A survival axe is a must-have piece of kit for your camping trip or survivalist preparation. With an axe, you have a handy tool to collect wood and build a fire.
An axe also works like a multi-tool around the campsite. It provides you with a hammer and a self-defense weapon, to name a few. However, there are hundreds of models online. Settling on the best survival axe can be a daunting experience that takes hours of research.
We decided to take the hassle out of your purchase decision. In this post, we’ll unpack the best survival axe reviews, making our top recommendations. If you’re looking for a survival axe for your next camping trip, our buyer’s guide will give you the information you need to choose the right model for you.
Our Top Picks
Contents
If you can’t wait to pack your gear and head for the hills, you can skip the rest of the review and focus on these three models.
We picked these axes from the hundreds of listings online, providing you with the best overall, premium, and budget model. Choose the model that suits your survivalist or camping needs, and start prepping your gear for your trip.
- The Best Pick: CRKT Birler Compact Axe
The CRKT Birler compact takes the top spot in this review for the best overall model. This axe features design and construction with toughened stainless steel. You get a sharp edge right out of the box, with no need for grinding. - The Premium Pick: Hults Bruk Almike Hatchet
The Hults Bruk Almike hatchet is our top choice for the best premium survival axe in this review. The manufacturing company features a rich legacy in the knife-making industry, with its foundry established in 1697. The struck-steel design makes for a durable, toughened axe-head that holds an edge under the most demanding survivalist conditions. - The Budget Pick: Estwing Sportsman’s Axe
Campers and survivalists working with a budget will the best value from the Estwing Sportsman’s axe. This model features a full-tang design, with leather strapping on the handle for added grip in wet-weather conditions. This hatchet doubles as a hunting tool and makes for a throwing axe for hunting smaller animals.
Survival Axe Reviews
Now that you have an idea of the top models in this review let’s unpack them in further detail. We’ll also look at a few other survival axes that make our list of the top models.
CRKT Birler Compact Axe
The Columbia River Knife & Tool Company has a history of producing some of the best blades in the United States. They carry that legacy into the design of the Birler axe, featuring a hot-forged 1055 carbon steel axe-head for extra-heavy-duty use.
- Strong And Durable: 1055 carbon steel holds an edge well
- Durable: Tennessee hickory is a dense material that withstands hard use
- Compact Chopper: Size allows you to take this mighty axe anywhere
- Designed by Elmer Roush in Brasstown, North Carolina
- Limited Lifetime Warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, see company site for details
This model comes with wide cheeks for wood splitting and a lightweight cut-out design in the axe-head. You get a compact survival axe with an ergonomic Tennessee handle for total control over the axe when swinging.
Featuring a design by legendary knife-maker Elmer Roush from Brasstown, North Carolina, The Birler wins our top spot for the best overall survival axe in this review.
- Columbia River Knife & Tool are a top-quality knife-making brand
- Hot-forged 1055 carbon steel axe-head
- Sized for easy chopping and compact carry
- Holds an edge well after rugged use
- Ergonomic handle design
- US hickory handle for shock absorption and flexion
- Axe-head sheath sold separately
Hults Bruk Almike Hatchet
If you have the money, we highly recommend investing in the Hults Bruk Almike. This survival axe features a rich legacy of knife design extending back to 1697. This Swedish model features a multi-struck and tempered axe-head that holds an edge.
- Overall Weight: 1. 75 pounds
- Head Weight: 1 pound
- Handle Length: 16 inches
- Head: Solid Swedish steel
- Handle: Solid American Hickory
This model is suitable for the most demanding tasks around the campsite. This model features wide cheeks for easy wood splitting. You get a US-sourced hickory handle for optimal shock absorption and a lanyard hole for harnessing the axe to your wrist. The axe comes with a leather sheath to protect the blade and prevent dulling.
It’s an expensive axe, but worth the money. The Hults Bruk Almike hatchet makes our top spot for the best premium model in this review.
- Hults Bruk a leading knife-making brand since 1697
- Multi-struck axe-head design for durability
- Holds an edge for years
- Tempered zone in axe-head for edge retention
- Includes leather protective sheath
- US-sourced hickory handle for shock absorption
- Premium Price
Estwing Sportsman’s Axe
If you’re looking for the best value deal in this review, we recommend the Estwing hatchet.
This model features a forged, full-tang design. The blade integrates with the handle for an all-metal system. This hatchet is suitable for one-handed use, and the leather strap on the handle gives you excellent control over the axe head when swinging.
- FORGED IN ONE PIECE – The most durable, longest lasting striking tools available
- OUTDOOR VERSITILITY – Perfect for chopping logs, small trees & branches or splitting firewood & kindling
- HEAVY DUTY SHEATH – Includes ballistic nylon sheath to protect hand sharpened cutting edge. 2.75 or 3.25 inches edge
- GENUINE LEATHER GRIP – Hand sanded and lacquered for a durable yet comfortable finish
- MADE IN THE USA – Our tools are proudly crafted in Rockford, IL using the finest American steel
This versatile survival axe is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry on or in your daypack.
The cheeks on this model are slightly slimmer than the other two top models in this review. This slimline design allows for a good balance between wood splitting and tomahawk-like functionality for self-defense.
- Full-tang design
- Suitable for hunting or camping
- Forged design with sturdy hatchet head and razor-sharp blade
- Versatile use around the campsite or on hunts
- Genuine leather handgrip
- Heavy-duty nylon ballistics sheath included
- Hand-sharpened edge
- Affordable
- Leather grip gets slippery in wet weather
Hults Bruk Akka Foresters Premium Outdoor Axe
If you’re looking for a survival axe with more muscle, the Hults Bruk Akka Foresters premium outdoor axe is a great choice. This model comes with a long, US-sourced hickory handle for total control over the axe during your swing.
- The axe head is hand forged and made from Swedish axe steel in a foundry that has been in operation since 1697.
- As part of the hand grinding production process, the steel is struck multiple times thereby increasing its density and resulting in more durability of the axe.
- The head is constructed in such a way that there is a tempered zone designed to hold a very sharp edge even after many sharpenings..
- The straight hickory handle is treated with linseed oil.
- Each axe comes with a traditional leather protective sheath that is embellished with some unique Swedish decorative elements.The axe is shipped in its own storage box and comes with a detailed users manual.
The Foresters axe features design and construction with premium carbon steel, with the manufacturer using a triple-struck manufacturing process for a toughened blade with a consistent edge. The hand-grind finish on this axe gives it long-lasting service life, and the custom leather sheath protects your axe when not in use.
- Hults Bruk, international Swedish knife-making brand since 1697
- Multi-struck axe-head for a durable design
- Tempered zone in the axe-head for better blade retention
- US-sourced hickory handle treated with linseed oil
- Strap hole in the handle
- Comes with a leather axe-head sheath
- Slightly Heavy
CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk
CRKT get a second mention in this review for its Chogan Tomahawk model. We had to include this axe in our review. It has a survival look with a tactical edge. This model features a shock-absorbent hickory handle and an ergonomic design that feels good in your hands.
- Forged Tough: 1055 Carbon steel provides durability and edge retention
- Durable: Tennessee hickory is a dense material that withstands hard use
- Multi-Purpose Utility: Easily split wood or hammer tent stakes
- Designed by Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical in Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Limited Lifetime Warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, see company site for details
You get a carbon-forged axe-head, with a hand-grind finish on the blade for a razor-sharp edge. We like the multi-tool design of this Tomahawk. The axe-head’s rear features a hammer striker tip for other campsite tasks like hammering in tent pegs.
- Hot-forged 1055 carbon steel axe-head
- Excellent edge retention
- Multi-purpose head for cutting and hammering
- Designed by Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical in Chattanooga
- Suitable as a throwing weapon
- US hickory handle for shock absorption
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Not full tang
Getta Tools Outdoor Axe
This survival axe features design and construction with a forged steel head and a composite handle. You get a shock-absorbent strike, with a durable handle that won’t ever split or crack.
This model comes with a razor-sharp edge, and it’s suitable for tasks around the campsite, such as splitting logs.
The rear of the axe head features a hammer-strike surface. Use it for hammering in tent pegs or other related tasks around the campsite. The high-grip handle ensures non-slip functionality when swinging.
The handle features a lanyard hole for wrist straps and a lightweight, compact design that makes it a great choice for a survival axe.
- Composite handle for lightweight carry
- Forged carbon steel axe head
- Suitable for tasks around the campsite
- Hammerhead for tapping in tent pegs
- Ergonomic, non-slip handle with a lanyard hole
- Nylon sheath included
- Affordable
- Not made in the USA
Intertool Hatchet
The Intertool is another affordable survival axe with a rugged and robust design for use around the campsite. This axe features a hot-forged carbon steel axe-head, with wide cheeks for splitting logs. You get a decent length in the handle, and this hatchet is suitable for one-handed use.
- [Outdoor Companion]: Handy, lightweight axe designed for chopping logs, small trees and branches, cut firewood and kindling, yard landscaping and maintenance. Ideal for gardening, camping, bonfire preparation, carrying along for emergency situations in a hiking pack or vehicle, and pruning
- [Sharpened Carbon Steel]: Durably built to last with heavy duty usage. Anti corrosive coating to further protect against wear or rust. Polished blade is double sharpened and can easily be resharpened with a grit sharpener or file. Blade protector included
- [Shock Eliminating Handle]: Sturdy fiberglass handle absorbs impact vibration, shaped for better leverage and comfort, and has non-slip, textured rubber for a firm and confident grip. Handle is brightly colored for easy identification and includes a hang hole for storing
- [Optimized Balance]: Head-to-handle weight distribution adds enhanced handling, swing speed, and splitting power. Less effort with more leverage
- [INTERTOOL has YOU Covered]: We are always available to quickly resolve any issue and answer to your needs. Our community is our #1 priority
The only gripe we have with this model is the setup of the axe-head and shaft. We would prefer a design that doesn’t make sue worry about the axe-head coming loose.
- Composite fiberglass handle for strength and lightweight design
- Ergonomic, non-slip handle
- Hot-forged axe-head with excellent edge retention
- Lightweight and compact
- Silicone blade cover included
- The axe-head connection to handle doesn’t look as sturdy as other models
- Full sheath not included
KSEIBI 274115 Small Camping Splitting Hatchet
This affordable survival axe comes with a cheap price tag, making it the most affordable model in this review. You get an ergonomic, high-Viz handle helping you find the axe in any location. The ergonomic handle design and rubberized grip make it easy to control this axe in wet weather or when wearing gloves.
- The splitting hatchet blade made from high forged steel and heat-treated gives you maximum efficiency and durability to split or chop wood logs in campfire camping, hiking, Wetterling, and outdoor activities.
- Our wood kindling axe comes with a lightweight 14" overall length handle giving you a perfect balance and power, to increase swing speed and multiply chopping power.
- This wood hatchet has a handy weight like a camp axe with an ergonomic design that allows anyone competent in your hiking or camping group to effectively swing the hatchet for chopping wood, and clearing brush.
- Multi-use maul tools: Thanks to the dual camp hatchet head which can be used as a splitting axe and back flat hammer perfect for driving stakes and on wildlife
- Sharpen and maintenance: Axe is like any knife the sharper blade results in a safer use, as the tool is able to do the work, Accurately ground edges, lacquered finish
This compact survival axe features design and construction with forged steel. And slender cheeks for multi-purpose use around the campsite. You get an accurate grind and finish on the axe-head, with a sharp, reliable edge.
- Affordable
- Suitable for general use around the campsite
- Hi-Viz handle for easy spotting
- Ergonomic grip with a composite handle
- Compact and lightweight
- Lacquered finish
- No sheath included
Other Best Selling Options
- 【COMPLETE SURVIVAL AXE KIT】This survival axe includes the functions of chop, cut, split, chip, trim, open, scale, make fire, hammer, whistle, compass, etc. It can also be used as a tactical axe, it is a military portable folding axe with sharp blade, adjustable handles and a sheath. Great for anyone to use, survivalists, hunters, hikers, campers, first responder, gardeners.
- 【QUALITY MATERIAL】The axe head is made of steel, the handle and extension bars are made of sturdy thick aluminum alloy. Designed and produced with the sports and outdoor enthusiast in mind. It is very suitable to be used as camping axe or camping hatchet.
- 【ADJUSTABLE LENGTH】The LIANTRAL camping axe designed with extension bars, you can adjust the length of the handle according to your needs. Compare to other axe, this folding survival axe combines axe, hammer, bottle opener, fish scaler tool, fire starter, emergency whistle, glass breaker, safety hammer, compass, hand rope, etc.
- 【EASY TO CARRY】This folding axe comes in a sheath, amazingly compact and portable, thus makes this tactical axe the best emergency tool for outdoor camping, hiking and hunting. This multifunctional axe is also a perfect gift for your family and friends.
- 【Customer First】Any issue about the product, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We will be glad to assist you.
- CAMPING AXE WITH SURVIVAL GEAR - Each camp axe includes a serrated wood saw within the axe's handle, as well as a magnesium fire starter attached to the tomahawk axe's blade sheath. A useful tool to have on hand whether going hiking, camping, or hunting.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - The survival axe and saw blades are constructed of steel to withstand continuous outdoor use. The wood axe's composite handle is contoured around the tool's head for optimal stability and strength when chopping small tree limbs.
- CONVENIENT TO CARRY - This chopping axe with a nylon strap and snap closure is easy to carry thanks to its sheath having a belt clip. Keep this small axe close at hand whether you are going backpacking in the woods or clearing saplings in the backyard.
- ERGONOMIC HANDLE - The handle on the throwing axe and wood saw is textured and ergonomically shaped to comfortably fit the user's hand. The splitting axe is lightweight enough to be used for long periods of time without causing hand fatigue or discomfort.
- PRODUCT DETAILS - Materials: Steel, Plastic, Nylon, and Magnesium. Dimensions: (L) 14" x (W) 5.75" x (H) 3". 4 Pieces. Color: Black.
- 【COMPLETE SURVIVAL AXE KIT】This survival axe includes the functions of chop, cut, split, chip, trim, open, scale, make fire, hammer, whistle, compass, etc. It can also be used as a tactical axe, it is a military portable folding axe with sharp blade, adjustable handles and a sheath. Great for anyone to use, survivalists, hunters, hikers, campers, first responder, gardeners.
- 【ADJUSTABLE LENGTH】The LIANTRAL camping axe designed with extension bars, you can adjust the length of the handle according to your needs. Compare to other axe, this folding survival axe combines axe, hammer, bottle opener, fish scaler tool, fire starter, emergency whistle, glass breaker, safety hammer, compass, hand rope, etc.
- 【QUALITY MATERIAL】The axe head is made of steel, the handle and extension bars are made of sturdy thick aluminum alloy. Designed and produced with the sports and outdoor enthusiast in mind. It is very suitable to be used as camping axe or camping hatchet.
- 【EASY TO CARRY】This folding axe comes in a sheath, amazingly compact and portable, thus makes this tactical axe the best emergency tool for outdoor camping, hiking and hunting. This multifunctional axe is also a perfect gift for your family and friends.
- 【Customer First】NOTE: this 18-in camping axe does NOT include a flashlight. Any issue about the product, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We will be glad to assist you.
- STAINLESS STEEL CHOPPING AXE BLADE: Small forest axe, camping hatchet and backpacking hatchet features a 3.1-inch blade; small hatchet measures 11.5 inches in total length
- LIGHTWEIGHT CAMPING AXES AND HATCHETS: This light but heavy duty camp hatchet and survival hatchet also serves as a handy backpacking axe; hand axe includes textured GRN handle for comfortable use
- WOOD HATCHET AND HAMMER AXE IN ONE: Wood chopping axe can also be used as a hammer axe; the hatchet is always ready for outdoor wood splitting, pounding tent stakes, and tinder breakdown
- CAMPING HATCHET WITH SHEATH: This small axe and hiking hatchet is lightweight and easy to carry; hand axe with sheath is a portable outdoor tool featuring glass-reinforced nylon to safely protect the blade
- SOG for life: Take care of your camp axes and hatchets and we’ll take care of you; we gladly consider repairs and replacements for your properly maintained SOG Camp Axe
- Your Camping Companion: If you're a camper seeking for a collection of camping items to lighten the weight of your backpack, look no further; Sahara Sailor brings you this practical survival gear kit, that includes 24 tools, is perfect for off-road tours, camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, emergency survival situation and RV camping
- Compact Carrying Bag: We are aware that you worry about loosing the components. Sahara Sailor designed a compact bag along with the extraordinary survival shovel set. There are several spacing layers inside the bag to keep every component neatly sorted and safely stored
- Improved Dual Purpose Axe and Screw-On Extension Bars: Allows you to drive tent stakes with the axe attachment and cut the branches (not cutting trees). In addition to being a standard folding shovel, this tool can be comfortably extended with four extension bars to a length of 9.05 to 39.5 inches that come in handy in many situations
- 180° Adjustable Shovel Head: You can adjust the shovel head to various angles that will give the option you use it as a shovel, hoe, saw. This multifunctional tool will support you in any situation and is always ready to go
- Lifetime Durability: Sahara Sailor is the top brand of tactical shovels sold on Amazon in terms of high-quality products and lifetime durability. We provide lifetime warranty on our survival shovel set so you don’t have to worry about the durability. Still, if you have issues, don't hesitate to get in touch with us; our support team will solve it
Survival Axe Buyer’s Guide
A survival axe is an essential tool in bushcraft. If you’re going hunting, camping, or anywhere outdoors, a survival axe can come in handy in several situations around the campsite and the field. Selecting the right survival axe to meet your needs is a challenge, especially when you have hundreds of models to choose from.
In this section, we’ll unpack more details around selecting the ideal survival axe for your outdoor needs. There’s more involved with choosing the best survival axe than you think.
Hatchet Vs. Axe – Which Is the Better Choice?
When selecting your survival axe, you have different styles of axe available. The hatchet and axe are the two most common styles, each with subvariants.
The hatchet also describes other throwing axes and Tomahawks useful in combat situations. However, these axes are not the best choice for survival situations. Some hatchets are suitable for multi-purpose use, with the Estwing being a good example of a multi-purpose survival axe with hatchet design.
A hatchet typically comes with a design suited to a one-handed function. Therefore, you have less control over the axe-head than you do with a longer handle allowing a double-handed grip. A hatchet handle typically measures under 16-inches, making it a compact-carry tool suitable for use as a survival axe.
Hatchets are great for minor cutting tasks, and they can split logs with a bit of effort. Some hatchets are also suitable for self-defense or hunting purposes, featuring a multi-tool design for use around the campsite and in the field.
The Length of the Handle
The handle length is an important consideration when selecting your survival axe. As mentioned, hatchets come with handles around 16-inches or less, making them a compact survival tool. However, the handle length might not be suitable for larger wood-splitting tasks.
If you’re going in a group and bringing along a large amount of gear, you might want an axe with a longer handle. Splitting wood for a larger fire with a hatchet will take you all afternoon. A longer handle gives you more leverage and makes splitting logs a breeze.
Longer handles also allow you to move the axe-head faster, providing a bigger impact and more force when splitting. Selecting the right handle length to match your application is important. While a long handle gives you more power, it adds more weight to your gear and requires more space or an outside-the-bag carry system.
If you’re looking for the most compact handle length, you can find some models with handles under 14-inches. These models can fit inside your backpack, and they often feature design with composite handles for added lightweight design.
The Shape of the Axe-head and Blade
Most survival axes feature a curved axe-head design, with blade lengths varying around 3.5-inches. According to experienced blade-makers, this length has a history of providing users with the best axe performance for general use when wood splitting and chopping.
It’s important to note that the shape of the blade from the bit to the eye can play a significant role in the survival axe’s performance. The size of the edge has an impact on the functionality of the axe for specific tasks.
The bit refers to the front of the axe-head, and the eye is the piece that attaches to the handle. The cheek is the most important feature of the axe-head, referring to the axe’s side between the eye and the bit.
Thinner cheeks on the axe-head provide the user with better penetration, and most felling axes feature this design. Tomahawks also feature thinner cheeks, providing better penetration in self-defense situations.
However, our survival axe should have thicker cheeks. Thick cheeks give more weight and chopping power to the axe-head. A thick cheek provides you with more inertia and leverage when swinging the axe head.
If you try to split wood with thin-cheeks, it results in the blade getting stuck halfway through the log, instead of making a clean cut. With a thick-cheek design, you get more lateral force coming down on the axe-head’s cutting face.
You need to settle on the design that makes the most sense for your survival needs. If hunting is more important than campsite activities like chopping firewood, make sure you get an axe with thin cheeks. Think cheeks are better for mood splitting and campsite duties, but less optimal for hunting.
Pro-Tip: If you must split logs using a Tomahawk or other axe-heads with thin cheeks, lay the log on its side. If you’re not chopping thick logs, you’ll have an easier time chopping it in half width-wise than length-wise.
The Weight of the Axe
The weight of the axe plays a significant role in survival situations. When every calorie counts, you don’t want to be dragging around heavy equipment. A survival axe is a lightweight, compact tool that has plenty of versatility in a survival situation.
Therefore, selecting a lightweight model is typically the preferred option. Axe-heads with thicker cheeks will weight more, and you’ll need to consider that when finalizing your purchase. Choosing the right equipment can mean making it to your campsite on time or arriving late.
The weight of the axe comes from the head and the handle. In most cases, the handle makes the biggest impact on the overall weight of the axe.
The Handle Materials
You have four options when selecting the handle materials for your survival axe. Some models like the Estwing come with a full-tang, forged design. This design means that the axe-head and the handle are all alloy or metal, in one, consistent package.
These models typically feature a hatchet design, meaning that the handle doesn’t add much more weight. However, the full-tang design does send more impact through the handle during splitting tasks.
The second choice is a fiberglass handle. This design features plenty of strength in the handle and a lightweight finish. There’s less chance of fiberglass breaking on you than a wooden handle, and you don’t have to oil it.
The third choice is a polymer handle. These handles also feature lightweight design and construction. However, they might not have the same durability or shock-absorption as fiberglass handles. Polymer handles typically feature in cheaper designs where materials costs need to remain low on the manufacturer’s side.
The fourth and final choice is a wooden handle. Most top-quality brands rely on a wooden handle for improved flexion and shock-absorption qualities. US hickory is a common choice on top models, providing a tough, rugged handle that lasts for years.
The only issue with a wooden handle is that you’ll need to condition it with linseed oil from time-to-time. This maintenance prevents the wood from drying out and splitting in your hands while working.
The Grip
The grip of your survival ax is another important consideration. Wooden handles typically don’t come with any textured grip. As a result, they are harder to handle in wet weather conditions. With a damp wood handle, there’s more chance of losing your grip on the handle, causing an accident.
Polymer handles feature a textured grip providing better control in wet weather conditions. Look for models featuring textured and gell grips for the best management in wet weather.
Ergonomics also play a significant role in handle grip. Choose a model that looks easy to hold in your hands and easy to use.
Multi-Tool Functionality
When selecting your survival axe, you’ll need to assess whether you need multi-tool functionality from it. Axes are handy for cutting and splitting tasks, but they can also be useful for other duties around the campsite.
Some models feature design with a hammer on the butt edge of the eye, providing you with a hammer for sinking tent pegs or other tasks. Some models with thinner cheeks come with multi-purpose functionality turning the blade into a knife or a shovel.
It’s also important to note that you’ll need a survival axe specifically designed for hammering if you need it for this task. Most axe heads feature design and construction with softer metals around the eye. As a result, you can end up deforming and damaging the axe head by hammering with it, causing the head to loosen.
Axe Safety Tips
A survival axe is a handy tool around the campsite. However, it features a sharp blade and deserves respect. To prevent accidents around the camp, you must ensure you use the right axe-etiquette. By adhering to a set of basic safety principles, you mitigate the risk of a severe injury to yourself or a team member.
Here are a few safety tips to ensure you never have to deal with a trip to the emergency room that might involve an expensive heli-lift.
- Watch videos on YouTube about correct axe-handling before you go on your trip
- Always ensure you have two hands on an axe when swinging to chop wood
- Set up a dedicated area around the campsite for chopping
- Avoid chopping anywhere around people
- Look for hazards around the chopping site such as stones and pebbles
- Position yourself away from the path of your swing
- Swing so if the axe decides to glance off the wood, it doesn’t move toward your body
- Sharpen your axe after every hunting or camping trip
- Review YouTube videos to learn the correct grinding technique for your axe-head
- Carry your axe with the sheath on to prevent accidents and the dulling of the blade
- Always carry your axe with the edge facing down to the ground
- Never use an axe in cold weather without warming the axe head beforehand
How you position yourself during your swing is possibly the most important part of proper axe safety. It’s challenging to position your body to chop optimally, and it feels unnatural at first. However, with some practice, you’ll eventually get it right, and the movement will become natural.
Learning to chop right is where people experience the most accidents. Make sure you have the right handle for the cutting job. A longer handle gives you more leverage and speed over the axe-head, allowing you to split larger wood pieces.
Shorter individuals will do better with shorter-handles, as their body acts a fulcrum, giving them more power with a short handle over a longer one.
Survival Axe FAQs
Do the SEAL teams use tomahawks as weapons on missions?
North Carolina knife-maker Daniel Winkler reportedly designs and manufactures stealth assault tomahawks for the US SEAL teams. SEAL Team 6 has a history of carrying these weapons into battle.
Do I need a camping axe or a hatchet?
A camping axe is suitable for heavy-duty chopping tasks, while hatchets are more general-use tools around the campsite. Use a hatchet for splitting wood or throw it at a target. The best survivalist axes have multi-function use.
Is it legal to carry an axe?
Yes. According to bylaws, in most states, carrying an axe with you is not a punishable offense.
Where is the best place to buy a survival axe?
We recommend picking up the best survival axe on Amazon. Amazon has plenty of choices, and Prime members get fast shipping directly to your doorstep.Amazon’s buyer protection ensures you receive your goods in order, and you’re free to make returns without any hassle.
Best Survival Axes – The Verdict
By now, you should have a good idea of the best survival axe to suit your needs. Whether you’re camping or cutting your way through the wilderness on a hunting trip, you’ll need a survival axe. However, we realize it is challenging to choose from only a few models.
- If you’re having trouble settling on an axe, why not go with one of the models in our top picks? The CRKT Birler Compact Axe is an example of top-quality American blade manufacturing, with a carbon steel axe-head that holds an edge.The hickory handle is great for absorbing vibration, giving you plenty of control over the axe while chopping firewood.
- The Hults Bruk Almike Hatchet is a great imported model. It wins the award for the top premium survival axe in this review.You get a rich knife-making legacy behind the axe, with quality craftsmanship and a durable folded design for a long-lasting axe-head that holds its edge. The US-sourced hickory handle gives you complete control over the axe-head when swinging. You geta leather axe-head sheath included in your purchase.
- The Estwing Sportsman’s Axe is the top choice for survivalists on a budget. This model features a forged, full-tang design. It’s suitable for a camping axe, and it’s a great choice for hunting trips when you might need a throwing axe.This model comes with a leather-wrapped handle for total control over the blade when cutting. Pack it away in your bag with its durable ballistic nylon sheath protecting the axe-head.
