Why is an axe essential in bushcraft?
No other tool matches the versatility of an axe for heavy work in wood. Where the knife excels at fine work, the axe takes over as soon as power is needed. Splitting a log, taking down a dead branch, squaring a pole... These jobs become straightforward with the right axe.
At camp, an axe lets you prepare firewood to feed your wood stove or your fire. It breaks down the large sections your saw has cut. Axe and saw together form the essential pair of tools for managing wood at camp. It is also a building tool. Cutting pegs for your shelter, preparing poles, shaping joints... The axe opens up endless creative possibilities for fitting out camp from natural materials.
Buying guide: how to choose your axe
The different axe sizes
- The hatchet (30-40 cm) puts compactness and low weight first. It slips into your backpack without weighing it down. Ideal for hiking and lightweight bivouacs, it prepares kindling and handles moderate work. Its short handle does demand good technique, though.
- The forest axe (50-60 cm) is the ideal compromise for bushcraft. Its mid-length handle gives enough leverage for heavy work while remaining easy to carry. It is the all-round size par excellence, felling and splitting with equal efficiency.
- The splitting axe (65-80 cm) delivers maximum power. Its weight and long handle generate considerable striking force. Best kept for base camp, where it excels at getting through large volumes of wood. Too heavy and bulky for hiking.
What to look for
- The head is the heart of the axe. Hand-forged heads are of higher quality than industrially stamped ones. Carbon steel takes an excellent edge and is easy to sharpen in the field.
- The edge geometry shapes how you use it. A thin, convex edge bites well into wood for felling. A thicker, more rounded edge excels at splitting, pushing the fibres apart without binding.
- The handle transmits the energy and absorbs vibration. Ash or hickory remains the benchmark for strength and comfort. Synthetic handles are more durable but feel colder in the hand.
- Balance determines how it handles. A well-balanced axe controls itself naturally, which reduces fatigue and makes your strikes more accurate.
Our selection of axes
- For hiking, compact hatchets under 500 g let you travel light while still carrying an effective cutting tool. Perfect for preparing kindling for your fire.
- For all-round bushcraft, forest axes from 800 g to 1.2 kg offer the best compromise. They fell, split and hew with equal efficiency. The ideal choice to start with and grow into.
- For heavy work, splitting axes over 1.5 kg get through large quantities of wood quickly. Essential for longer stays that need plenty of fuel.
Looking after your axe
A well-maintained axe stays effective for generations. Regular sharpening keeps the edge at its best. Our care products protect the head from rust and feed the wooden handle.
After use, wipe the head and apply a thin coat of oil. Check regularly that the handle is still tight. Store your axe in its sheath somewhere dry.
FAQ - Bushcraft axes
Hatchet or forest axe to start with?
The forest axe (50-60 cm) is more versatile for learning. Its longer handle forgives technique mistakes and copes with a wider range of jobs.
How do you sharpen an axe?
Use a medium-grit stone, following the existing bevel angle. Work in circular movements on each face. Finish with a few light passes to remove the burr.
Forged or stamped head?
A forged head means better steel quality and optimised geometry. It costs more to buy, but lasts a lifetime with minimal care.