What is the best axe for bushcraft?

The Council Tool Hudson Bay Belt Hatchet is a great choice for light bushcraft work. The head is made from 5160 steel, the best choice for a bushcraft axe. It is a Hudson Bay style head, which is great for not only processing wood but also for carving and skinning.

What is the best grind for a bushcraft axe?

A chisel blade profile with secondary relief is the best choice for a bushcraft axe. Chisel grind blades are excellent for cutting, splitting, and shaving wood. They also excel in food preparation. But make sure to choose a profile with second relief to make cutting and splitting wood a more efficient process.

What to look for in a camping axe?

Consider the shape of the axe head and blade . Convex blades are excellent for cutting and chopping, while Scandi grinds are better for splitting and finer work, such as making stakes or cutting notches.

Should an axe be sharp or dull?

An axe should be sharp enough to slice through wood fibers but not razor-sharp so that you can shave with it. If you are working too hard to chop the wood, this can physically take a toll on you.

Is hollow grind good for bushcraft?

A hollow grind is the go to for skinning . A thick spine stops the blade from bending whilst the concave grind results in an extremely sharp edge. Great for jobs where a sharp edge is essential and a sharpening stone is at hand. Pro's – Supremely sharp, Doesn't have much flex.

How do I choose an axe for splitting wood?

When choosing an axe, the first question is whether you want to split bigger or smaller pieces of wood . Splitting axe blades are typically heavier, best for splitting large and medium size logs. Longer shafts give more speed and power.

What is the difference between a forest axe and a splitting AXE?

Gransfors Bruk classify forest axes as tools for cutting across the grain, while splitting axes are intended for cutting with the grain, effectively splitting the timber apart .

How much should I spend on an axe?

For about $50, you can get a nice American-made Council Tool, and if you're looking for more premium offerings, some axes cost over $400. The Hults Bruk Kisa is the most expensive on the best camping axes list, at just under $200, and I can say it's worth it.

What is the best length for a camping AXE?

The best camp axe, in my opinion, has a 24 inch handle. This size is large enough to split large pieces of firewood, yet small enough to chip and carve small wooden implements. Furthermore, this handle length is comfortable to use because the longer handle absorbs most of the shock of repeated strikes.

What is the best all around axe?

Simply put, the Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maul ($255) is hands down the best overall axe for almost any wood-splitting task.

What is the best length for a camping axe?

The best camp axe, in my opinion, has a 24 inch handle. This size is large enough to split large pieces of firewood, yet small enough to chip and carve small wooden implements. Furthermore, this handle length is comfortable to use because the longer handle absorbs most of the shock of repeated strikes.

What blade length for bushcraft?

Finding that perfect balance between size and weight is a game we hunters play every time we choose a knife, even a simple pocket knife we pick up at the store! But generally, a bushcraft survival knife should be at least six inches in length, but no longer than eight inches .

How to Choose a Bushcraft Axe (2024)

A bushcraft axe is one of the most useful tools that you can have in the woods. Probably even more useful than a knife. In this blog, we’re going to discuss the different types of axes available, how to choose the right axe for the right job and what, in our opinion, is the best all-round bushcraft axe.

Key considerations

Not all axes are created equal and likewise, not all jobs are the same. At the end of the day choosing a bushcraft axe is a personal matter. It comes down to what you want to use it for, chopping, carving, splitting or general duty, the extra weight that you are prepared to carry, how you want to carry it and even your height. Those that are taller will probably find that an axe with a longer handle is easier to use than one with a short handle. Remember, an axe is a key element of your bushcraft kit. It needs to feel comfortable in your hands. So before rushing out and buying the first one you come across, spend some time with it and decide if it feels like the axe for you.

LEARN HOW TO USE AN AXE, BUILD SHELTERS, LIGHT FIRES AND MORE ON OUR WEEKEND BUSHCRAFT COURSE.

Understanding different bushcraft axes

LEARN HOW TO USE AN AXE, BUILD SHELTERS, LIGHT FIRES AND MORE ON OUR IOL ACCREDITED WEEKEND BUSHCRAFT COURSE.

Bushcraft axes that we recommend

At Wildway Bushcraft we use a variety of axes on our courses where we teach people how to use them safely and for a wide variety of jobs. For personal usage, we carry the Gransfors Bruk’s Small Forest Axe. This axe has a 49 cm wooden handle and weighs less than a kilo. It’s small enough to fit into a rucksack but it still provides enough chopping power for most bushcraft jobs.

Kit list

Here are some pieces of kit that you might find useful when out and about in the woods.
Please note that Wildway Bushcraft is not associated with any of the products or manufacturers listed below; we don’t get anything from them if you choose to buy anything.

Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe

Wildway Bushcraft uses a small forest axe from Gransfors Bruk. You can find out more information about Gransfors Bruk via the link below.
https://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/product/gransfors-small-forest-axe/