There are countless axe designs out there. If you're considering purchasing an axe, it's important that you find the one that's right for your needs.
Hewing axes are designed to cut and shape large pieces of wood. Many people around the world use them to shape large, unwieldy logs into timber beams that can be used practically. This is a no easy task and as you can imagine, hewing axes are quality items that have been perfected over the years to offer the best experience possible.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of a hewing axe is its shallow bevel that allows you to achieve shallow cuts. This means that you can cut with accuracy and precision to really get the size and shapes that you're hoping for.
If you are an outdoors enthusiast or woodworker who needs a reliable hewing axe, there are lots of potential options out there. In this buying guide we'll take a look at the best hewing axes of 2021.
How to Buy the Best Hewing Axe
Before we dive right into the best hewing axes out there, though, let's take a closer look at the key criteria that you should use to assess the option. This will help you to prioritize your key features and be as objective as possible when performing your research.
The Handle
Hewing axes need to achieve deep and clean cuts - this is why a comfortable and sturdy handle is such an important part of a great hewing axe. You should do your best to find a sturdy handle that is comfortable and made from the very best materials out there.
Durability is also a big factor when choosing a hewing axe, so be sure to look for strong materials and pay attention to customer reviews. This will help you to find a hewing axe that will last for many years to come.
The Design
Each manufacturer will have their own subtle design choices that can totally transform the look and feel of a hewing axe. You should think carefully about the design that you really want - do you want something more modern and sleek, or would you prefer a classic option that has more angular handles?
The design that you choose will all depend on your personal preferences and the way that you like to work. You should think about the width of the handle in relation to the size of your hands, too, given that this will help you to work for as long as possible without fatigue or pain.
The Length
Hewing axes have an interesting job. These axes have to deliver accurate and straight cuts while also providing a lot of power to get through lumber. This means that each hewing axe has to strike a delicate balance between power and accuracy.
You should try to find the length that's right for you. The right length will help you to generate the appropriate amount of power that you require without sacrificing on accuracy.
The Ergonomics
Finding the right length is one thing, but finding an appropriate balance and feel is another. Some axes distribute weight poorly, meaning that the head or the handle could be too heavy. This can lead to all kinds of problems like a lack of power or accuracy.
You should try to assess how a hewing axe handles and the ergonomics that are on offer. If you get an axe with a perfect sense of balance and weight distribution you'll find that this can make a huge difference.
The Blade
The blade is the focal point of your axe - it's important that it reflects the quality of the other areas of your hewing axe. You should look out for a quality axe head material and a blade that retains its edge for as long as possible.
The workmanship on the axe should also mean that the blade itself is protected against chips and other forms of damage.
The Top 9 Hewing Axes
Now that we have a good understanding of what to look out for, let's take a closer look at some of the best hewing axe options out there.
1. Gränsfors Bruk Swedish Carving Axe
This is a seriously effective tool that can be used for artistic wood sculpture and architectural work alike. The handle has a beautiful curve that fits well within the palm of your hand and the ability to choose from double, right, and left bevel options means it's a great choice whatever your way of working. The handle is made from hickory and weighs 2lbs, giving it a nice weight and feel.
The workmanship is spectacular and you can really look forward to using this for many years to come thanks to a 20-year manufacturer's warranty.
Pros:
- Great workmanship where everything feels great.
- The sheath that's included is great.
- The axes are individually forged.
- The blade holds its edge.
Cons:
- Your chosen bevel option might not always be available.
This product is best for lovers of woodworking who want a quality companion to help them with a range of tasks over the years.
2. The Broad Axe by Mueller
This classic carpenter's axe is hand-forged in Austria. The manufacturer's are so confident in their work that they offer a lifetime warranty! The 23-3/4" handle is accented by a 3.1lb head with a long and flat cutting edge.
Again, a left and right bevel option is available. You will find that the flat cutting edge achieves some truly wonderful cuts and helps you to make quick work of your lumber.
Pros:
- The quality is palpable.
- The axe head is made from great quality steel.
- The blade arrives sharp.
Cons:
- The hand-forged nature of the product means there could be some differences in the final quality.
This product is best for woodworkers who want a hewing axe with a long handle and a very capable flat blade that can get great cuts.
3. Husqvarna Wooden Carpenter's Axe
The long, straight cutting edge and thin blade on this option really helps you to achieve stability and control when it comes to your cutting. These qualities mean that this hewing axe is the perfect fit if you're performing carpentry and other types of wood work.
The workmanship is great and a steel wedge achieves secure fastening between the steel head and the hickory handle. This gives you maximum control and eliminates any type of wobble that might come with sustained use.
Pros:
- A heavy hatchet that can help you to achieve deep cuts.
- A great relationship between price and quality.
Cons:
- Inconsistencies with quality control means that some hewing axes are better than others.
This product is best for carpenters who want a heavy and adaptable hewing axe that can provide them with accuracy and power.
4. Gransfors Bruks Large Swedish Carving Axe
This hand-crafted axe really looks the part. The classic look and feel means that this hewing axe will be incredibly comfortable in your hand. if you need a reliable carving axe, this is a great option. The double bevel helps you to achieve accurate and precise results.
Gransfors is a big name when it comes to axe manufacturing and you can expect for their signature quality and workmanship to present itself in your hewing axe.
Pros:
- A premium quality that makes it a pleasure to hold.
- The blade arrives incredibly sharp and holds its sharpness.
- A durable companion that will last for years.
Cons:
- The leather sheath can sometimes be damaged by the sharp blade.
This product is best for carving enthusiasts who aren't afraid to invest in a quality item that will reward them with great performance and act as a life-long companion.
5. Japanese-Made Kindling Axe with Unique Bearded Design
This hewing axe can achieve incredible results thanks to its incredibly sharp edge. The high-carbon edge is sandwiched between thick layers of softer steel to create a truly amazing edge that can make quick work of the toughest woods.
The bearded shape of the axe head helps with weight distribution and gives the wielder precise control. The hardwood handle is durable like the axe head, making this a great option if you need an impossibly sharp edge.
Pros:
- One of the sharpest blades you will find.
- The weight is brilliantly distributed.
Cons:
- Some scattered complaints about workmanship.
This product is best for carving enthusiasts who value sharpness and weight distribution above all else. This hewing axe can achieve a truly impressive edge that must be respected.
6. Council Tool Broad Hatchet With 28" Curved Handle
This powerful axe has a really beautiful look to it and it's made in the USA. The long curved handle looks and feels great - made from American hickory, you can rest assured that it will stand the test of time.
The cutting edge on the 2-3/4" head is sharp and strong. It can be concealed and protected by a USA-made leather sheath too!
Pros:
- Made in the USA.
- An axe that can last a lifetime.
- A classic look and feel.
Cons:
- Some scattered complaints about inconsistency in terms of workmanship.
This product is best for woodworking enthusiasts who want to buy American and get a beautiful, durable hewing axe in return.
7. Estwing Sportsman's Axe
This compact axe is forged from one piece of steel to get the highest level of strength and durability possible. The axe is made from the finest American steel and it comes with a genuine leather grip for a comfortable finish.
The quality of the axe is evident as soon as you pick it up, and it can be used for a wide range of tasks such as chopping logs, branches, splitting firewood, and more.
Pros:
- Made in the USA.
- Built from amazing steel.
- Hand sharpened and polished for the best results.
Cons:
- The varnish on the handle could lead to uncomfortable experiences and might have to be removed manually.
This product is best for people who want to buy American and hope to find a strong and reliable axe that can be used in a range of situations.
8. Plumb 11549 Half Hatchet
This durable half hatchet has a very flat edge and a hammer on the opposite side. This makes the tool versatile and strong, capable of helping you with a wide range of important tasks.
Whether you want to use the axe for carpentry, throwing, or more, we are confident that you will be happy with the results you achieve. The blade is sharp and durable, meaning that it will not suffer from damage over time.
Pros:
- A great hatchet for carpenters.
- Strong and durable.
- A quality item for the price.
Cons:
- The balance can be a little challenging to understand at first.
This product is best for carpenters who want a durable and versatile hatchet that is simple to transport and use.
9. Estwing Special Edition Fireside Friend Axe
This durable and long-lasting tool is forged from a single piece of high-quality steel to give its users a satisfying experience. This particular hewing axe comes with a weighted wedge that helps you to deliver more power in your strukes.
The handle itself has been created specifically to help reduce the shock that is generated from the heavy wedge. This works well and gives owners the ability to easily cut logs and firewood without having to worry about shock.
Pros:
- An incredibly tough axe.
- Capable of getting amazing cuts.
- The weight feels great.
Cons:
- Some complaints about deformation to the hammer side after sustained use.
This product is best for outdoor enthusiasts who want a hewing axe that makes it a breeze to cut through logs and firewood with minimal effort.
The Best Hewing Axe
There are lots of hewing axe options out there - we hope that you find the one that you're looking for! In our opinion, you can't go wrong with the Gränsfors Bruk Swedish Carving Axe. It's a more premium item but the quality is truly unparalleled - if you decide to invest in this item, you can look forward to owning a hewing axe that will last you a lifetime!