5 Best Felling Axes In 2023 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

If you want to cut down trees in the forest, a felling axe is an ideal choice. This excellent tool will simplify the wood cutting process to serve different goals.

Moreover, the best felling axe helps you deal with resinous woods like pine or spruce easier.

You can select a suitable product depending on your purposes, such as chopping big logs, splitting branches, or clearing bushes.

Hence, this article provides you with a detailed buying guide and reviews of the top 5 great felling axes to help choose the right one.

Benefits Of A Felling Axe

Splitting big logs and cutting across the grain of the wood is no longer a difficult task with a felling axe.

It is different from normal axes. Its long-length handle, sturdy head, and blade’s sharp angle will assist you in splitting your woods effortlessly.

A felling axe is a professional tool, bringing you the most outstanding balance and quickest speed for each swing.

Moreover, some modern felling axes’ different features and extra characteristics can help you do various tasks.

Some backpacking styles are more portable and bring you more chances to move and use them for traveling purposes.

Other types come with well-built shapes to offer professional loggers possibilities to chop or cut down big trees in the forest incredibly quickly.

5 Best Felling Axes – Reviews

1. 1844 Helko Werk Germany Classic Forester Felling Axe

This product is a perfect sturdy head for you. Its head is big and heavy enough to cut down any tree or chop any big log quickly. Its C50 high carbon steel boosts the splitting process with exceptional resistance.

In addition, its axe head is hand-forged by applying a drop hammer, demanding the manufacturer’s profoundly practiced blacksmiths.

Then, the drop forging, a procedure employing tongs to retain hot steel as a drop hammer, will fall continuously onto the head.

Consequently, the felling axe is very rust-resistant. You can use it without worrying about wear and tear from usage and weather impacts.

The clean and carefully crafted head will decrease cutting friction, which enhances the best durability.

The hatchet edges and axe are solidified to about 53-56 HRC (Rockwell scale) to ensure that your tool lasts for a long time without any trouble.

Besides, the double wedge framework, steel ring wedge, and hardwood wedge cover every axe head to bring the most outstanding head security.

The handle originates from strong American Hickory with BLO (Boiled Linseed Oil) provides a soft finish, leading to maximum durability.

The long handle of 31 inches in length and 150 grit gives you comfortable movement for each swing. Thus, this full-sized felling axe is an ideal option for any cabin, home, and farm.

2. Hults Bruk Kalix Felling Axe

This Hults Bruk offers newbies a comfortable and straightforward experience thanks to its short handle and lightweight design.

It helps starters swing and cut down trees easily at an incredible speed on their first try.

Another significant feature is its ideal build quality. The firm handle from American hickory can boost the force if beginners are unfamiliar with the heavy wood chopping process.

Its handle is bent with a palm swell to help newbies hold and swing comfortably.

In addition, the linseed oil finish protects your hands from experiencing blisters after a long day of splitting logs.

If starters want to break firewood, you will not face any difficulty, thanks to the head of top-notch solid Swedish steel and clear coat ironwork.

One of the most outstanding characteristics of this felling axe is its traditional and excellent leather protective sheath that assists starters in keeping their first tools in good condition for a long time.

3. Husqvarna 26″ Wooden Multi-Purpose Axe

If you search for a classic and general-purpose felling axe, this Husqvarna nominee is the most appropriate tool for you.

The long-handled 26 inches will help you reach the most potent force and excellent balance, facilitating all the wood cutting stages.

This standard length is also appropriate for both tall and small users. They can manage to practice woodcutting tasks without any difficulty.

Besides, you can use it for chopping woods, clearing bushes, splitting branches, felling trees, and spurring logs. The technique of mixing both steel wedges and wood to connect the head to the high-quality hickory shaft guarantees its excellent tightness.

Husqvarna purchases the heads drop-forged steels from another commerce to keep its price range competitive.

In addition, the item’s dimensions are ideal for fastening it to your belt or backpacking with ease. It is also a lightweight felling axe, which weighs about 2 pounds.

Therefore, you can bring your precious felling axe wherever you travel, especially for camping.

However, always cover it with a smooth leather sheath to protect yourself. You can also use it to pound nails and tiny pegs to enjoy your whole journey with your motile tent.

4. Gränsfors Bruks American Felling Axe 31″ Curved Handle

For experts or individuals who want to explore the forests, this Gränsfors Bruks American felling axe is a must-choice due to its large edge.

The product possesses American curved hickory handles, the most robust American native wood, which provides maximum wood chopping capacity.

Thanks to its long handle at 31 inches, hewing and cutting logs into small pieces, or felling big trees like pine is not challenging anymore.

The manufacturer applies a unique method of hand-forged strong steel to create an excellent head that weighs 3.3 pounds.

One of the most significant features to help you chop down big trees is the non-slip texture. This design reduces the risks of slipping as well as increases usability and excellent safety.

Moreover, the sharp blade has a 4.5-inch face appropriate for chopping down giant trees in the forest.

The product comes with a detailed Gränsfors Bruks “The Axe Book” and a full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather case to provide complete safety and protection to your axe.

5. Council Tool Velvicut Premium American Felling Axe With Sheath

If you want to find a strong felling axe to practice your first wood cutting project, don’t hesitate to buy this Council Tool product.

The Dayton framework has an enduring shape, a perfect alternative for beginners and experts. After forging the head, complete care follows to guarantee the best endurance.

The hand-honed super sharp blade will help you cut down trees or chop down woods in a short time.

The manufacturer uses the technique forged from 5160-grade alloy steel to boost the blade’s exceptional strength, toughness, and durability.

Its axe head is sturdy ground in an automatic work cell and fully hand-crafted to enhance excellent abrasives. The most noticeable feature is that all materials come from America.

Another modern method – heat-treated – is applied to create a solid edge with the scale RC 52-56 to retain durability and avoid sudden breaks.

In addition, the 36-inch handle originates from grade A American hickory with grain orientation, leading to top-notch durability.

Lastly, the standard way of connecting the handle with the head by applying a softwood wedge maximizes the strong structure and joint.

How To Choose The Best Felling Axe

We know it is not easy to shop for the best felling axe because various types are on the showcase.

So, here are some vital factors to check out before buying the most excellent felling axes.

Head

Depending on your cutting techniques and your weight, you can select the appropriate head. In general, the heavier the charge is, the more effective you are when cutting down big trees.

The ideal weight of a falling axe is around 3 and 6 lbs, it almost comes from head. Many modern felling axes’ heads originate from high-quality steel or clear-lacquered ironwork such as Hults Bruk Kalix felling axe.

Some users feel assured with the product of Husqvarna 26″ Wooden Multi-Purpose Axe thanks to its unique method of mixing steel wedges and wood. This technique offers strong tightness, reducing unexpected flying off.

Handle Length

To generate more force quickly, you can choose the proper handle length that is comfortable for your hands.

If you select too long alternatives, you may face trouble controlling them comfortably. Generally, the best felling axe will have a handle length of 28 to 30 inches.

The full-size felling axe is 36 inches, which gives the most incredible power. However, some users may find it slightly difficult to control the axe; therefore, always check your great tool before buying it.

Another vital aspect to consider is its material. Hickory is popular and sturdy enough to deal with any wood cutting activities.

Many users are fully satisfied with Hults Bruk Kalix Felling Axe and Gränsfors Bruks American Curved Handle.

These products come from top-quality American hickory, bringing the long-standing experience for most lumberjacks. Besides, some of the latest felling axes originate from birch, ash, plastic, and walnut.

Varnish

The next vital factor is to check whether the handle has a varnish or not. If you fancy a varnished model, it is advisable to grind your handle with sandpapers and apply elbow oil afterward.

In the event of skipping this step, you may face potential dangers, such as accidentally dropping your axe due to the slippery handle.

Although you may suffer from blisters or calluses when finishing the varnish process, your hands will naturally heal with time.

Blade

The blade is another crucial factor to help your procedure of chopping logs run smoothly. It is advisable to select high-quality and durable steel or C50 high carbon steel or from 54-56 HRC (Rockwell scale) like the 1844 Helko Werk Germany Classic Forester axe.

Design

The design has a significant impact on the efficiency of your performance. Select any classic or make by all metal that meet your demand and boost force with ease.

In addition, choosing any lightweight types can help users practice some woodcutting tasks easier.

Many users find it comfortable to carry the Council Tool Velvicut Premium American Felling Axe With Sheath and Hults Bruk Kalix Felling Axe.

These kinds are quite light and easy to use, creating a great step for beginners to learn some basic woodcutting activities.

Comfortable

Every user has various kinds of taste; therefore, testing the felling axe in person is a must. If you feel comfortable and convenient holding it in your hand and swinging it, then don’t hesitate to select that product.

Single Or Double Bit

Depending on your purpose, you can choose a single or a double-bit kind. Each type will give you specific use such as chopping woods or cutting down big trees.

Single-bit axes provide many advantages. They facilitate splitting the whole hardwood tree, thanks to great rotational control from the pivot point of the shoulder.

Double bit axes offer other pros, including an outstanding balance. The two blades function as cutting and splitting.

If you have a lot of work with felling trees, a double bit axe can be fit. Also, they tend heavier single bit and difficult to control.

Manufacturer

It is tactical to buy the best felling axe from well-known companies because they offer you an excellent warranty and high-quality axe’s heads.

For individuals who love handmade and high-quality materials, the Helko Werk or Gränsfors Bruks is an ideal choice.

Price

Price is also an essential alternative if you are a newbie to practice cutting down trees or medium logs.

Finding an affordable item can help you master splitting wood strategies without worrying about burning through your wallet.

You can find some brands that use an outsource manufacturing process to buy your first felling axe at a competitive price such as Husqvarna Wooden Multi-Purpose Axe.

Shape

You may meet many straight or curved-handle felling axes on the showcase. Nevertheless, a straight handle always is used on double bit axes.

Besides, the tree is straight; therefore, using an explicit type will help you solve any unexpected risks easier.

Sheath

Last but not least important, a good sheath will protect your product better despite constant use or when you do not use.

You should have a full-grain and vegetable-tanned high-quality leather to keep your axe always shine and not tear when fitted on axe. Some of the products will include this leather sheath when buying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Felling Axe

1. How To Ensure Safety While Using A Felling Axe?

When you feel tired or your arms start to feel weak, we recommend taking a little break. This way, you will avoid any risk as slippery and including severe damage to your hands.

In addition, always remember to cover your felling axe with a well-built sheath when you finish working.

2. Felling Axe Is Good For Splitting?

It’s not a great choice to use a felling axe to split woods because it functions to cut the wood fibers. A splitting maul and splitting axe will be the best options

3. What Is The Perfect Size Of A Felling Axe To Cut Down A Tree?

The ideal size of your felling axe will depend on the weight and the style of yourself and your project. Many prefer long-handled axes because they bring a stronger swing at higher speeds.

Nevertheless, some experts recommend purchasing short handles as they can offer you more comfort when holding and cutting.

Always check your felling axe to make sure that you are familiar with its weight, handle, and edge.

In general, the typical length of a felling axe is around 35 inches. The full-sized kind is 36 inches, which is sometimes too long for some.

Therefore, choosing a 30-inch handle or 28-inch one is advisable to gain significant balance and excellent control.

4. How Weight Should A Felling Axe Have?

A standard felling axe weighs about 4 – 5 pounds. If you want larger types to cut big trees in the forest, then it’s best to choose more than 5 pounds.

5. How To Correctly Chop A Branch Or Log With A Felling Axe?

First of all, read the manufacturer’s guidelines thoroughly because each design has different steps to practice. The primary function of felling axes is to cut down trees and chop big logs.

Therefore, always check the connection of the axe head and the handle to obtain tremendous power.

Next, ensure that your first cut forms a 45-degree point on the side or direction you want your tree to drop.

Keep proceeding with your cuts and swing to 45 degrees for each chop. Follow that angle until your last cut about 1/3 of the point through your tree.

6. How To Sharpen A Felling Axe?

You can sharpen your felling axe according to its condition of wear and tear. If you notice minor damage, then manually apply whetstone to grind your axe. Thanks to its handy and round design, you can hold it easily.

Then, keep turning your felling axe back and forward to sand the whole edge equally. You can rotate the tool to sharpen all sides of your axes quickly.

You can also use a grinder to sharpen your felling axe, but be careful when applying this method due to the fast rotation speed.

A knife sharpener is another alternative if you don’t want to use any power tools.

7. Should A Felling Axe Be Too Sharp?

In general, any axes need to be very sharp to perform woodworking most efficiently, and a felling axe is no exception.

8. What Is The Greatest Steel For The Best Felling Axe?

Plain or high carbon steel is the best ingredient to form a top-notch product.

9. What Is The Main Difference Between A Splitting Axe And A Felling Axe?

The splitting axe is ideal for making smaller clumps by separating wood fibers. The felling axe is a professional and powerful tool to break through those wood fibers.

Conclusion

We hope that you can pick out your best felling axe after checking out the detailed information above. Whatever you choose, always check the head, handle, blade, and comfortable.

From our experience, the 1844 Helko Werk Germany Classic Forester is the best overall.

Compared to other items, its C50 top-quality carbon steel and the rust-resistant feature ensures that it remains your reliable tool for years to come.

The runner-up is Gränsfors Bruks American Felling Axe . Its long curved handle creates a potent force for each swing to bring you the best outcome.

In addition, it is an ideal choice for individuals who love the classic look and comfortable feel during the whole wood cutting process.