If you love hunting, then you know how important it is to have the right hunting tools. Hunting axes are some of the most reliable tools that you could opt for. Even the most experienced hunters often have hunting axes in their trucks during hunting season.
You can use an axe to hunt game for dinner and remove hide from the animal. Hunting axes can effortlessly get through tough areas like large joints and neck bones, compared to knives. You’ll be able to skin, clean your kills, and even quarter them so that you can easily pack the meat.
Aside from the meat cutting process, bringing an axe with you out on the hunting grounds has tons of other benefits. Hunting axes are very practical, that’s why they can be used for a wide range of activities. An axe will come in handy when you want to make kindling, start a fire, cut stakes for a blind, and improve your shelter, among other things.
To ensure that you’re well-equipped for the next hunting season, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best hunting axes in the market. Our selection consists of reliable hunting axes that you can use for the next couple of seasons.
How to Buy the Best Hunting Axe
Here are some of the factors that you should keep in mind when selecting a hunting axe.
Comfort
You’ll need a hunting axe that’s comfortable, especially if you’re going to use it regularly. Your axe handle should also be ergonomic, with a comfortable grip. You want to avoid getting blisters all over your hands since you’ll be using the axe often during hunting season.
If possible, look for an axe that’s also designed to reduce the strain on your body. You should get an axe with shock absorption features if you’re going to engage in high impact tasks.
You should also try handling the axe as soon as you get it, to see how it feels in your hands. The handle could be too big, or it could be too slippery, among other things. Checking out your axe before you head out to the hunting grounds will make you aware of such details. You’ll also be able to tell if it’s well-balanced or not.
Skills
The hunting axe you choose should be compatible with your skill level. If you’re a beginner, you should try and avoid heavy axes because they’re going to give you a hard time. You’ll have trouble handling the axe, and potentially put yourself at risk. Start out with a lighter axe and work your way up to heavier ones as you get accustomed to using axes.
Beginners should also avoid axes with short handles until they master their swing. Such axes and hatchets can be dangerous for new users. So make sure you get a full-length axe if you’re inexperienced. However, don’t get an axe with a handle length that will make things more cumbersome for you.
Safety Features
Make sure your axe comes with a sheath or case. It’s definitely going to be sharp, and you don’t want to risk cutting yourself or damaging your belongings. You’ll have an easy time traveling or carrying your hunting axe with you when it's covered, and you’ll also be protecting the blade from wear and tear.
10 Best Hunting Axes of 2021
1. Gransfors Bruk Hunter's Axe
The Gransfors Bruk Hunters Axe comes highly recommended by both new and experienced hunters. The axe has a rounded ‘flay poll’ that lets it slide between the animal muscles and the hide with minimal damage. You’ll notice the difference in the results you’ll get if you’ve ever used a hunting axe with an ordinary straight poll. It’s incredibly reliable for skinning your kills, especially if you’re dealing with an animal that has tough skin.
The Gransfors axe is sharp and cuts quickly with the least amount of effort. Its best feature is that you can use it at different angles and forces. It’s designed to take the most impact, so your arms, wrists, and fingers won’t be under a lot of strain regardless of how you’re using the axe.
The handle has circular grooves to provide users with a good grip. You’ll have great control over the axe even when your hands are wet, sticky, or bloody. Users also like the fact that it’s light enough to carry around, and it can easily fit in a backpack.
Pros:
- Outlasts most hunting knives.
- Won the Excellent Swedish Design award.
- Great for wood processing.
- Comes with a vegetable-tanned leather sheath.
Cons:
- The axe is not suitable for trophy prep since it does a rough job.
This product is best for people who want a top of the line hunting axe. It’s also an excellent fit for hunters who prefer hunting large animals.
2. Estwing Hunter's Axe
This Estwing axe will improve your hunting experience. You’ll have an easy time when field dressing big game, because of its slotted gut hook. The hunting axe is also strong and durable. You’ll only need one solid strike to split a deer’s pelvic bone without any over-penetration.
It’s also versatile, so you can use it to split firewood, and chop small trees, logs, and branches. Users also find it useful for clearing and maintaining tree stand areas, because of its hand sharpened and polished blade. The axe was designed with the user’s comfort in mind. It has a patented shock grip molded into the handle.
You won’t be subjected to repetitive stress injuries because the impact vibration is reduced by 70%. This feature helps prevent long term issues that axe users face when their arms and hands are continuously under a lot of strain. You’ll be able to carry out your activities for extended periods of time, thanks to its exceptional shock absorption.
Pros:
- Made in the USA.
- Comes with a sharpening stone.
- Has a ballistic nylon sheath with a sharpening stone compartment.
Cons:
- Poor quality sheath.
This product is best for hunters who want a long-lasting axe with an effective gut hook and a reliable axe bit.
3. Husqvarna 26" Wooden Multi-Purpose Axe
This Husqvarna axe will come in handy, whether you’re out camping or hunting. A lot of users can attest to the fact that it met their expectations during their hunting trips. It won’t disappoint you whether you’re duck hunting or you want to split an elk’s backbone and quarter it.
The axe has a great handle compared to most axes. It’s hung perfectly, and the head alignment is also flawless. The edge retention is exceptional as well. You’ll like its grain orientation, and it also has an excellent finish. It will hold up well, whether you’ll use it to hunt, trim back ambush points or carry out precision bushcraft.
Pros:
- Comfortable weight and size.
- Leather edge cover.
- Securely fastened head.
Cons:
- N/A
This axe is perfect for people who want a hunting axe that they can also use as a bushcraft axe.
4. Hults Bruk Aneby Axe
You’ll like the Hults Bruk Aneby if you’ve ever used a Hultafors hunting axe. Made by the same manufacturer, this axe will also provide you with considerable power and leverage. It has a solid Swedish head and a razor-sharp bit.
You can sharpen it without altering the strength of its cutting edge. The axe also features a rounded poll, which makes it perfect for skinning. Its size is comfortable enough for one-hand operation, and you can also use if for light forest work and camping activities.
Pros:
- Comes with a protective leather sheath with heavy-duty rivets.
- Ergonomic handle.
- Excellent craftsmanship.
Cons:
- Some users have issues with the grain orientation.
This product is best for experienced hunters who want a premium old-world quality axe that retains its sharpness for a longer period.
5. Gerber Gator Combo Axe II
Gerber offers a useful tool combination for both new and experienced hunters. It’s a top quality set that consists of a sturdy axe and a reliable coarse blade saw. The axe is well-balanced, and the saw can cut through three inches of thickness. This Gerber axe also has great edge retention thanks to its forged steel head. It’s easy to sharpen and comes with a durable sheath.
One of the most interesting things about this set is that the blade fits inside the axe for convenient storage. It’s held into the axe handle magnetically, so you won’t forget it or accidentally lose it outdoors.
Its glass-filled nylon handle is extremely comfortable and optimized for use under all weather and environmental conditions. Even though the axe is sturdy, its surprisingly light – making it easy to handle and convenient to carry around. You’ll also get an easy to mount holster that holds the axe in a comfortable position.
Pros:
- Gator texturized handle for a better grip.
- The blade is easy to sharpen.
- The saw doesn’t bow or bend.
Cons:
- The saw might occasionally fall off when you’re using the axe. Most users prefer putting it aside when they’re busy.
This product is best for serious hunters who want an axe that can take some abuse and a saw blade that can handle some hardcore cutting.
6. WORKPRO Axe and Fixed Blade Knife Combo Set
Workpro offers a handy set of cutting tools that are a worthwhile addition to any field dressing kit. They are durable corrosion-resistant full-tang blades that you can use at home and outdoors. Both of them have fully polished finishes and humanized designs.
The axe has an ergonomic handle and a textured grip. Its raised handle features an anti-skid groove to provide you with a strong grip and additional control. The design reduces the risk of users accidentally dropping the axe or injuring themselves when using it.
It will provide you with a tremendous striking force and deep cuts with each swing. You can also use the axe to chop small logs, kindling, and shave branches off of trees. The axe also comes with an integrated belt loop, for better portability and easy access.
Pros:
- High-quality protective sheaths for both the axe and the knife.
- Beautifully crafted tools.
- Solid handles.
Cons:
- The axe isn’t suitable for big tasks.
This product is best for people who want an extra axe for carrying out light tasks when they’re out on a hunt.
7. Schrade SCAXE2 11.8in Stainless Steel Small Axe
This Schrade axe appeals to hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and campers, because of its exceptional performance. It has a strong, reliable 3Cr13 Titanium Coated S.S. blade that’s going to last for several hunting seasons. The axe handle is cold-resistant, so you can still use it comfortably even when the weather is extremely cold.
It also has a black rubber grip that contributes to the handle’s ergonomics. Users like the fact that the grip also makes them feel secure when handling the axe. This axe also features a hammer pommel that you can use as a crushing tool.
Pros:
- Extra-large ferro rod.
- The handle design is modified to store the ferro rod.
- Black thermoplastic belt sheath.
Cons:
- A few quality control issues reported by users who got defective axes.
This product is best for hunters who want an axe that they can also use as a crushing tool. The hammer pommel also comes in handy when driving stakes into the ground.
8. iunio Camping Axe
Although iunio markets this axe as a survival tool, a lot of hunters use it as well. That’s why we chose to feature it on our list. You can assemble and disassemble it easily to change the handle length. The interesting thing about it is that it has tube sections in which you can fit your first aid kits, tackle, and other kinds of gear.
Pros:
- Ingenious tubular engineering.
- Comes with a camo wrap to cushion the user’s hands.
- Protective sheath for extra safety.
Cons:
- The sections might need re-tightening after heavy use.
This product is best for people who want affordable hunting axes that double as survival axes.
9. Yes4All Camping Axe with Saw
This purchase will get you a durable Yes4All stainless steel axe, a 12-inch saw knife, and a fire starter. These are all tools that will come handy when you’re out hunting. The axe has a rust-resistant cutting edge and an impeccable striking force. You’ll find it useful even in wet conditions, thanks to its textured plastic handle. The design is meant to maximize your grip so that the axe won’t get slippery.
Pros:
- The manufacturer offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
- Comes with a black molded plastic case for safety.
- Availability of other tool combinations.
Cons:
- Not recommended for hunting big game.
This product is best for people who hunt small animals like ducks.
10. MTECH USA Xtreme MX-AXE10BK Axe with Black G10 Handle
This Mtech axe might be small, but it has an impressive chopping force. It’s made of stainless steel and features a stonewash design with a hollow type grind. You’ll find that it's strong, and it will hold up well even after several uses. The axe is useful for hunting small game and other light tasks.
Pros:
- Full-tang construction.
- Easy to carry.
- Comes with a 1680D nylon sheath.
Cons:
- Some users complained that the handle is too short.
This product is best for people who want small, easy to use hunting axes. It’s an excellent fit for inexperienced outdoor enthusiasts because of its user-friendly size.
The Best Hunting Axe
To get a hunting axe that suits you, you need to analyze each axe’s strong points. Some are best suited for hunting big game, while others are more suitable for smaller kills. There are also versatile hunting axes that can be used for both big and small tasks.
We recommend the Gransfors Bruk Hunters Axe because it has been tried and tested by both seasoned and new hunters. It’s also durable because of its quality construction, and each of its features will enhance your hunting experience