Best Felling Axes of 2020 – Complete Buyer’s Guide

| Last Updated: January 13, 2022

Felling axes are great professional tools. If you have no idea what a felling axe is or how it works, all your queries will be answered in this article. We go into detail on what exactly a felling axe does, what it is and we have also added some options of the very best axes on the market to choose from.

This article has all the necessary details you need, such as the pros and cons of each product to give you a clear idea of it. Furthermore, we have also discussed how to choose one.

Thus, to find out more about this product keep on reading!

Comparison of the Best Felling Axes

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  • It has a 26’’ long handle.
  • This product has a single bit style with a traditional design.
  • Best overall that is made to be used for wood chopping, tree felling, etc.
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  • The head weight is 4.5 lbs. whereas the length is 35 in.
  • The head is made of German C50 high-grade carbon steel.
  • This runner-up product has been handmade in Wuppertal, Germany.
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  • This product comes with a 26-inch handle and is the best for the money.
  • It is drop-forged and tempered, which adds to the durability of this product.
  • This product has a patented rugged shock reduction grip bonded to the handle to prevent the tool from slipping.
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  • The weight of the head is 38 Oz or 2 lbs.
  • The handle has a patented shock reduction grip for a safer experience.
  • This product has a double-bit construction and is the best double bit felling axe.
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  • The product has a 35-inch handle.
  • The total weight of the product is 5 lbs. 4 Oz.
  • It is our editor’s pick, which comes with a vegetable-tanned leather sheath.
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What is Felling Axe and What is it Used For?

For all of those wondering what exactly is a felling axe, here’s the answer! These are different from regular axes. These are professionally employed to aid in cutting trees, and they do so better than any tool. These are specifically used for knocking down trees and not splitting or chopping them and are designed especially for cutting trees and branches.

With a normal axe when you’re cutting wood, you along with it are splitting the piece of wood with the grain. These normally have a design where the blade is thinner at the edge and fatter at the top which gives it a wedge-like appearance and divides it from the wood part. However, this is not the case with felling axes.

Felling axes are not meant for splitting the wood; in fact, they cut down a tree as they cut across the grain rather than cutting with it. If your goal is chopping down a tree and not splitting a wood piece, then these will work the best for you. The blade on these axes is very sharp and longer than a normal axe. This blade makes it easier for the tool to sink in deeper in the wood with every hit.

How We Choose These Felling Axes

These types of axes can be an expensive purchase; therefore, it is important to choose wisely. If you research well and are able to choose the perfect one for your needs, you’ll notice how easy it makes the entire tree cutting process for you. Axes can be hard to buy, as there are many variables involved. What works for someone else might not work for you and vice versa. Hence, here are some factors you need to consider before making a commitment to one axe. These surely will help you find the perfect one for you!

Head

The head of the axe is constructed from a mixture of many materials, and the one you choose will depend on your liking. An ideal head would be sharp and light. These are made of carbon steel and are generally much more expensive. The finest blade edges will be those with a carbon alloy construction. Hard steel; however, when processed correctly with heat and folded, will make perfectly broad and deep cuts.

Head Weight

There are a number of options when it comes to head weight, and you need to choose wisely. You initially would want an axe with a lighter head, which makes it easier for you to execute the purpose without getting tired too soon. Furthermore, a lightweight head gives you more control and ensures accuracy.

Handle

The length, material, and shape of your handle make a world of difference. The length of your handle determines the amount of control you will have and the force you can exert. A standard axe length would be 36 inches; however, going for a shorter length such as that of 30 inches might give you more control and ensure better force exertion. The two common options you have with axe handles are plastic and wood. Wood handles are a better option as they are stronger.

Furthermore, while choosing a wood handle, make sure you choose one with narrower and more growth rings as they are evidence of the handle’s strength. The handle shape is dependent on the head of your axe. If you have a single-sided blade, you are better off with a curved handle as it would be more natural to the construction. Meanwhile, if you have a double-sided blade, a straight handle will feel more comfortable.

Single-Bladed vs. Double-Bladed

A double-bladed axe isn’t a necessity at all. In fact, you can easily work with a single-bladed axe; however, the only purpose which a double-bladed axe serves, is that cone side can be used to make deep cuts whereas the other is sharper to make finer cuts. These types of axes tend to be heavier and may not be for everyone.

Varnish

A lot of the time, your axe might come with a varnished handle which isn’t ideal as it can make it slippery. This can potentially cause it to fly off from your hands while you’re swinging it. Therefore, it is better to sand off the handle before using it. While sanding off the handle, don’t forget to wear gloves!

Review of the Best Felling Axes

Here are some great recommendations for this product. They have been thoroughly reviewed, so you know what to expect.

Best Overall:
Husqvarna 26’’ Wooden Multi-purpose Axe

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Pros

  • This Unit Comes With a Leather Sheath
  • The Head and Handle Are Attached Very Well
  • It Comes With a Carbon Steel Blade of High Quality
  • The Product Seemed To Work Wonderfully Well For Cutting Trees
  • This Unit is Highly Versatile and Can Be Used For Multiple Purposes

Cons

  • The Axe Hatchet is Pretty Heavy
  • This Product Didn’t Seem To Be as Durable
  • Buyer’s Complained That it Came With a Loose Sheath

What Recent Buyers Report

This product turned out to be a user favorite with most of the buyers thoroughly impressed with the working of this unit and deemed it the best they ever used. However, some did express concern over the durability of this product.

Why it Stands Out To Us

It stood out to us for its impeccable cutting techniques and heavy-duty construction. This product is a bit on the heavier side, therefore, may not be for everyone, but it does truly work considerably better than its counterparts.

Who Will Use This Most

This product will work wonderfully for those with a good build or with a liking of working with heavier heads on an axe. It is accurate and precise while being of great quality.

Bottom Line

All in all, this product is a worthwhile investment, and if you feel like you’ve received a low-quality product, you can always reach out to the brand’s customer service which is very cooperative and will help you. It works wonders, and once you use this, it’ll be hard for you to love another axe as much.

Runner-up:
1844 Helko Werk Germany 4.5 lbs. Felling Axe

No products found.

Pros

  • It Has a Linseed Oil Finish
  • It Comes With a Leather Sheath
  • This Product is Very Lightweight
  • The Design is Impeccable and Highly Practical
  • This Unit is Made Out Of High-Quality German C50 High-Grade Carbon Steel

Cons

  • It Tends To Lack Balance
  • The Handle of This Product is Too Thick
  • Some Buyers Reported That it Doesn’t Give You Enough Bang For the Buck

What Recent Buyers Report

This product has a huge fan club. People are raving about the excellent construction, beautiful aesthetics and amazing working capabilities of this product and rightfully so. It has worked very well for many people. However, there were others who weren’t so impressed by the product. Some buyers expected more out of a product of this price range. This unit supposedly lacked balance according to some people.

Why it Stands Out To Us

It stood out to us for having great aesthetic and for performing extremely well. The lightweight head makes it comfortable to use and easier to store and carry.

Who Will Use This Most

This product could work for everyone. The lightweight construction ensures that it is comfortable to work with, whereas the design allows you to make the maximum impact on the tree.

Bottom Line

This product truly is a great investment. There is a good reason it has made it to our top recommendations list. You will enjoy this unit a lot, and it will make a great difference in your tree cutting experience.

Best for the Money:
Estwing Camper’s Axe 26’’

Pros

  •   It is Great For Camping
  • This Product is Lightweight
  • This Product Has a Beautiful Design
  • It is Available in Two Sizes To Choose From
  • It's One Of the Most Pocket-Friendly Options On the Market

Cons

  • This Unit May Not Perform Well For Continuous Chopping
  • Some Buyers Expressed Concern Over the Quality Of Steel
  • This Product Seems To Have Issues Where it Stuck To the Wood

What Recent Buyers Report

Most buyers were thoroughly impressed by the performance of this unit. Buyer’s complimented the build of this unit along with admitting that it was very comfortable to use.

Why it Stands Out To Us

It stands out to us for having an impeccable construction and build quality. This unit is constructed with great quality American steel, and it shows. Another wonderful aspect of this unit is the great attention paid to detail.

Who Will Use This Most

This product is great to be used on camping trips. It is one of the safest axes to use due to the wonderful construction of this product. It provides great grip and efficient cutting, making it essential for camping trips.

Bottom Line

All in all, this product is a worthy investment. You will have an incredible experience using this product. The incredible grip it provides paired with the versatile usability will surely impress you.

Best Double Bit Felling Axe:
Estwing Double Bit Axe

No products found.

Pros

  • The Sheath is Heavy-Duty
  • This Product is Very Durable
  • It Comes With a Patented Shock Reduction Grip
  • This Product is Made of Excellent Quality Steel
  • This Unit Has a Versatile Nature and is Highly Multi-Purpose

Cons

  • It is On the Heavier Side Of the Spectrum
  • The Handle Has a Weird Slick Texture Making it Uncomfortable
  • Some Buyers Complained That the Blades Of the Product Were Too Narrow

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers seem to really enjoy this product. This product has received thoroughly good reviews. It's slightly on the heavier side, but that shouldn’t be a problem for those used to double bit axes.

Why it Stands Out To Us

The overall look of this product is excellent. The looks are an addition to an already great functioning axe. Therefore, it stood out to us for being the best of both worlds; that is having great looks and working exceptionally well.

Who Will Use This Most

This product can be useful for everyone. The double-bladed head can be used to make finer cuts from one side and deeper cuts from the other. This style can be rather useful, and some people prefer it over single bit heads.

Bottom Line 

All in all, this is a great product which will surely impress you with its practical design and great functionality. It is definitely a worthwhile investment you wouldn’t mind making.

Editor’s Pick:
 Gransfors Bruks American Felling Axe

Pros

  • It is Great For Cutting Large Trees
  • The Construction is Very Durable
  • The Product is Very Well Balanced
  • The Outlook Of the Product is Gorgeous
  • Head is Made of High Carbon Swedish Steel With a Sharp Blade

Cons

  • It Only Has One Handle Size Available
  • It is At the Higher End Of the Price Range
  • Some Complained Of it Getting Stuck To the Trees

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers deem it to be the best feeling axe they’ve ever used. Nearly all of the buyers complimented the excellent construction and aesthetics of this product. This product is a real star amongst the audiences.

Why it Stands Out To Us

The beautiful outlook of this product, along with its incredible design, is what makes it such a unique product. Not only does it work well but also is comfortable to use and is a once in a lifetime investment thanks to the incredibly durable build.

Who Will Use This Most

The versatility of this product is what makes it the Editor’s pick. This unit will work for a wide variety of purposes which truly justifies the higher end price tag of it.

Bottom Line

The beautiful aesthetic, paired with the excellent workings of this product, makes it worthy of the hefty price tag. This product is a worthy investment which you won’t regret.

Pros and Cons of Felling Axes

Here are the main pros and cons for felling axes:

Pros

  • Investing in a felling axe will be a once-in-a-lifetime investment as they will probably outlast you! Felling axes are highly durable and are well-built.

  • They make the tree-cutting experience a lot more interesting. Granted, they are much harder to work with and are tiresome; however, they will keep the process interesting for you. The entire activity can be fun.

  • Felling axes are great to cut across the grain. They give you great control over the tool, and they are less intimidating to use as compared to a saw.

Cons

  • As interesting as they are to use, axes can be a dangerous tool, especially if you are new to them. They are way less safe than a saw, and no matter how experienced you are, one couldn’t be safe enough with an axe as it can potentially cause a lot of damage.

  • These can be pretty expensive. You would think that this tool wouldn’t cost you much, but you’re wrong. Axes actually can come with a hefty price tag. All of them aren’t crazy expensive; there are budget-proof options as well, but a quality product will most likely be expensive.

Conclusion

If you’ve made it this far, we hope this article gave you all the information you came here looking for. If you are set to buy an axe, all the recommended options are a great choice. Hopefully, the pros and cons of this tool have helped you make a suitable decision for yourself.

Lastly, we’ll just mention that a felling axe is a great investment and will surely greatly aid you. Just remember all the factors we mentioned you need to look for in an ideal axe and you will make a great decision based on that information.