8 Best Broad Axes (Things You Should Consider)

Published on: February 26, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by Eric Devin

Do you need a new broad axe? The old one is not working anymore? But you don’t know what to do and how to choose?

No worries. In this article, you will get to know about every single detail of the top-selling broad axes in the market. If you want to use the best quality board axe the Mapsyst Rare Hewing Goosewing Broad Axe Head is best for you. This tool is best in quality and budget. It ensures a professional cut on every single step. 

With a stylish outlook, the new arrival on the market will surely blow up your mind with efficiency.

Things You Should Consider Before Choosing

Cutting or Splitting

Cutting profiles are usually thinner than splitting profiles. Cutting goes through gains, whereas splitting goes across grains. If you want to cut a log with a splitting edge, you will find it harder.

Cutting Edge

The flat or round shape is different. The cutting blade is the same style for both of them. A sharpening axe has a flatter citing edge. This does not make the cut so deep. Usually, a broad axe on one side has a bit ramp and the other side is ramped. It promotes a clean flat section to the cut on the wood.

Bit

There is a single bit and a double one.

Usually, a simple one is more appreciated as it is easy as well as effective. All the design goes into a single head.

The double one is not common. The balance is offered by the symmetrical head. Both ends will ground differently. The blade will be better suited to different tasks.

Handle

Many things that handle size do not matter. But it can actually create a great difference. Tomahawk and throwing axes come in a whole array of sizes.

A bigger handle indicates that more power is generated. This is suitable for bigger and tough tasks. If you need an axe with more control and less power then go for the smaller one.

View the Top 8 Broad Axes, Below

1. Biber Classic Broad Axe by Mueller Axe (Right Bevel)

• Weight: 3.3 pounds;
• Made in American hickory handle;
• Overall length: 15 to 3/4-inch;
• A unique bevel on the right-hand side;
• A flat blade on the left-hand side.

Best quality materials– The broad axe is also known as the hewing axe. The specialty of this axe is made by skilled hand smiths for generations. It is made with the best combination of hardness and toughness.

Single bevel and flat blade– The bigger classic axe is perfectly used to hew the logs into square timber. It has a single bevel on the right-hand side, and a flat blade on the left-hand side, which provides precise and smooth cuts for a longer time.

Sharp blade– Basically, the left side of the axe is completely flat and fabulous. The edge is razor-sharp. It is made by Mueller axes, a renowned axe-maker company in Australia.

Pros

• Highly sharp and great quality;
• Easy to work;
• More durable and lightweight;
• Versatility.

Cons

• Metal can crack sometimes.

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2. Kershaw Full Tang, Stainless Steel Broad Axe

• A tough 3Cr13 stainless steel is used;
• The wedge blade of the axe is full of tang;
• The handle consists of tan and glass-filled nylon with a rubber insert;
• A molded sheath and nylon straps;
• Total weight: 1 pound;
• 14 inches long with a 3.5-inch blade length.

Comfortable handle- A tan glass-filled nylon handle with a rubber insert featuring a secure grip. A Sheath and the nylon strap are used for easy and secure convenient carry by the shoulder. 

Lightweight- Cutout in the head and knob provides a low weight of the axe, a place for the wrist strap, and a sheath connection making a versatile design.

Stainless steel made- This broad axe is made with high-quality stainless steel material. This quality material ensures the durability of this tool. 

Pros

• Easy to use;
• More secured;
• Very lightweight;
• Versatile design;
• Comfortable for carrying;
• Very sharp;
• Durability.

Cons

• Not ideal for all.

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3. Mapsyst Goosewing Bearded Broad Axe

• Product Dimensions: 18 x 2 x 8 inches
• A heavy blade with the right direction;
• The handle is made with dry beech wood;
• Utmost ergonomic curved handle;
• Premium level steel AISI-4150 HRC 50-55 is used;
• Dimensions of Blade: 8.0 inches;
• Total Weight: 27 Pounds.

Smooth and fast-cutting capacity- Both right and left-handed models of the map hewing goosewing broad axes are found for a smooth and fast-cutting job. 

Suitable for carving and hewing- It is a preferred tool for flattening the surface of a round log. It is handcrafted and used for both carving and hewing. These goose-wing brands are made for both right-handed and left-handed people. 

Heavy-duty tool ability to use different surfaces- Hewing axes are successfully used to cut roughly square logs that are sawn into boards by a pit saw. This is the tool for flattening the surface of circular logs. 

Durable and comfortable handle- The handle is made with dry beech trees that are highly durable. It is perfectly used for carving, and hewing wood with a sharp blade.

Pros

• Very sharp;
• Outstanding performance;
• Lower price;
• Versatility;
• Safe for use;
• More durable;
• Good appearance;
• Low price.

Cons

• The handle may create discomfort sometimes.

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4. Mapsyst Rare Hewing Goosewing Broad Axe Head

• Dimension of Axe: 8 x 1 x 8 inches
• The larger blade is designed to have the right direction;
• The handle is offset to the left or right by adjusting into a bent metal tube forged to the little;
• An excessive ergonomic blade;
• High-grade steel AISI-4150 HRC 50-55 is used;
• Dimensions of blade: 8.0 inches;
• Total weight: 1.7 pounds;
• The axe head eye is a conic shape.

Adjust with different tools- This hewing axe is a suitable tool for flattening the different types of circular shape logs.

Built-in sharp blade-  A sharp and heavy blade is used for hewing and shaping the woods for significant purposes. It is perfectly fitted with a steam-bent handle for ergonomic tasks.

Outstanding design- The shape of the axe head is fantastic. The massive blade has the exact right direction. The hewing axe is preferred by ranchers for flattening the surface of round logs. It is forged, ground, and tempered perfectly. The goose-wing handle is easy to grab and work. It has an extremely ergonomic design.

Pros

• Great performance;
• Not excess weight;
• Versatility;
• Easy to use;
• Safe for use;
• Crazy sharpened blade.

Cons

• The shape of the eye is not perfect for all.

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5. Drake off Road Light Bearded Axe

• High-quality steel of AISI 4150 HRC 55 is used;
• Dimension of axe:14 x 1 x 5 inches
• Dimensions of head: 4 in / 4 inches;
• Total weight:  1.3 pounds;
• Length of the axe: 16 inches;
• An ergonomic small handle.

Small price portable design- This broad axe is a light bearded axe having a small handle with a reliable design. Ergonomic handle made by a beech tree with wood varnish. The compacted axe is perfect for camping or backpacking.

Built with the best material- Premium quality steel is used for making the ideal sharp blade. This blade ensures the fast cutting capacity of this tool.

Easy to manage-  It is not too heavy, and easy to carry and handle. Axe is perfect for detailed work. If you want you can carry them in your backpack.

Pros

• Less weight;
• Great quality;
• Sharp blade;
• Comfortable for use;
• Good versatility;
• Easy to transport;
• More secure.

Cons

• Appearance is not preferable for all.

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6. Gransfors Bruks Axe

• A standard scissor sharpened and right-angled usually;
• Straight blade with double-sided sharpened;
• Weight: 1 kg (2.2 lb) Sheath in vegetable-tanned leather;
•  Length with carved handle: 37 cm (14.5”);
• The Head is bent and the tortilla is forged.

Perfect shape- Broad axes have been developed to meet the user needs who want straight, square timbers from logs. 

Non-slip control handle- The hickory handles allow safe and controlled swings during work. The handle of this broad axe is also comfortable.

Pros

• Crazy sharpened blade;
• Low weight;
• Great performance;
• Incredible quality tool;
• Simple for use;
• Affordable.

Cons

• Extra precaution is needed for scary sharpness to carry.

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7. CRKT Freyr Outdoor Axe

• A Center grind broad axe;
• Hot-forged axe;
• Item Weight1.79 pounds;
• 1055 Carbon Steel is used;
• Both sides are beveled;
• High-grade quality and the Tennessee hickory handle.

High-quality steel- This axe is hot forged by skilled blacksmiths for hewing logs to timbers. It is beveled by two sides and high-quality steel is used for more versatility. 

Durable handle- The long hickory wood handle provides easy handling and long durability. This handle is not only durable but also comfortable and painless.

Versatile use- The center grid broad axe is a versatile tool because many craftsmen use it for hewing as well as crafting. It is one of the best Muller premium lines, featuring quality hickory handles.

Pros

• Great quality;
• High performance;
• Not overweight;
• Versatility;
• High durable;
• Very sharp blade;
• More secured.

Cons

• Not suitable for all.

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8. Gransfors Bruks Carving Axe

• A curved handle;
• Length of handle: 14.5” inches;
• Total Weight: 2.2 pounds;
• Vegetable-tanned leather is used for the sheath.

The Gransfors Large Carving Axe is used to cut and shape wood. The curved handle is ideal for a good grip and super control.

This axe is made in collaboration with master craftsmen Wille Sundqvist and Onni Linnanheimo. It is a heritage of ancient design. The axe book and warranty card is in German language.

Pros

• Very lightweight;
• Easy handling;
• High quality;
• More durable;
• Very sharp.

Cons

• The uneven surface of the handle creates discomfort.

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What Are the Important Considerations When Choosing a Broad Axe for Backpacking?

When selecting a broad axe for backpacking, it is crucial to consider the intended use and the types of backpacking axes available. Weight, durability, and blade sharpness are also important factors to bear in mind. Ultimately, choosing the right axe can greatly impact your backpacking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Broad Axe Used for?

Broad axes have been used widely until the end of the 19th century in North America. Broad axes were commonly used by manufacturers of square timbers for wooden shipbuilding, timber framing, etc.

Can an Axe Be Left-Handed?

You can work with an axe only in one direction, right-handed and left-handed. The double-bevel axe has a straight handle. So it can be swan with either side. It can be used for chopping and hewing.

Is a Maul or Axe Better for Splitting Woods?

A splitting maul is a tool that is slighter and more efficient than a splitting axe. Because of the width of the head, the splitting axe is far more expert in cutting a log than an axe. As mauls usually have longer handles than axes, it is a lot safer.

Conclusion

A broad axe has always been used by ranchers for cutting firewood and logs. Though it is not that much used in today’s world, efficiency is beyond question.

According to the list and following the trend the Mapsyst Rare Hewing is one of the best board axes at this time. This tool ensures the best quality on a stander budget. Another good option is the Biber Classic Swedish. Pick a Biber axe if you want to use a professional use expensive tool.

From cutting firewood to splitting logs, it has been a favorite to many families and ranchers. So, the sharpness, efficiency, etc need to be tested before purchasing. And whatever it takes, precautionary measures must be taken.

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