RARITYSEpic
Axe
Before chainsaws and central heating, the axe turned standing forest into shelter and fire. It still splits the firewood, and the right one does it in a single blow.
The Pioneer
Value Ratio
8.5/10
Versatility
8.0/10
Impact
8.5/10
Durability
9.0/10
Difficulty
4.0/10
Recommended FormForged splitting axe, hickory handle, ~70 cm
Best UsedFirewood, on a chopping block
ImportanceHigh
DifficultyIntermediate
Splitting axeWedge head that forces logs apart. The firewood workhorse, the one most people want.
Felling axeThinner, sharper blade that cuts across the grain to drop a tree. Not for splitting.
HatchetOne-handed, for kindling, camp, and limbing. The light companion to a full axe.
Forged steel head
Splits a round in one blow
Hickory handle, replaceable
- Wood-Burning Cook StoveShelter & Build
- Fixed-Blade KnifeTools
A dull axe is the dangerous one; it bounces off instead of biting in, so keep it sharp.
Always split on a chopping block, never on the ground or toward your legs; the miss goes into your shin.
Match the axe to the job; a splitting axe won't fell well, and a felling axe won't split.
Oil the head against rust and re-wedge it if it loosens; a head that flies off is how people get hurt.