Let’s skip over the obvious blah blah about how axes chop wood.
Instead, let’s just talk about the best survival axes out there.
What we can’t ignore though, is the fact that axes come in a variety of styles that suit a wide range of needs.
A survival axe is typically smaller, lighter, and easier to carry than a general-purpose axe. They often have a hammer poll on the back to drive in stakes for shelters, use as an emergency tent pole, or break up ice for water.
The best survival axe should be durable enough to withstand heavy use without dulling or chipping too easily.
Ideally it should be lightweight enough to carry around everywhere you go yet tough enough to withstand harsh conditions like snow and rain.
So, how do you find the right one?
Well, it’s not for a lack of choices, quite the opposite.
There are simply too many choices.
And where do you even begin?
There are many factors to consider such as weight, blade length, handle material, and more. It can be difficult to figure out which features are most important or if you’re looking for a specific type of axe.
We did the hard work for you.
We weeded through the hundreds of options out there and selected only the best ones – so you don’t have to slug through researching a bunch of products that are just not worth it.
Ready to see our list of the best survival axes?
Let’s go.
The Best Survival Axes On The Market Today
Gerber Downrange Tomahawk – Our Top Pick For Best Survival Axes
The new Downrange Tomahawk is more than just a tomahawk.
It’s also capable of digging holes, chopping wood, and hammering tent stakes.
Plus this formidable design has an advantage over traditional axes:
The Downrange Tomahawk can be thrown into the dirt or sand to free the user’s hands for other tasks without damaging the blade of the tomahawk.
This is a large, heavy-duty tomahawk made for chopping and smashing. It has a lot of features that make it one of the best tactical tomahawks in the market today.
It features a G-10 textured handle for secure grip.
The full tang body and head are made of 420 High Carbon steel with a black oxide coating.
It also has an impact tool head that can be used as a pry bar or hammer.
The base of the blade can be used for with a fire starter/ferro rod.
This tomahawk is equipped to handle anything you can throw at it, from chopping wood, self-defense to being a full-on wrecking tool.
The Gerber Downrange Tomahawk has a tactical appearance for the modern outdoorsman. This axe is great for camping enthusiasts or anyone who appreciates having one bad-ass axe!
The Downrange Tomahawk by Gerber is a top-quality tool that will keep you prepared for what lies ahead, ready to handle any task.
If you’re looking for a larger tactical style tool, then this is one the best survival axes you’re going to find.
Gerber Downrange Tomahawk Specs
- Overall Length: 19.27″ (48.9cm)
- Weight: 1.9 lbs. ( 861.8 g) without sheath, 2.5 lbs. ( 1.13 kg) with sheath.
- Steel Type: 420HC.
- Handle Material: G-10.
(Courtesy of: Gerber)
Fiskars X7 Hatchet
The Fiskars X7 Hatchet is a high-performance, professional-grade hatchet manufactured with the latest in axe technology.
It has a low profile, hardened carbon steel blade that is precision machined for maximum balance and durability.
Fiskars’ durable composite handle provides more comfort and control when chopping.
This bestseller is a lightweight and rugged hatchet with an ergonomically designed handle.
The blade is made of patented steel to keep it sharp for a long time. It is also rust resistant, so it won’t rust when left outside in the rain or snow.
Combining these factors makes this one of the best survival axes out there. This hatchet should be on everyone’s survival gear list.
The Fiskars X7 Hatchet weighs only 1.4 lbs. and is 14 inch long with a 3 inch wide blade that can cut through the toughest pieces of wood with ease.
Another good thing about this hatchet is that it comes with an easy-to-carry nylon sheath, which can be fastened to your belt so you don’t have to worry about dropping it while working out in the wilderness.
The Fiskars X7 Hatchet has been designed for anyone looking to have a compact wood processor.
Whether you’re looking to chop your own firewood or want to make some kindling for a bonfire, this hatchet will be up for the challenge.
Fiskars X7 Hatchet Specs
- Overall Length: 14” (354 mm)
- Head Weight: 1.4 lbs (640 g)
- Head Material: hardened forged carbon steel
- Handle Material: FiberComp
- Grind Type: Fiskars’ Proprietary Scandinavian Grind
- Origin: Finland
(Courtesy of: Fiskars)
Gransfors Bruk Outdoor Axe
Gransfors Bruk Axes have been hand-forging axes and hatchets in Sweden since 1880.
The experience and skill of the craftsmen at Gransfors Bruk makes the axes some of the best in the world.
No list of the best survival axes would be complete without an axe from these folks.
In the beginning, they made axes mainly for the Swedish market. But they soon realized that there was a demand for their craftsmanship overseas and expanded their production to meet this demand.
Originally made for survival, the Gransfors Bruk Outdoor Axe is a beautifully designed axe that is good for many different purposes.
This axe has a curved cutting edge, which makes it perfect for chopping and splitting.
The carbon steel blade is hand-forged using traditional methods in Sweden so you know it’s been made with care and precision.
It comes with a Scandi grind, which gives it a better balance in your hand and makes it easier to use overall. The blade on this axe also comes with an oiled finish that will protect it against rust and corrosion.
The handle is made from American hickory. It will remain smooth and comfortable even after years of use.
It features a steel shoulder collar that helps protect the handle from errant swings.
The axe has a traditional leather sheath which protects the blade when not in use.
The Gransfors Bruk Outdoor Axe is a perfect tool for people who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or hunting. This axe is made to withstand heavy use in the outdoors, with a design that balances both chopping and splitting jobs very well.
Gransfors Bruk Outdoor Axe Specs
- Overall Length: 14.75″
- Cutting Edge: 2.5″
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Handle: American Hickory
- Grain leather sheath
- Made in Sweden
(Courtesy of: Gransfors Bruk)
Estwing Sportsman’s Axe 12″
Survive any situation with the Estwing Sportsman’s Axe (12” Camping Hatchet).
The small axe packs a ton of power, and has a wide variety of uses.
You can use it in the backcountry for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Or, use it in your home for cutting kindling or doing yard work.
It’s a versatile tool that will last for many years to come.
The hatchet head is made in America with the best steel and features a curved edge for quick chopping.
Weighing only 2 pounds, you can easily carry it in your pack and maintain a low center of gravity.
This product is great for chopping down small-sized trees, clearing brush, and cutting kindling.
The special blade on this hatchet is designed particularly to split wood and the sturdy steel handle provides excellent balance.
The Estwing Sportsman’s Axe is one of the best-selling, most popular survival hatchets on the market.
Combining premium quality with affordable pricing, this small axe delivers outstanding value-for-money and is simply a great deal.
Be prepared for anything, no matter where you are.
With the Estwing Sportsman’s Axe, you can take on any job with confidence.
Estwing Sportsman’s Axe 12” Specs
- Overall Length: 11.5″
- Cutting Edge: 2.875″
- Handle Length: 6″
- Weight: 1 lb. 4.4 oz.
- Stacked leather grip
- Nylon axe belt sheath
- Made in the USA
Courtesy of: Estwing
Gerber Pack Hatchet
You’re looking for an axe that’s small and effective? The Pack Hatchet has what you need.
It’s a compact tool that packs a punch with 3.5″ blade and stainless steel construction.
Unlike other hatchets, the finger grooves in the handle allow you to get an incredible amount of edge control while choking up to handle detail work or precise cuts.
This lightweight, rust-resistant, and portable tool is perfect for any outdoor adventure.
The Pack Hatchet is just under 10 inches in length and weighs 20.8 ounces, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a small, lightweight hatchet.
If you’re looking for something that will fit in your backpack and not take up any room, then this is the best survival axe for you.
The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel and the blade is full tang for extra strength. It’s easy to take with you anywhere you go.
Includes a sheath that fits well over the blade, with belt loops for easy carrying.
Perfect for any outdoorsman that doesn’t want to carry a bulky ax.
Whether you’re camping, hiking, working in the yard or doing some home improvement, you’ll find the Gerber Pack Hatchet a perfect companion.
It is the ultimate in portability, and will make your campfire-side chores so much easier. You just can’t go wrong with this tried and true, compact tool.
Gerber Pack Hatchet Specs
- Length: 9.46”
- Weight: 20.8 oz
- Blade length: 3.5″
- Stainless steel construction
- Full tang
- Tall grind for optimal sharpness
- Rubber overmold handle
- Lanyard hole
- Belt carry sheath
- Limited lifetime warranty
(Courtesy of: Gerber)
Schrade SCAXE10 11.1in Full Tang Hatchet
The Schrade SCAXE10 Hatchet is a small but mighty tool for wilderness survival.
It’s lightweight and has a 2.5-inch head, perfect when you want to shed some weight and bulk.
It’s an affordable camping hatchet that will require little to no maintenance.
But, it doesn’t compromise on quality ensuring you get a lot of bang for your buck.
It has a full tang blade that is constructed of stainless steel and a rubberized grip that makes it easy for you to hold on to it.
The hatchet can be stored on the side of your backpack or anywhere you need it for quick access.
Store it in the included hard plastic sheath.
It’s strong enough to be used for bush-whacking or splitting kindling, and it won’t weigh you down on your adventures.
If you’re looking for a well-crafted, quality hatchet to take with you on your next camping or backpacking but don’t want to spend a ton, then the Schrade Hatchet could be the best survival axe for you.
Schrade SCAXE10 Hatchet Specs
- Overall Length: 11.08”
- Weight: 1.37 lbs
- Blade Length: 3.55”
- Sheath: Thermoplastic
- TPR Rubber Wrapped Handle
- Powder Coated 3Cr13 Stainless Steel Head
(Courtesy of: Schrade)
SOG Survival Hawk Hatchet
The SOG Survival Hawk Hatchet is a definite must have for any survivalist.
With its premium quality, 3-inch blade made from the highest quality steel, anyone can be assured of their safety when it matters most!
Whether you’re using it to chop wood, make a shelter, or prepare food, the SOG Survival Hatchet is the one tool that could mean the difference between life and death.
It’s also a great companion to have in any emergency or survival kit.
SOG has been a trusted name in survival knives since 1986.
When it came to designing a hatchet, they knew that it needed to be more than just a hatchet, so they made sure that this survival hatchet is as durable as they come.
It has a 12.1 inch glass reinforced nylon handle shaft with three bolts and one of the best fire starters in the industry. The SOG Survival Hawk Hatchet also has a textured hammer for added functionality.
The perfect companion for all your outdoorsy adventures, this survival hatchet is a must-have for any camping trip.
From a tactical perspective, it is the best axe for survival.
It’s a one-time investment that can be used for all your outdoor needs, from building fires to cutting down branches and even as a self-defense weapon in dangerous situations.
SOG Survival Hawk Specs
- Overall Length: 12.1”
- Weight: 19.5 oz.
- Blade Width: 3”
- Head Steel: 2Cr High Carbon Steel
- Rockwell Hardness: 17-19 HRC
- Handle Shaft Material: Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon
Courtesy of: SOG Specialty Knives
CRKT Kangee Tomahawk
The CRKT Kangee Tomahawk is a lightweight ax that can be easily carried in backpacks and bags.
The value of this tool is that it’s smaller than other axes which might make it easier to carry around on long hikes while still being able to do everything those bigger axes could do.
The CRKT Kangee Tomahawk was designed by the company to be as light as possible so that it can be carried without any difficulty or hassle. With just 24 ounces, it’s much lighter than many other axes on the market.
In addition to being light, this axe is designed with a full-length handle for increased control over its movements.
This makes it perfect for chopping wood, breaking ice or even climbing trees under extreme conditions.
It also has a spike on the back of the head which can be used as an emergency hammer if needed.
The CRKT Kangee Tomahawk is an innovative, lightweight tool for cutting and chopping that would come in handy in any survival situation. This is one of the best survival axes if you want a tactical choice that has the leverage of a longer handle but still as lightweight as possible.
The CRKT Kangee Tomahawk Specs
- Blade Length: 2.93″ (74.42 mm)
- Edge: Axe Front Dual Plain Edge w/Spike
- Steel: SK5 Carbon Steel, 54-55 HRC
- Blade Finish: Powder Coat
- Blade Thickness: 0.23″ (5.84 mm)
- Grind: Flat
- Overall Length: 13.75″ (349.25 mm)
- Weight: 1 lb. 8.4 oz
- Handle: Glass-Reinforced Nylon w/EDM Finish
- Style: Tomahawk with Sheath
- Sheath Material: Boltaron / MOLLE Compatible
(Courtesy of: CRKT)
Spyderco Genzow HatchetHawk
The HatchetHawk is an all-purpose utility tool perfect for camping, hunting, or other outdoor tasks.
It’s made from durable tool steel and features a cutting edge that is 2-3/4 inch long.
The Spyderco Genzow HatchetHawk is not your average hatchet.
Its two-in-one design means you can use it as a tomahawk or a hatchet.
The blade is complemented by a blunt pommel on the back end for hammering stakes or cracking rocks.
These features make it one of the best axes for survival.
The HatchetHawk is a tool that’s not just for camping enthusiasts – it can be used to fend off wild animals, pry open a door, or cut down branches.
It has an ergonomic grip to prevent slipping.
A good quality leather sheath comes with belt loop so you can carry this axe on your belt.
Spyderco Genzow HatchetHawk is a lightweight survival tool for all your backcountry needs.
Spyderco Genzow HatchetHawk Specs
- Overall length: 16 inches.
- Head length: 6.14 inches.
- Edge: 2.76 inches, flat ground.
- Steel: 5160 tool steel.
- Handle: Polypropylene and aluminum.
- Sheath: Leather.
- Weight: 1lb 9oz.
Estwing Tomahawk Axe – 16.25″ Lightweight Hatchet
For those who want a more tactical axe but are not willing to carry the extra weight, the Estwing Tomahawk Axe is a great alternative.
It can be used in a variety of ways while being lightweight and compact.
The Estwing Tomahawk Axe is made of a quality steel and has a rubber grip on the handle. This makes it easy to hold with one hand which allows you to chop wood in an efficient manner.
The blade is very sharp which makes it easy to get through tough pieces of wood and should last for years.
The axe is also very well balanced making it easier to control and swing when chopping.
Longer than the other tactical axes on this list, the 16-1/4″ length provides a great deal of leverage, giving you more power behind each swing.
For these reasons, the Estwing Tomahawk Axe may be exactly what you are looking for when camping or backpacking.
American-made, this high quality tool that can do just about anything you need it to do.
Estwing Tomahawk Axe Specs
- Overall length: 16.25”
- Edge: 2.5″
- Weight: 27 oz.
- Sheath: Nylon-vinyl Shock Reduction Grip
- Made in America
Hults Bruk Akka Foresters Axe
The Hults Bruk Akka Foresters Axe is a beautiful, stylish and practical axe.
Originally designed for Swedish forest rangers, the foresters axe has since become popular among lumberjacks, farmers and people who enjoy outdoor living.
It is a small to medium-sized axe, great for campers and outdoorsmen.
And it is one of the best survival axes for anyone looking for a small axe with a classic Scandinavian profile.
Hults Bruk Akka Foresters Axe is hand-forged in Sweden using Swedish steel that has been hardened and tempered to hold a sharp edge even after hard use.
The handle is made from American hickory that’s been treated with linseed oil for a smooth finish.
This axe comes with a leather sheath and stay that can be adjusted to the size of the blades head protruding from the handle.
Hults Bruk Akka Foresters Axe Specs
- Length: 24 inches
- Handle Material: Hickory
- Blade Construction: Swedish steel
- Weight: 2 lbs. 3 oz.
(Courtesy of: Hults Bruk)
Iunio Survival Axe
The company that manufactured this axe was founded in 2012 by Tyler Martens and is located in Germany.
They specialize in making high-quality axes with an emphasis on outdoor survival gear.
The axe is manufactured using Swedish steel blade technology which guarantees high quality products.
What is the Iunio Survival Axe?
It is a specially designed axe for outdoor survival.
It has a steel head and a sturdy handle which makes it perfect for chopping down trees, building shelters, and all kinds of other activities.
Basically, the Iunio Survival Axe is a multi-tool that comes with a hammer, knife, bottle opener, fish scaler, compass, axe, emergency whistle, flint/magnesium rod, lanyard and emergency glass breaker. (The glass breaker is a little redundant, in my opinion, considering you have a hammer.)
The handle is made from strong, durable steel tubing that stands up to chopping and hammering better than you’d expect.
These hollow tube sections let you store more survival gear inside.
It also has a protective sheath so that it can be carried with ease.
This is the perfect tool for those who have an outdoor or an adventure lifestyle, and want a beefy multi tool that can that can be brokendown as small as possible.
You can use it as to cut wood, make kindling for a fire or fell trees.
Or use it as a hammer to smash rock.
Iunio Survival Axe is the best multifunctional survival axe which can be used for various outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.
Fiskars X15 Chopping Axe
The new Fiskars x15 axe is designed to fell trees with ease.
Fiskars axes are made of high-carbon steel with a forged blade for durability and long-term use.
This material is also rust resistant, meaning that this tool will last for many years even when exposed to harsh weather conditions such as rain and snow.
The X15 is a tool with a perfect balance between power and weight. It has a swing speed that is much faster than other axes, which allow the user to get more power out of the same amount of effort.
Proprietary blade-grinding technique provides a sharper edge for better contact and increased surface area to efficiently remove wood from the blade.
The hardened steel head is dual-tempered, which means that it has a softer outer layer that resists impact and provides more protection for the harder steel core – this prevents breakage.
This axe is designed with a shock-absorbing fiber composite handle.
The handle is lighter, stronger, and more durable than steel. The fiber composite handle also has an ergonomic design for increased comfort and improved control when using the axe.
The nonslip grip allows you to keep your hands stable on the handle, which reduces hand strain and improves control when using this tool.
This low-cost tool is a great option for people who do a lot of splitting.
Plus it is designed to be virtually indestructible.
Fiskars products are well known for their durability and quality, making the X15 Chopping Axe one of the best on the market today.
Fiskars X15 Chopping Axe Specs
- Overall length: 23.5”
- Head weight: 2.31 lbs.
- Overall weight: 3.4 lbs.
- Made in Finland
(Courtesy of: Fiskars)
Off Grid Tools Survival Axe Elite
The Survival Axe Elite is a more advanced version of the classic survival axe.
It has a much sharper blade, which is essential for cutting through tough materials like nylon cords, thick branches and even some types of metal.
The coating on the blade also has a greater durability so that it can cut through material without chipping or cracking the surface.
In addition to this, there are two tools on this axe that are not found in most other axes: a hammer and a saw.
These tools come in handy when you need to do jobs like chopping up kindling, splitting logs with precision or putting together a shelter.
The Survival Axe Elite is a multifunctional tool that has been designed to be an essential part of your emergency kit both at home and on the go.
It has an 18 inch handle and its total length from head to end is 26 inches with weight at 1lb 8oz.
The blade is made out of 1055 Carbon steel which makes it rugged enough to tackle any task thrown at it.
Handle is made out of Kraton G, which provides a firm grip when wet or oily, and features a removable fire starter rod for starting fires on wet days.
The OGT Survival Axe Elite is designed to be a top level survival tool, and it includes some of the essential tools used for survival and bushcraft.
Off Grid Tools Survival Axe Elite Specs
- Heat treated 1055 Carbon Steel
- Hammer and claw
- Hex sockets 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 1/2, 3/8, 10mm, 11mm, 13mm, 15mm
- Replaceable 6″ Milwaukee® Sawzall® blade
- Hardened steel glass breaker
- Seat belt cutter
- Made in America
(Courtesy of: Off Grid Tools)
Hultafors Qvarfot Felling Axe
Hults Bruks have developed this axe with Scandinavian forestry workers in mind.
They were looking for an axe that was not only good at cutting down trees but also doing it as fast as possible, without compromising on quality or safety.
The Qvarfot felling axe is a Swedish axe with an edge designed to shear through wood.
It has a convex grind and ergonomic handle that fits comfortably in the hand.
The Qvarfot is a traditional Swedish felling axe with a long curved blade that works best on wet trees due to its weight and thin blade.
The handle of the Qvarfot is made from American hickory with a natural finish that adds to its rustic appeal. It’s an excellent choice for both professional loggers and amateurs alike.
The Qvarfot Felling Axe is well-suited to most cutting tasks, from limbing trees to cutting fallen logs into firewood.
So if a felling axe is what you need to take down trees and build shelters, then this is one of the best survival axes for that task.
Hultafors Qvarfot Felling Axe Specs
- Blade Material: Swedish Carbon Steel
- Hardness: 59 HRC
- Handle Material: American Hickory
- Handle Length: 26″
- Head Weight: 1.87 lbs.
- Total Weight: 2.78 lbs.
- Grind Style: Convex grind edge
- Made in Sweden
(Courtesy of: Hultafors)
Estwing Large Camper’s Axe
The Estwing Large Camper’s Axe is a perfect tool that will last forever, for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors.
I really like this Estwing axe. It is very durable and easy to maintain.
This tool can take a helluva lot of abuse.
The steel blade can be sharpened easily and you can get it to a very fine edge.
Additionally, the quality of the steel is surprisingly good… better than expected.
It holds its edge well and we had no issues with chipping or rolling.
The thin blade profile also means it can out-chop many other traditional axes, so I think it’s fair to say that it will serve outdoorsmen well for bushcraft purposes.
The thinner blade also means it will stick more in the wood, and finer work is a bit more challenging if you choke up on the neck due to the uneven neck profile.
The axe head and handle feature a rugged forged steel construction with a patented Shock Reduction Grip® handle for shock dampening.
It weighs only 3 lbs., so it’s manageable to carry around on your back as you hike through the great outdoors.
The Large Camper’s Axe is backed by Estwing’s Lifetime Warranty.
If you ever find yourself in a survival situation, it will be comforting to know that you have a larger axe that is practically indestructible, making this one of the best survival axes with an all-metal design.
Estwing Camper’s 26” Axe Specs
- Overall Length: 26″
- Cutting Edge: 4″
- Steel Type: Drop Forged Medium Carbon Steel
- Handle Type- Drop forged steel with rubber Shock Reduction Grip®
- Weight (without sheath): 3.14 lbs.
- Weight (with sheath): 3.33 lbs.
- Made in America
(Courtesy of: Estwing)
Council Tool 2.25# 28” Boy’s Axe
The Council Tool 2.25 28” Boy’s Axe is a good old-fashioned axe that has been used for woodcutting for many years.
The Dayton axe head is made out of forged tool steel, which provides it with great durability and strength.
There are some newer versions like this axe available on the market, but this one still remains popular because it can cut through anything without fail.
The 28-inch handle is made out of American hickory.
It is also very affordable and comes with a limited lifetime warranty that protects against defects in material and workmanship.
Don’t be fooled by the term “boy’s axe.”
This is one of the best mid-sized axes on the market and has the track record to prove it. That’s why it makes our list of the best survival axes.
The Council Tool 2.25 lb. 28″ Boy’s Axe will make it easier to cut through anything you need.
Council Tool 2.25# 28” Boy’s Axe Specs
- Overall length: 28”
- Cutting edge: 4”
- Head weight: 2.25 lbs.
- Handle material: Hickory
- Made in America
(Courtesy of: Council Tool)
