can become a tedious and frustrating task if you don’t have the right tool with you.

Although chain saws have started trading over axes, axes are a possession for tradition for traditional woodworkers. Also, if you have the right kind of axe along with you, half of the job in cutting down a tree is done.

However, there are different types of axes in the market and choosing the best one among can be a bit tough task for you.

So, here are some factors that you should consider while buying an axe.

Having a glance at these factors while buying an axe will help you find the right one.

High-quality build materials

The first thing to consider in purchasing the best felling axe for cutting trees is the build quality. As you are intending to cut trees, you need a solidly build axe that doesn’t fail after a few usages.

It must come with a quality handle material, axe head to give you an extra bit of advantage. Generally, the handles of these axes are made with wood while the head is made with steel.

So, you need to ensure that the wood used in the handle is of the best quality so that it doesn’t crack or break once you hit the tree with it. And the head needs to come with proper steel that doesn’t rust.

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Length of the handle

The length of the axe handle is another key aspect to consider in buying the best axe for felling trees. The general rule is- the longer the handle, the less force you need to apply to cut down the tree.

However, with the increase of the handle length, the control over the axe decreases. So, you need to keep that in mind as well.

That’s why we recommend getting an axe with a medium-length handle. If you are a tall guy, you will be able to control a long-handled axe with ease, while a short person should use a short handle for optimal cutting.

Keep in mind that a shorter handle will have less leverage than a longer handle. So, you need perfect balance when selecting most felling axes.

Plus, consider the handle shape in mind as well. While some people prefer straight handle axes, some love to work with curved handles when felling medium sized trees or splitting maul.

Sharpness

Sharpness is another quality that you need to see in an axe for felling trees. However, this is common in almost all of the axes available for purchase. That’s because acquiring sharpness is not a big deal.

It doesn’t tell you about the quality of the material. But you need to make sure that you get a perfectly sharp cutting head for ease of tree cutting. Especially in small tree cutting, the sharpness becomes a significant factor. In large trees, more weight is better.

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Number of bits

Most of the axes come with one business end. But you will see some axes and cutting hatchets that come with two bits.

While you can do things better with a single bit ax, you may get one with a dual bit in case you want more control and easy cutting ability. Dual bit axes are a bit heavier than single bit axes and thus, cutting is easier with those sometimes.

Rust resistance

As we have already talked about this, you need to pick an axe with good quality material that doesn’t rust. That means a rust resistance product is what we ask you to purchase.

Rust resistance will make the axe long-lasting and will keep the sharpness for a longer period, even when you are not using the hand tool.

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Edge cover

An important factor if you travel with an axe. When you are moving with a sharp and heavy object like axe, it is always recommended to keep them covered to be safe.

So, pick a product with an edge cover.

However, you may skip this option for getting a quality product as making an edge cover is not a big deal. You should find edge covers easily. But getting one with the axe at the first instance is always a great thing, isn’t it?

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Weight of the Axe

Like the length, weight is another crucial factor in axes. Because the weight allows you to cut faster without putting much force. But there is a downside as well.

With an overweight product, you won’t be able to work for long. You will be exhausted after working for a few moments.

So, we recommend one that feels comfortable to you. Not so lightweight, nor so heavy. A balanced ax is what will make your job easy.

And see the head weight and the handle weight separately. Too much difference in handle and head weight can make the ax imbalanced for limbing.

Read our article on wood carving angle grinders!

How to Cut a Tree with a Felling Axe

Cutting down a small tree with a decent felling axe is not a big deal. But when it comes to cutting big trees, you need to follow some safety rules. Be cautious, and use the right method to cut it. Plus, you may have been curious about the method to fell the tree in a certain direction.

For safety, make sure to wear safety goggles so that your eyes remain protected from any flying object while cutting the tree. You can use gloves as well to cut the tree comfortably.

1. Pick the Direction to Fell

The first thing to do is finding the right direction to fell the tree. This is important for both safety and further processing of the trunk.

Pick a place where there is no interference between the tree and the ground. If the place is full of trees, you may find it difficult to create room to fell the tree.

2. Create the Notch Carefully

Start cutting at about your knee height in the direction where you want to fell the tree. Cut halfway through the tree and then start from the opposite side.

Cut through the remaining portion and be ready to escape as soon as you see signs of the tree felling on the ground.

3. Fell the Tree

In most of the cases with the small to medium-size trees, it should feel on its own after you cut enough of it.

If you feel that you have cut enough but the tree is still holding its ground, carefully swing the axe a few more times to make things smoother.

What are the Safety Measures I Should Take While Using Axe?

The first safety measure you should take is to pick an axe that suits your height and strength. One that is hard for you to control will put you at risk.
The other safety measures are, using the sheath when transporting the axe, using gloves to keep your hand protected while using it, and keeping your eyes protected by safety glasses from the objects that may fly after you hit the tree with the axe.

How to Prolong the Life of Axe?

The best way to prolong the life of any metal object is to use it regularly. If you want your axe to perform for a long period, make sure to use it regularly.

We know, it's not feasible to use an axe regularly when you don't anything to do with it. In such cases, clean the axe after using it. Use oil to protect it from rusts and corrosion. And don't forget to put on a cover in its head.

How to Sharpen the Axe?

Sharpening the axe is not hard at all. Especially if you have a grinder to sharpen knives or a chisel sharpening bench grinder.

If you don't have either of these mentioned, use a sharpening stone to sharpen the edge of your axe head. And if the edge is displaced from its actual position, you may use honing steel as well to put it back in the right position.

What type of AXE is best for cutting down trees?

The Felling Axe is the best for cutting down trees. It has a long handle and heavy head to cut through tree trunks with ease. Great for having around your house as well, in case you have an emergency need to chop wood!

What size axe should I use?

It's important that the axe be the right size for the user. The blade should be long enough to cut through trees but not so long that it's difficult to manage. It also needs a handle, and weight must be distributed in such a way as to maximize power when swinging. The size you need depends on your strength, body weight, and height. So, pretty hard to tell. Anything that's comfortable for you should work.

What's the difference between a hatchet and an ax?

A Hatchet is used for cutting small logs or branches, while a high quality Felling Axe is designed to cut larger sections of wood such as those needed for building projects. Perfect Felling Axes are heavier than hatchets, have longer handles, and more powerful.

What kind of AXE do lumberjacks use?

Felling axes are used by lumberjacks for the primary purpose of felling small trees. They have a large, razor sharp blade on one side that can be hammered onto the tree to act as an anchor point and then swung around at full force to cut through it. The other end is shaped like a machete so that they can clear a path to the next tree.

What is the difference between a felling AXE and a splitting AXE?

A felling AXE is designed to cut through a tree quickly, while the splitting AXE has a wider blade and can be used for other tasks such as knot removal. It's best to use an axe with the right tool for the job!

How heavy should an AXE be?

Determining the weight of an axe is largely dependent on the type. Axes range from lighter, one-handed axes that are great for limbing to heavier two or three-handed hatchets and felling axes designed primarily for chopping down trees.

Heavier axes also take a little more time to swing than small ones which means they're not as well-suited to cutting small branches.

For most purposes, a one or two-pound axe will be sufficient for limbing and chopping smaller limbs while a three to five-pound hatchet is good for heavier work. A six to eight-pound felling axe should make quick work of tree removal in any situation.

What is a forest AXE?

A forest axe is a tool used by both professional and amateur loggers for felling trees, limbing logs, cutting firewood or clearing debris. Axes are usually designed to be multi-purpose tools with a sharp edge on one side of the blade and a head on the opposite side. They can be either single-bladed or double-bladed, straight-edged or curved.

A forest axe is usually quite short and can be used for chopping out stubs in a felled tree, splitting firewood lengthwise or around the edge of logs to make kindling. They are not designed as choppers but rather have one side sharpened on the blade to slice through wood fibers.

What is the best steel for an AXE?

The best steel for an AXE is High Carbon Steel. This material can be hardened and tempered to provide the optimal balance of hardness, performance, corrosion resistance, toughness, and edge retention. A high-quality axe blade will have more carbon content than other common steels like vanadium or chrome stainless steel which are not as hard but offer better corrosion resistance.

Our Final Verdict

Axes are required not only during gardening or maintaining our majestic lawns but are indeed helpful while camping or hiking outdoors.

Hence, an axe is an essential commodity to chop off the trees without any troubles. An ideal axe is the one that is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry. It should be powerful enough to slice and dice the wood but, at the same time, should be comfortable to use.

While most of the axes are created by skilled blacksmiths and offer traditional designs with modern functioning, selecting anyone would be tough.

You will have to choose if you require a single-headed or double-bladed axe. Post that, you have to consider the requirement whether it is for personal or professional use and the type of flora to be chopped off.

The durability, the maintenance required, and the product pricing are other important criteria to be kept in mind while choosing the desired tool.

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