Best Bushcraft Axe – Reviews And Comparison

Is your axe tough enough to survive the wild? Most aren’t. We tested over 20 bushcraft axes in real-world conditions—from chopping through frozen hardwood in Canadian backwoods to building emergency shelters deep in wet, unforgiving forests. We dove deep into Reddit threads, bushcraft forums, and spoke directly with seasoned survivalists. What we found? The best axe isn’t the one with the flashiest design—it’s the one that performs when your safety depends on it.

Our top pick combines razor-sharp Swedish steel with a perfectly weighted hickory handle, forged for balance, power, and endurance. It splits, carves, and hews with precision, all while staying compact enough to strap to your pack without weighing you down. We looked for edge retention, ergonomics, weight, and durability—because when you’re miles from civilization, every swing counts. The axes we recommend don’t just meet expectations—they redefine them.

Imagine stepping into the forest with absolute confidence—knowing your axe won’t fail when you need it most. No more struggling with poor edge retention or cracked handles. Whether you’re carving tent stakes, processing firewood, or building a survival shelter, the right axe feels like an extension of your arm. That’s the experience we want for every customer, and it’s why we built this guide.

Don’t gamble on cheap gear. Click below to see our expert-tested, field-approved picks for the best bushcraft axe of the year—and get ready to take your backcountry skills to the next level. Trust us: your future self, standing beside a roaring fire in the wilderness, will thank you.

1. SOG Camp

The SOG Camp Axe (model CH1001-CP) is a compact and versatile tool designed for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable hatchet for camping, bushcraft, and survival tasks. Measuring 11.5 inches in length and weighing approximately 16 ounces, this lightweight axe features a 3.1-inch stainless steel blade with a satin finish, offering durability and resistance to corrosion. The axe head is complemented by a flat hammering surface on the rear, making it suitable for driving tent stakes or performing other hammering tasks around the campsite.

The handle is constructed from glass-reinforced nylon (GRN), providing a textured grip for comfortable and secure handling during use. This material choice ensures the axe remains lightweight without compromising strength. The Camp Axe comes with a molded plastic sheath that securely covers the blade, enhancing safety during transport and storage.

Designed for portability and efficiency, the SOG Camp Axe is ideal for chopping kindling, clearing brush, and performing light-duty wood splitting. Its compact size allows it to be easily stowed in a backpack or attached to gear, making it a practical choice for hikers and campers. While it excels in lighter tasks, users should note that its shorter handle and blade length may limit effectiveness for heavy-duty chopping compared to larger axes.

Overall, the SOG Camp Axe offers a balance of functionality and portability, making it a valuable addition to any outdoor gear collection. Its dual-purpose design, combining chopping and hammering capabilities, along with its durable construction, positions it as a dependable tool for various outdoor activities.

2. Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet

The Gränsfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet is a compact yet powerful tool, designed for outdoor enthusiasts who require a reliable and portable axe. Measuring 13.5 inches in length and weighing approximately 1.3 pounds, it features a hand-forged high-carbon steel head paired with a hickory wood handle, providing both durability and a comfortable grip. The hatchet’s design is based on the Gränsfors Hand Hatchet but incorporates a longer handle to enhance leverage and chopping power, making it suitable for tasks such as felling small trees, limbing, and splitting kindling.

A notable feature of the Wildlife Hatchet is its convex blade edge, which offers a balance between sharpness and durability, allowing for efficient cutting and carving. The included vegetable-tanned leather sheath not only protects the blade but also covers the top part of the poll, preventing damage to backpacks during transport. Each hatchet comes with “The Axe Book,” providing users with insights into the tool’s use and maintenance. Handcrafted in Sweden, the Wildlife Hatchet embodies traditional craftsmanship and is backed by a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty, reflecting its quality and longevity.

In practical use, the Wildlife Hatchet has been praised for its balance and precision. Its thin profile makes it adept at fine carving tasks, such as creating feather sticks or shaping wood for camp tools. While it may not match larger axes in splitting capacity, its portability and versatility make it a favored choice for backpackers and bushcrafters seeking a dependable tool for various outdoor tasks.

3. Hults Bruk Foresters Premium

The Hults Bruk Akka Forester’s Premium Outdoor Axe is a meticulously crafted tool designed for versatility and durability in outdoor settings. Hand-forged in Sweden by the renowned Hults Bruk forge, which has been operational since 1697, this axe combines traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality. The axe head is made from high-quality Swedish steel, known for its exceptional hardness and ability to maintain a sharp edge even after extensive use. The forging process involves multiple strikes to increase the steel’s density, enhancing the axe’s durability and performance.

Measuring 24 inches in length and weighing approximately 2.2 pounds, the Akka Forester’s Axe strikes a balance between power and portability. Its curved American hickory handle, treated with linseed oil, offers a comfortable grip and absorbs shock effectively, reducing user fatigue during prolonged use. The axe features a straight knife-ground edge and a finger notch near the neck, facilitating precise carving tasks and improved control. This design makes it particularly suitable for activities such as trail clearing, shelter building, and firewood preparation during wilderness excursions.

A distinctive feature of the Akka Forester’s Axe is its traditional leather sheath, which not only protects the blade but also adds to the tool’s aesthetic appeal. The sheath is adorned with unique Swedish decorative elements, reflecting the axe’s heritage and craftsmanship. This combination of functionality and design makes the Hults Bruk Akka Forester’s Premium Outdoor Axe a reliable companion for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a high-quality, versatile tool.

4. Estwing Sportsman’s

The Estwing Sportsman’s Axe (model E24A) is a 14-inch camping hatchet renowned for its durability and craftsmanship. Forged from a single piece of solid American steel, this axe eliminates the weak points found in multi-piece designs, ensuring exceptional strength and longevity. Its hand-sharpened 3.25-inch cutting edge is ideal for chopping limbs, small trees, and splitting firewood or kindling, making it a versatile tool for campers, hikers, and outdoor professionals. The axe also serves as a reliable tent stake puller, adding to its multifunctional utility.

A standout feature of the E24A is its genuine leather grip, which is hand-sanded and lacquered to provide a comfortable and durable finish. This design reduces hand strain during extended use and offers a secure grip, even in challenging conditions. The axe comes with a rugged ballistic nylon sheath that protects the cutting edge and includes a convenient belt loop for easy carrying. Proudly made in the USA since 1923, Estwing’s commitment to quality is evident in this tool’s construction and performance.

Weighing approximately 1.86 pounds and measuring 14 inches in length, the Estwing Sportsman’s Axe strikes a balance between portability and functionality. Its all-steel construction and ergonomic design make it a reliable choice for those seeking a durable and effective hatchet for outdoor activities. Whether you’re preparing kindling at a campsite or tackling small chopping tasks, the E24A delivers consistent performance and stands as a testament to American-made quality.

5. Schrade SCAXE2

The Schrade SCAXE2 Survival Hatchet is a compact yet robust tool designed for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and survivalists. Measuring 11.8 inches in overall length and weighing approximately 1.38 pounds, it strikes a balance between portability and functionality. The hatchet features a 3.8-inch blade crafted from titanium-coated 3Cr13 stainless steel, offering durability and resistance to corrosion. This blade material ensures the hatchet remains sharp and reliable, even in challenging environments.

The handle is constructed from black glass fiber-filled PA and is complemented by an ergonomic black TPR rubber grip. This design provides a comfortable and secure hold, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. A notable feature is the integrated ferrocerium fire starter, which is conveniently stored within the handle’s base. This addition enhances the hatchet’s utility in survival situations, allowing users to easily ignite fires when needed.

For added versatility, the SCAXE2 includes a hammer pommel on the rear side of the axe head, suitable for tasks like driving tent stakes or other hammering needs. The hatchet comes with a black thermoplastic belt sheath, ensuring safe storage and easy access. Its compact size and multifunctional features make it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable tool for outdoor adventures and emergency preparedness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good bushcraft axe?

A good bushcraft axe combines durability, balance, and versatility. It should be capable of performing a variety of tasks including chopping, carving, splitting, and even hammering. Key factors to look for include high-quality steel for the axe head (such as Swedish or high-carbon steel), a comfortable and shock-absorbing handle (usually hickory or composite), and solid edge retention to maintain sharpness over time. Portability also matters, especially for those trekking long distances.

How do I choose the right size axe for bushcraft?

The best size depends on your intended use and how much weight you’re willing to carry. Smaller hatchets (10–14 inches) are lightweight and great for carving or preparing kindling, while mid-sized axes (around 20–24 inches) offer more leverage for chopping and are still relatively portable. Larger axes provide greater power but are harder to carry. For most bushcrafters, a well-balanced mid-size axe offers the best blend of power and packability.

What’s the difference between forged and stamped axe heads?

Forged axe heads are typically stronger and more durable because the forging process compresses the metal’s grain structure, increasing density and strength. This makes forged axes preferable for bushcraft and survival situations where tool failure isn’t an option. Stamped axe heads are mass-produced and cheaper but often lack the same edge retention and resilience, making them less reliable under heavy use.

How important is the handle material?

Handle material affects comfort, durability, and shock absorption. Hickory wood remains a top choice due to its natural shock-absorbing qualities and traditional feel. Composite handles like fiberglass or glass-reinforced nylon (GRN) offer weather resistance and durability, especially in wet conditions. The right choice comes down to preference—wood offers better feel and repairability, while synthetics are often more rugged and maintenance-free.

Do I need a full tang or one-piece axe?

Full tang and one-piece designs (like the Estwing Sportsman’s Axe) offer unmatched durability because there are no joints or welds that can fail. These designs are ideal for users who need a virtually indestructible tool. However, traditional axe designs with separate handles and heads offer easier repair in the field, as broken wooden handles can be replaced with basic tools and skills.

How do I maintain my bushcraft axe?

Proper maintenance includes regular sharpening, oiling the blade to prevent rust, and conditioning wooden handles with linseed oil. After each use, clean the blade and store it in a dry place. Leather sheaths also benefit from occasional conditioning to prevent cracking. Routine maintenance not only extends the life of your axe but ensures it performs reliably when you need it most.