Best Type of Axe

Since you say you're "building your off-road gear", I am assuming you're looking for something primarily for clearing limbs from a trail. If so, I would cast my vote for a saw over any ax or hatchet. I bought Estwing's 26" camper's ax for this purpose, and their hatchet for camping. I also keep a cheap little folding pruning saw in my truck that I bought at Ace Hardware. I have found that I end up using the cheap little saw for the purposes I bought the axe for, and I use the ax for most purposes that I bought the hatchet for. On the trail, I'll invariably grab the ax thinking I'll chop through a limb in a few whacks...NOPE. I almost always end up slicing through with the pruning saw in pretty short order. I really don't ever use the hatchet, although all three live in my truck anyway.

So, for clearing trails, I'd recommend a pruning saw. The curved blades work the best (fastest). For camping, the 26" Estwing is a versatile choice and the flat side of the head comes in handy as a hammer as well. I rarely find a use for hatchets, besides throwing them at things.

 

Second (tenth? Thirteenth?) bringing a good saw.

If you have any cordless tools I'd go for a cordless chainsaw too depending on your use. Perfect for clearing a few trees but no so good for cutting a whole trail.

Unless I'm going to be chopping firewood I don't bother bringing an axe.

 

Own a 20v dewalt along with multiple stihl chainsaws. The dewalt while slow will usually get the job done

 

My truck/camp axe is a Fiskars x15 and x7 hatchet. Good solid axes that you won’t care about if it gets beat up or if you let someone barrow it and they chip the edge.

My person favorite is gransfors bruks axes. I have a small forest axe and wildlife hatchet. Their axe head geometry is really awesome. I love how they chop/cut. I wouldn’t let someone else use it though for fear they put it in the dirt and chip the edge.

Also good choice is a Husqvarna (Hultafors ground/Hulks bruk). Another good Swedish axe company.

American made can’t go wrong with counsel tools.

edit. Also like others have said a silky or even a Fiskars folding saw is usually the better tool to use to cut with. I usually use that before an axe.

 

The best type of axe is a knife/machete meant specifically to baton fire wood.



The second best if you need to cut up downfall is a foldable saw.



The best part is they pack better just like they work better for most situations

 

Honestly not trying to be a jerk or anything but if you don’t know how to pick out your own axe by this point in your life I don’t think anything these guys tell you is going to be much help.

 

So no point in ever trying to learn new things? Axes are so magical they require a lifetime of study?

What a helpful mindset...



OP, you can split with a chopping blade, but it's a bitch to chop with a splitting blade. The linked axe looks like a "Boys" style, which is honestly perfectly usable. I have a cheap Boys axe I picked up at a flea market and restored the head and hung the handle myself. I've used it backpacking, bushcraft, and tend to carry it in the truck when wheeling. I'm not Paul Bunyan so I'm not going to waste my time chopping downed trees. If I can't clear it with a bow saw, I'm finding an alternate route.

There's good youtube content on how to properly and safely use axes.

 

I honestly can’t tell if your messing with me or not. No they are not so magical they require a lifetime of study. They are so simple they require 0 study that’s why they don’t come with instructions. It’s a sharpened chunk of metal on a stick that you swing at wood it’s no exactly new technology. Have we really reached a point where grown men need to watch videos on there cellphones to be able to buy and use an axe? And safety videos? Sometimes when you hit the wood little chunks come off if you get one in your eye it’s probably going to hurt so maybe use some eye protection. Also believe it or not if you hit yourself with the metal on a stick that will probably hurt to so maybe try not to do that. Safety meeting over. I think the real question might be what’s the most popular axe on tacomaworld so I can get one to. At least that I could understand.

 

I keep a Fiskars x17 splitting axe and a silky big boy outback in the bed at all times. When trail riding and camping I will usually carry an ego 18 in chainsaw as well.

 

@chiefcrunchy what say you?!

 

I carry a fiskars x25 all the time in the cab, i also keep a folding bow saw all the time.p
That being said, when i go out on the trails i also pack an old True Temper 3.5lb axe with a 36" handle. Ive had to clear trees and debris plenty, weather a bow saw, axe, or chainsaw keep it sharp and it will make things so much easier!
Plus think about how efficient it is trying to cut a tree w/a hatchet vs a full size axe.

With axes as most everything there is always something to learn.
I didn't get to read all the posts yet, but I'll gladly share knowledge or advice.

P.S. still reading but unless you're splitting specifically just stick with the regular axe head, if you are splitting lots I just got the Fiskars 8lb maul and its a beast.

 

Ditto on the Gransfors Bruks!
I use the Scandinavian forest axe 50% of the time.
I use the small forest axe on canoe trips,
and just got the american felling axe this spring.
If you need to ask are they really worth the $$$, Yes they are.

 

Council Tool is made in USA and makes good quality stuff.

 

also, the necessity of learning cutting tool safety and proper technique goes without saying
I suppose

 

I don’t carry all these but the Fiskars is really good and the mini Fiskars comes in handy. I found the Max at a flea market and found the accessories online. It’s like a Swiss army axe

 

I’m a brand whore, so I would go with Gransfors Bruk. I’ve been looking at a lot of YouTube reviews on their axes and the “small forest axe” seems to be a very very popular choice. It’s easy to pack and very reliable from what I’ve seen. Beware though, EBay and Amazon have alot of “Gransfors” knockoffs being sold on there. I would buy from a dealer listed on their site, or from a reliable website if you want the real thing.

 

What brand is the saddle cruiser(Small double bit)?

 

No makers mark on that one, but I’m a sucker for double bits. That one was in very rough shape, handle broke and looked like someone tried to sharpen it with a wood rasp.

 

Same, i love double bits. I have a Kelly/TT cruiser I found at an antique store in Wisconsin a few years ago that was in rough shape.
I'll get a pic shortly

 

Most used for small trees and brush is my machete (24" Colima), I also carry a 28" chopping axe (ilitis Ox head), but if the wood is dried out, I reach for the bow saw.