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10 Best Battle Axes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet 13.50 Inch, Axe, 415

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,470
Blade Material
Handle Material
Weight

Most important from
564 reviews

Blade Material
GB delivers on their promise of a truly 'shaving sharp' edge, making it ready to use out of the box.
Handle Material
The handle is a great piece of wood with perfectly straight grain, providing an outstanding and smooth edge.
Weight
Well-balanced to prevent hand fatigue, making it the best hatchet I've ever owned for the price.
Design and Aesthetics
Extremely comfortable to hold and use, fitting well for both smaller and larger hands, offering a truly unisex design.

The Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet is an excellent choice for traditional scouting and camping, offering a compact length of 13.50 inches and a lightweight build at 1.3 lbs, which makes it highly portable and easy to handle. The blade is made of stainless steel, giving it durability and resistance to rust, while the convex blade edge is suitable for felling tasks.

The handle is crafted from hickory wood, known for its strength and shock resistance, providing a comfortable and sturdy grip. Aesthetically, the hatchet boasts a classic design with a silver and black color scheme that appeals to traditional users. The included vegetable-tanned leather sheath adds a touch of quality and ensures safe transportation.

Its weight may be a bit light for heavier chopping tasks, and its size might not suit users looking for a larger axe for more extensive use. Originating from a reputable Swedish manufacturer, this hatchet is a reliable tool for those needing a compact and efficient axe for camping and outdoor activities.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,470
Blade Material
Handle Material
Weight

Most important from
564 reviews

Blade Material
GB delivers on their promise of a truly 'shaving sharp' edge, making it ready to use out of the box.
Handle Material
The handle is a great piece of wood with perfectly straight grain, providing an outstanding and smooth edge.
Weight
Well-balanced to prevent hand fatigue, making it the best hatchet I've ever owned for the price.
Design and Aesthetics
Extremely comfortable to hold and use, fitting well for both smaller and larger hands, offering a truly unisex design.
#2

Gerber Gear Downrange Tactical Tomahawk Survival Multitool, Camping Axe with Hammer Head and Steel Pry Bar, Includes Sheath with Integrated Molle Straps

Rating
10.0
Blade Material
Handle Material
Weight

Most important from
577 reviews

Blade Material
The blade may come dull, but the steel quality allows for a reliable edge if needed.
Handle Material
The handle scales are wonderful, providing a secure grip even when wet or when wearing gloves.
Weight
Built to stand up to abuse, this full tang tomahawk offers excellent weight balance and durability.
Design and Aesthetics
The Kydex blade cover is high quality, but the MOLLE attachment could be improved as it tends to flop around.

The Gerber Gear Downrange Tactical Tomahawk is a well-designed survival multitool that incorporates several key features beneficial for tactical and camping purposes. Made from 420HC steel with a corrosion-resistant Cerakote finish, the blade promises durability and resistance to wear, making it reliable in demanding situations. The tomahawk head, hammer, and integrated pry bar highlight its multifunctionality, which is a significant strength for those needing a versatile tool.

The beveled edge of the blade ensures effective chopping, while the hammer head and pry bar add to its utility in varied tasks, from camp setup to breaching obstacles in survival scenarios. The handle, crafted with fiberglass, is both sturdy and lightweight, contributing to the manageable weight of 1.9 pounds. This makes it easy to handle without compromising on strength. Its compact design and the inclusion of a MOLLE-compatible sheath make it highly portable and convenient to carry, especially for soldiers and outdoor enthusiasts who require gear that can be easily attached to packs or body armor.

The aesthetics, a combination of brown and black, give it a rugged and tactical appearance. However, the tomahawk's length of 22 inches may be cumbersome for some users who prefer more compact axes. Additionally, while its multifunctionality is a major plus, it might not be the best fit for those looking for a traditional battle-axe solely for combat purposes. Ideal for a wide range of users including hunters, tradesmen, and outdoor enthusiasts, the Gerber Gear Downrange Tactical Tomahawk covers various needs efficiently, backed by a limited lifetime warranty for added peace of mind.

Rating
10.0
Blade Material
Handle Material
Weight

Most important from
577 reviews

Blade Material
The blade may come dull, but the steel quality allows for a reliable edge if needed.
Handle Material
The handle scales are wonderful, providing a secure grip even when wet or when wearing gloves.
Weight
Built to stand up to abuse, this full tang tomahawk offers excellent weight balance and durability.
Design and Aesthetics
The Kydex blade cover is high quality, but the MOLLE attachment could be improved as it tends to flop around.
#3

Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe 19 Inch, 420

Rating
9.9
Blade Material
Handle Material
Weight

Most important from
847 reviews

Blade Material
This axe is razor sharp right out of the package, capable of slicing paper and even shaving hairs.
Handle Material
The handle comes perfectly shaped with good grain direction and no varnish to remove, providing an excellent grip.
Weight
Its portability is a major plus, being small and light enough to strap to a pack or hang from a belt.
Length
Despite its small size, it is perfect for light duties like branch removal and campfire prep, making it an ideal companion for a chainsaw.
Design and Aesthetics
The craftsmanship is evident with the head showing working marks from the smith, adding a charming old-school look.

The Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe is a well-regarded choice for those needing a versatile tool for outdoor tasks like splitting small sticks and cutting limbwood. With a blade made of stainless steel, it promises durability and effective cutting performance. The convex blade edge and forest head type are ideal for felling trees and limbing, making it suitable for various forestry applications.

At 19 inches long and weighing 2.2 lbs, this axe strikes a good balance between portability and functionality for extended use without significant fatigue. The handle is crafted from vegetable-tanned leather, providing a comfortable grip and an attractive aesthetic, though some users might prefer a more traditional wood handle for its classic look and feel. The included leather sheath is a thoughtful addition for protecting the blade during transport and storage.

Its design and construction reflect high quality, but the price might be a consideration for those on a tighter budget. This axe is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts and those engaged in forestry-related activities who value craftsmanship and reliability.

Rating
9.9
Blade Material
Handle Material
Weight

Most important from
847 reviews

Blade Material
This axe is razor sharp right out of the package, capable of slicing paper and even shaving hairs.
Handle Material
The handle comes perfectly shaped with good grain direction and no varnish to remove, providing an excellent grip.
Weight
Its portability is a major plus, being small and light enough to strap to a pack or hang from a belt.
Length
Despite its small size, it is perfect for light duties like branch removal and campfire prep, making it an ideal companion for a chainsaw.
Design and Aesthetics
The craftsmanship is evident with the head showing working marks from the smith, adding a charming old-school look.

Buying Guide for the Best Battle Axes

Choosing the right battle-axe involves understanding your needs and preferences, as well as the key specifications that differentiate one axe from another. Whether you're a collector, a reenactor, or someone interested in historical weaponry, knowing what to look for can help you make an informed decision. Here are some key specs to consider when picking a battle-axe.
Blade MaterialThe blade material is crucial because it affects the durability, sharpness, and overall performance of the axe. Common materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, and Damascus steel. Carbon steel is known for its sharpness and ease of sharpening but can rust if not cared for properly. Stainless steel is more resistant to rust and requires less maintenance but may not hold an edge as well. Damascus steel is prized for its unique patterns and balance of hardness and flexibility. Choose a material based on how you plan to use the axe and how much maintenance you're willing to perform.
Blade ShapeThe shape of the blade can influence the axe's effectiveness in different scenarios. A wide, crescent-shaped blade is excellent for slicing and chopping, making it ideal for combat or cutting through materials. A narrower, more pointed blade can be better for piercing and thrusting. Consider what you will primarily use the axe for—whether it's for display, reenactment, or practical use—and choose a blade shape that suits those needs.
Handle MaterialThe handle material affects the axe's balance, grip, and overall feel. Common materials include wood, metal, and synthetic composites. Wooden handles offer a traditional look and good grip but may require more maintenance. Metal handles are durable and often have a modern design but can be heavier and less comfortable to hold for extended periods. Synthetic handles are lightweight and durable, offering a good grip even in wet conditions. Choose a handle material that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your aesthetic preferences.
WeightThe weight of the battle-axe can significantly impact its usability. Heavier axes can deliver more powerful blows but may be harder to wield for extended periods. Lighter axes are easier to handle and maneuver but may not have the same impact force. If you plan to use the axe for reenactments or combat training, a balanced weight that you can comfortably handle is essential. For display purposes, weight may be less of a concern.
LengthThe length of the axe, including both the handle and the blade, affects its reach and leverage. Longer axes provide greater reach and can be more effective in combat situations, while shorter axes offer better control and are easier to carry. Consider your intended use—whether you need the extra reach for combat or prefer the control of a shorter axe for display or practical use.
Design and AestheticsThe design and aesthetics of the battle-axe can be important, especially if you are a collector or plan to display the axe. Historical accuracy, engravings, and overall craftsmanship can add to the axe's appeal. Choose a design that resonates with you and fits the purpose you have in mind, whether it's for historical reenactment, display, or personal enjoyment.

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