An axe is one of the most useful outdoor tools for chopping, splitting and preparing wood. Whether you need a wood axe for firewood, a small axe for camping or the right Fiskars axe for garden and outdoor use, choosing the correct tool improves performance, safety and ease of use.
This guide explains the different types of axes, how they work and how to choose the right axe for chopping wood, splitting logs and lighter outdoor tasks.
What is an Axe?
An axe is a hand tool with a sharp axe head fixed to a handle, designed for chopping, splitting or shaping wood. Different axes are made for different jobs, so choosing the right axe depends on the type of wood, the size of the material and how much control or power you need.
Types of Axes and Their Uses
Splitting Axes
Splitting axes are made to break wood apart along the grain. They usually have heavier heads and a wider wedge-shaped blade to split logs more efficiently with less effort.
Chopping Axes
Chopping axes are designed to cut across wood fibres. They have sharper, narrower blades that bite deeper into wood, making them ideal for cutting logs into smaller pieces.
Small Axes
A small axe is lighter, easier to carry and better suited to kindling, camping and lighter outdoor jobs. These are ideal when control and portability matter more than raw power.
Wood Axes
Wood axes are general-purpose tools used for preparing firewood, cutting branches and handling outdoor wood preparation tasks around the home, campsite or garden.
Quick Axe Comparison Guide
| Axe Type | Best For | Main Benefit | Example Fiskars Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Splitting Axe | Splitting logs | Breaks wood along the grain with less effort | Medium to larger firewood |
| Chopping Axe | Cutting across wood fibres | Deeper cutting action for chopping logs | Smaller logs and general wood prep |
| Small Axe | Camping and kindling | Lightweight and easy to carry | Outdoor trips and lighter tasks |
| Wood Axe | General wood preparation | Versatile for a range of outdoor jobs | Home, garden and campsite use |
Do you need to chop or split wood?
Splitting wood means breaking a vertically positioned log along the grain with a single downward stroke. Fiskars splitting axes are designed to penetrate deeply and separate wood fibres efficiently, helping deliver cleaner, easier splits with less effort and reduced hand strain.
Chopping wood means cutting across wood fibres, usually on horizontal logs, with repeated sharp strokes. Fiskars chopping axes are designed to bite deeper into the wood, making it easier to cut logs into smaller sections quickly and effectively.
How to Choose the Right Axe Size
The size of the wood you need to cut or split plays a big role in choosing the right axe. A larger axe provides more striking power for medium to larger logs, while a smaller axe offers better control for kindling, light chopping and outdoor use.
The Fiskars X-Series Splitting Axe X24 is ideal for splitting medium-sized wood with a diameter of 20 to 30 cm.
For chopping smaller logs or preparing kindling, the X-Series Universal Chopping Axe X14 offers better control and efficient cutting performance.
For hiking, camping and lightweight outdoor use, the Ultra Light Hiking Axe X13 is compact, easy to carry and well suited to lighter wood preparation tasks.
Axe Head, Handle and Design Features
When choosing an axe, it helps to understand the main parts of the tool and how they affect performance.
Axe Head
The axe head provides the cutting force. Heavier heads offer more striking power, while lighter heads give better control for smaller tasks.
Axe Handle
The axe handle affects grip, balance and swing control. A longer handle increases leverage and power, while a shorter handle is easier to manage for lighter work.
Blade Shape
A narrower blade is better for chopping across wood fibres, while a wider wedge-shaped blade is better for splitting wood apart.
Axe Sharpening and Maintenance
Regular axe sharpening helps maintain cutting performance and makes the tool safer to use. A sharp blade cuts more cleanly and requires less force than a dull one.
To keep your axe in good condition, store it in a dry place, keep the blade protected and inspect the handle and axe head regularly before use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Axes
Axes have been used for centuries for chopping, splitting and shaping wood. Below are some common questions people ask when choosing the right axe for wood preparation, camping and general outdoor use.
What are some facts about axes?
Axes are among the oldest hand tools in the world and have been used for thousands of years for cutting, splitting and shaping wood. Modern axes are designed for specific tasks, with different head shapes, handle lengths and weights suited to chopping, splitting or lighter outdoor work.
What are the types of axes?
The main types of axes include splitting axes, chopping axes, small axes and hatchets. Splitting axes are designed to break wood along the grain, while chopping axes are made to cut across wood fibres. Smaller axes are ideal for camping, kindling and lighter jobs where control and portability are important.
What are the five uses of an axe?
An axe is commonly used for chopping wood, splitting logs, cutting branches, preparing kindling and handling outdoor or camping tasks. Different axe types are designed to make each of these jobs easier, safer and more efficient.
What is a small axe called?
A small axe is often called a hatchet. Hatchets are compact, lightweight and easy to carry, making them a practical choice for camping, kindling and lighter cutting tasks.
What is an axe made of?
An axe is usually made of a steel axe head attached to a handle made from materials such as wood, fibreglass or composite. The axe head provides cutting power, while the handle helps with grip, balance and control during use.
Considerations of quality
When you purchase a Fiskars axe, you can be assured of an axe of superior quality and safe performance too.
The hardened forged steel blades of our X-Series Axes stay sharper for longer than traditional axes.
Although Fiskars axes were built with safety in mind, always follow best safety practices when using any axe. Be aware of your surroundings when using an axe and ensure there is enough space for swinging without endangering others. Determine that there is a safe place for the axe to stop at the end of a chop - often this is a thick log or stump known as a “workpiece.” Finally, safely store your axe when you are finished.
