No matter how long of a trip or how many individuals are taking part, campfires are an essential component of practically any recreational camping experience. And while one always has the option of hauling in their own firewood and kindling, the reality is that this approach is akin to bringing sand to the beach, as the majority of off-grid locales are rich with trees, logs, branches, and other fuel sources for a campfire. While not particularly difficult, sourcing your own firewood does require one specific tool: a hatchet or axe. And this brings us to today’s guide, where we’ll be getting hands-on with the best hatchets currently on the market for this tested review and buyer’s guide. So, without further ado, let’s get choppin.’

Selection & Testing

Axes and other bladed tools used for splitting and processing wood have existed for millennia, with some early examples dating as far back as 30,000BC. Because they’ve been around for so long, there are now literally thousands of different axes on the market, all ranging in shape, size, materials, and quality. For the purpose of this guide, we’ve limited our selection to more compact camp axes — i.e. hatchets. So, in an effort to uncover the latest and greatest hatches on the market, we kicked off our hunt by first scouring the space, looking far and wide in order to generate a shortlist of candidates based on design, handle material, and head construction. Limiting our selections to models spanning no more than 14-or-so-inches, we then compared specs in order to narrow down our original shortlist. From there, we managed to source examples of each compact camp axe and hatchet that remained on our list. 

This allowed us to get hands-on with each hatchet in order to gain a more comprehensive sense of how each model performed, along with other crucial areas such as build quality and ergonomics. Also closely scrutinized was not only each hatchet’s chopping abilities, but also its chopping-power-to-size ratio. In a bid to get a baseline for performance and measure each hatchet more objectively, we devised a series of standardized tests which included splitting small (roughly 2” to 3” in diameter) and medium-sized (roughly 4” to 6” in diameter) logs, a side cross-sectioning test, and a branch limbing test. Also explored was whether or not each hatchet offered any additional features or functions, such as the ability to be used as a hammer or pry tool. In addition to using and testing each compact camp axe individually, each model was also compared and contrasted side-by-side in order to glean a sense of how the performance of each hatchet differed. 

Armed with the knowledge from our hands-on testing phase, we then moved on to reviewing our notes and findings, looking at each hatchet’s performance and judging their pros and cons alongside one another. This would ultimately allow us to further narrow down our initial shortlist, resulting in our final picks for the best hatchets and hatchets on the market. We should also state that our testing revealed there to be some, at times, extremely close seconds that were just barely edged out — several of which have made it onto our list of honorable mentions at the bottom of this write-up. 

Fiskars X7 Hatchet

Best Value Hatchet: Designed and made in Finland, the Fiskars X7 is a modern take on a compact camp axe. Part of the brand’s X-Series — which features similar hatchet models of varying lengths — the X7 forgoes the traditional timber handle setup in favor of a more contemporary hollow item crafted from FiberComp (an ultra-high-strength, high-temp carbon fiber-reinforced thermoset Polyamide composite). Measuring 14.0” overall, the hatchet sees its super lightweight FiberComp handle fixed to a forged steel head. 

As the least expensive model on our list, I expected there to be some concessions or corners cut in order to deliver a hatchet at this price point. Much to my surprise, the X7 exhibited very similar performance to its more expensive counterparts during our testing phase. The thing was able to chop and split wood just as proficiently as the other full-size hatchets it was tested alongside. Though I didn’t get an opportunity to longterm torture-test the X7, the hatchet showed little to no signs of wear-and-tear after a few days of chopping — and generally being abused. Both its aforementioned performance and durability are made all the more impressive by the fact this hatchet is sold at around the $40 mark — giving it some of the best bang-for-your-buck of any hatchet on the market.

Though simple, the X7’s handle features excellent ergonomics. It feels great in the hand, and its recurve offers plenty of additional leverage when chopping. A very light textured pattern on the lower (orange) section of the handle adds a surprising amount of grip, without feeling overly rough on your hands. I was also particularly pleased with just how well the blunt side of the hatchet’s head was able to double as a hammer. At just under 1.5lbs, I’d argue Fiskars’ X7 is the perfect weight for a compact camp axe. It’s heavy enough to deliver actual chopping and splitting capabilities while being lightweight enough to be easily carried. It’s also probably worth pointing out that Gerber makes a nearly-identical 14” hatchet (albeit in a different colorway and with different branding) known as the Gerber Freescape 14”. 

While I was generally impressed with this hatchet, there were a few minor gripes that I uncovered while getting hands-on with it. Following my testing, I did notice some very minor chipping on the edge of the hatchet’s head. This didn’t appear to hinder performance or chopping prowess, though said chips developed after only a few hours of use, so I imagine this problem may be more noticeable and/or problematic after a few months of use. And, while I appreciate the fact that Fiskars opted to bestow the bottom of the handle with a lanyard hole, I wish it had been positioned half-an-inch lower as the lanyard that I attached ends up pressed between my hand and the handle when being used. Lastly, while I actually like the unique handle-equipped locking hard sheath that the X7 ships with, I didn’t like the fact that it doesn’t provide any mounting or carrying options — at least not without MacGyvering it. Having said that, none of these minor downsides in anyway outweigh everything else that the X7 has going for it —namely its unbeatable value, immense durability, solid splitting capabilities, and lightweight and travel-friendly nature. 

Verdict: With ample durability and chopping and splitting abilities that are on par with models costing five-times as much, Fiskars’ X7 Hatchet is the clear go-to choice for any avid outdoorsman on a budget. It’s also remarkably lightweight for how rugged and powerful it is.

Estwing Special Edition Fireside Friend

Best Compact Splitting Hatchet: The Estwing Special Edition Fireside Friend is a heavy-duty hatchet that punches well above its weight. Clocking in at 14.25” in length, this USA-made model is a special, more premium variant of Estwing’s regular Fireside Friend that gains a more traditional colorway and a leather handle in lieu of the regular model’s rubber shock reduction grip. Forged from a single piece of steel, this model boast a full-tang construction and a non-reflective matte black finish. Equipped with a tempered 2.375” cutting edge, this hatchet ships with an ultra-rugged sheath crafted from ballistic nylon. 

After literally a few minutes of testing, I could already tell what makes this hatchet special. Even though it spans only 14.25”, its hefty 4.2625-pound weight allows it to deliver the actual chopping and splitting capabilities of markedly longer full-sized hatchets. In fact, Estwing’s Special Edition Fireside Friend actually tips the scales at considerably more than several 24” hatchet models. This hatchet’s considerable weight also allows it to double as a wildly-effective hammer — an area furthered by the fact that the back of the head sports a generously-sized 1.75” x 1.75” face. Considering Estwing’s track record of churning out incredible USA-made hammers, the fact this camp axe doubles so well as a hammer just makes sense. 

Though it no doubt gives the thing its unsurpassed chopping abilities for its size, the more-than-four-and-a-quarter-pound weight of Estwing’s Special Edition Fireside Friend is something of a double-edged sword, as it also results in its biggest and most obvious downside; its lack of mobility. At more than double the weight of the second heaviest hatchet I tested, it’s hard to overstate just how hefty this axe is. Additionally, even though it requires far fewer swings in order to split a log, I nonetheless found myself quickly getting much more fatigued by this hatchet compared to the rest of the hatchets we used. Having said that, I’d argue this tradeoff is well worth it, as it allows for a truly-capable splitter to be crammed into a roughly-14-inch-long package. And, though it hugely bolsters chopping and splitting abilities, the massive weight of this hatchet made it less than conducive to processing kindling and carrying out other more delicate work. With a price of around $50, this American-made hatchet also delivers pretty exceptional value, too.

While it is fairly subjective, I really appreciated the more old-school colorway of this hatchet, with its matte black-finished steel construction being complemented via a brown leather handle and gold accents. With its leather grip having been sanded and lacquered, the item reminded me a lot of both the look and feel of the stacked leather handle used on KA-BAR’s legendary USMC Fighting Knife (albeit without the spaces in between the stacks). And, while I think it looks great, I did notice that the Estwing hatchet’s handle doesn’t provide much traction and has an almost slippery finish to it. This wasn’t at all problematic if used while wearing gloves, though it has far less grip when used barehanded — and has almost no grip whatsoever when the thing is wet. 

Verdict: Despite measuring just 14.25″ overall, the USA-made Estwing Special Edition Fireside Friend manages to punch well above its weight thanks to the fact it tips the scales at more than double the weight of many axes spanning twice its length.

TOPS Knives Grandpa’s Ax

Best Pack Axe: Designed by Lorenzo Espinoza Sr., the TOPS Knives Grandpa’s Ax is an outstanding example of everything that a quality camp axe or hatchet should be. Compact, capable, and insanely tough, the hatchet measures 11.0” overall and features a quarter-inch-thick full-tang construction forged in 1095 high-carbon steel. Fortified via a hardwearing black tungsten Cerakote finish, the 1095 hatchet has been fitted with a super-durable and super-grippy set of contoured canvas Micarta handle scales. 

Ticking just about every box one could ask for, this hatchet’s 1.41-pound weight and 0.25-inch thickness actually gives it a surprising amount of chopping and splitting power. This effect is amplified by the curved shape of the hatchet’s handle, which affords a bit of extra leverage and helps to maximize brute force. And, while providing just enough heft to split small logs, the thing is still lightweight enough to comfortably be carried on a belt — a prospect made all the easier by the fact that the TOPS Grandpa’s Ax ships with a heavy-duty belt-carry sheath crafted from rich brown leather. 

Though it sometimes took a few swings, the TOPS Knives Grandpa’s Ax did a surprisingly good job making short work of logs. And while 0.25” is decently thick, it’s still on the thinner side for a hatchet. This enabled this TOPS hatchet to achieve a much sharper edge that’s able to offer much of the utility of a survival knife. The flat section opposite the head’s sharpened business end was also clearly designed to double as an impromptu hammer. Whether using your left or right hand, barehanded or gloved, the handle on this hatchet features what are by far the best ergonomics of every model I tested — and by a pretty decent margin too. It just nestles perfectly in your palm, and its finger grooves do a tremendous job of providing grip and keeping the handle firmly in place under heavy striking. 

Despite being comparable in size to the markedly pricier Montana Knife Company Hellgate Hatchet, TOPS’ Grandpa’s Ax affords substantially better chopping prowess — albeit isn’t as versatile. And, just like every other TOPS products I’ve used — from survival knives to slingshots — Grandpa’s Ax benefits from premium materials and stellar craftsmanship. It’s also made entirely in America. At the end of the day, it’s combination of chopping power and minimal weight make it an exceedingly ideal choice for backpackers, motorcycle campers, and anyone else with limited weight and storage space capacity. I also appricete the fact the lanyard hole in the handle isn’t covered by the user’s hand when gripping the thing. After a few days of testing, I expected to uncover minor gripes and complaints, but this just wasn’t the case. Sure, it doesn’t have quite as much chopping power as larger, heavier models, though pound-for-pound, the TOPS Grandpa’s Ax just might be the best hatchet on the market. 

Verdict: If you’re interested in a small yet wildly capable camp or pack axe, the TOPS Knives Grandpa’s Ax is almost certainly your best bet, as this USA-made item sees a stellar design brought to life using top-shelf materials and meticulous craftsmanship.

The James Brand The TJB Hatchet

Best German-Made Hatchet: Founded in 1919, Adler is a renowned German brand known for crafting quality hatchets. So, when Portland-based firm The James Brand recently set out to deliver its first-ever axe, it opted to cal on Adler, harnessing its more-than-a-century of experience and expertise in order to deliver the TJB Hatchet. Tipping the scales at 1.90lbs, the TJB Hatchet is made in Germany and features a 14” hickory handle mated to a C60 steel head with a standard 4.0” cutting edge. 

Though new to The James Brand catalog, the TJB Hatchet technically isn’t a novel product, and instead is a special edition version of the existing Adler Rheinland Hatchet — albeit one that’s been bestowed with The James Brand’s signature colorway. Decorated in a stripe in TJB’s hallmark lime green hue — rather than the red, blue, and dark green stripes offered on the normal Rheinland Hatchet — the TJB Hatchet boasts a textured black handle that increases grip without being overly rough on the hands. Backed by a century of knowhow, this Rheinland-style hatchet delivers impressive levels of chopping and splitting power — trailing just behind the Gränsfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet. 

Despite its simple appearance, the TJB Hatchet’s handle is surprisingly dialed-in, fitting perfectly in the hand and sporting just enough recurve to noticeably bolster leverage when chopping. A generous-sized area opposite the head’s sharpened edge lets it double as a hammer too. What’s more, in addition to a custom-embossed TJB logo tag and signature lime green stripe, The James Brand’s version of this hatchet further distinguishes itself from the regular Adler Rheinland by the fact that it ships in a black-finished wooden coffin-style storage and display box.

While I was beyond-pleased with how the TJB Hatchet performed, I did have a few pretty major hangups surrounding the hatchet’s build quality and fit and finish — an issue that’s traditionally plagued TJB products at times. The very top of the hatchet where the head meets the handle was covered in some exposed glue and there were several large splinters protruding from the top of the handle as well. There was also a small space at the bottom of the head that the handle is supposed to fill in but doesn’t. This is only by a few millimeters, though was nonetheless disappointing to see. The rivets on this hatchet’s sheath also became loose during my first few days of field testing. Though these areas admittedly didn’t hinder the hatchet’s performance in any noticeable way, I still found this shortcomings to be particularly disappointing when you consider the fact that The James Brand’s inaugural hatchet is little more than a gussied up version of the Adler Rheinland Hatchet that costs $60 more than the regular hatchet. 

Verdict: Any EDC enthusiast will no doubt love The James Brand’s take on the Adler Rheinland Hatchet, which sees the traditional German design bestowed with TJB’s signature colorway — resulting in a spruced up, limited edition take on one of the all-time greatest hatchets.

Gränsfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet

Best Heritage Hatchet:Based in Sweden, Gränsfors Bruks is a world-renowned heritage brand that’s been crafting axes and splitters since 1902. Unsurprisingly, the firm’s more-than-century of experience has enabled it to deliver some of the best camp axes and hatchets that money can buy. Case in point; the Gränsfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet. Tipping the scales at 1.30lbs, this compact splitter is comprised of a 13.7795-inch hickory handle mated to a full-sized head composed of recycled steel from Ovako. 

Though it may look like an ordinary hatchet, getting hands-on with the thing quickly convinced me otherwise. Benefitting from 122 years of experience, every aspect and detail of this traditional hatchet has been perfectly dialed-in. The handle’s ergonomics are simple and straightforward yet highly effective, providing solid grip while simultaneously upping leverage thanks to a pronounced recurve at its base. Due to the combination of a hickory handle and a head that leaves a myriad of tiny nicks and imperfections on display, the Wildlife Hatchet could easily pass for an antique right out of the box. With that said, its performance and chopping abilities are far from antiquated. In fact, other than the Estwing model — which is more than three-times heavier than the Gränsfors — the Wildlife Hatchet delivered the best chopping and splitting performance of all the models I tested. 

I was also impressed with the overall fit and finish of the Wildlife Hatchet. Upon close inspection, it’s actually really impressive just how well-crafted the thing is. Everything is perfectly symmetrical, the handle is perfectly sanded, and the head is perfectly mounted and aligned. Even the leather sheath that this hatchet ships with is of super high quality. It’s not only the hatchet’s performance that impressed me, but also the fact that it’s reportedly able to deliver this level of performance for a lifetime — assuming it receives an occasional sharpening. Sure, it isn’t quite as cheap as some of the more budget-focused models, though if you consider the fact that it offers a lifetime of use, it’s value proposition suddenly starts looking a lot better. 

Being a fairly old design, I expected this model to have a few areas that could use improvement. Despite scrutinizing the hatchet, its design, build quality, and performance, I couldn’t come up with a single gripe or complaint. It’s simple yet incredibly effective. It doesn’t boast any fancy or innovative features and it’s devoid of any bells and whistles, though what it’s designed to do (which is offer great chopping and splitting abilities in a compact package) it just does extraordinarily well. Once my testing was complete, I walked away with a very decent understanding of just why Gränsfors Bruks has become such a legendary name in the axe and hatchet space. 

Verdict: More than just a hatchet, the Gränsfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet is part of a more-than-century-long tradition of delivering quality, built-to-last splitting and chopping tools — making this an obvious go-to pick for any camper, survivalist, or outdoorsman.

Neru Design Works Ono kezuru

Best Japanese Hatchet: Merging traditional Japanese design and craftsmanship with a bit of modern flair, the Neru Design Works Ono kezuru is a premium, boutique-made interpretation of a hatchet that’s as functional and utilitarian as it is unique and handsome-looking. Constructed around a handle composed of white oak, this Japanese-made hatchet sports a roughly 11.5-inch length and a forged steel head that draws some light inspiration from Viking axes. One of several different axes and hatchets produced by Neru Design Works, the Ono kezuru was designed specifically to be extremely portable and travel-friendly. 

Despite its ornate-looking appearance, I was surprised by just how tough and rugged the Ono kezuru revealed itself to be during my hands-on testing phase. Even when used on super dense and hard woods for an extended period, the handle never exhibited any type of wobbling or looseness. Speaking of the handle, the NDW Ono kezuru features a geometric honeycomb pattern that’s been scalloped into the handle entirely by hand, bolstering grip while no doubt bringing quite a few style points to the table. The 11.40” handle comes mated to a steel head that was forged by hand at a forge in Tsubame Sanjo, Japan. This idiosyncratic design is further elevated by a meticulous level of craftsmanship and an overall stellar build quality. 

When being put through its paces, the Ono kezuru impressed me with its solid chopping and splitting abilities. Because so much attention went into this hatchet’s appearance, I anticipated its performance to potentially be somewhat lackluster, though this simply wasn’t the case. From splitting medium-sized logs to processing kindling, it excelled across the board at basic tasks in and around camp. Like most of the other hatchets I tested, the back of this model’s head also doubles as a very functional hammer. What’s more, while it was selected largely for its utility and function, I definitely appreciate the fact that this hatchet doubles as a fantastic display piece as well as a great conversation starter. 

As much as I appreciate the unique appearance of its scalloped handle and the handworked pattern’s ability to enhance grip, it only took a few minutes of swinging the thing to notice just how rough the geometric honeycomb motif is on the hands, leaving my palms fairly raw. This problem was hugely mitigated when the hatchet is used with a pair of work gloves, though this was nonetheless the biggest gripe I had with this hatchet — by far. At over $250, it admittedly doesn’t offer the best value or bang for your buck either. 

Verdict: With its idiosyncratic hand-worked handle design, premium materials, and solid chopping abilities, the Neru Design Works Ono kezuru is the perfect compact camp axe for the more design-conscious outdoorsman.

Montana Knife Company Hellgate Hatchet

Best USA-Made Hatchet: The Montana Knife Company Hellgate Hatchet is built different, and on several levels. Spanning just a bit over 10.166” and tipping the scales at less than a pound, the MKC Hellgate Hatchet features an almost-quarter-inch-thick full-tang construction that’s been brought to life in 52100 high-carbon ball bearing steel. Cryogenically heat-treated and parkerized to a matte black finish, this 52100 construction has been paired with a hand-sharpened 2.54” cutting edge and a set of perfectly-contoured G10 handle scales. Not only is the Hellgate Hatchet made entirely in America, but the thing is ground entirely by hand in MKC founder and president Josh Smith’s personal knife and forging shop (which is located next to MKC’s much larger state-of-the-art factory). This has ultimately allowed for a level of craftsmanship and build quality that’s truly second to none. 

At just 0.93lbs, the Hellgate Hatchet no doubt lacks the chopping and splitting power of its larger heavier counterparts — though was still able to split small logs, and could be hammered through larger logs. The fact it’s so lightweight coupled with its roughly 10” length make it insanely mobile and travel friendly — something that’s frankly unsurprising as it was designed to be carried into the backcountry on a belt. It’s also abundantly clear that a great deal of thought went into the design of this hatchet’s KYDEX sheath — plus MKC sells an optional leather sheath for it. I was also particularly impressed with the handle’s ergonomics, as it provides an ultra-secure grasp and does a pretty fantastic job of affording a bit of additional leverage when being swung. In terms of performance, the MKC Hellgate Hatchet scored at the very bottom of the pack during our chopping and splitting testing, though it was able to excel at splitting and shaving kindling, feather-sticking, and other tasks requiring less brute force.

I initially saw the fact that it’s noticeably thinner than every other hatchet I tested as a downside, but after actually using it for an extended period, it became increasingly clear that this measurement was very much a calculated — and very worthwhile — design decision. This is because it ultimately allows the Hellgate Hatchet to offer a fairly unparalleled level of versatility, plus allows for a much sharper edge that in turn enables it to handle 75% of the tasks a knife can. I was also easily abs to choke up on the handle or hold the hatchet from the back of its head when taking on finer more delicate work. And, while I personally didn’t get to experience this, it was also designed to easy be able to break down and process game, in addition to having zero problem processing wood, making kindling, and even feather-sticking. Its design also lets it serve as a hammer, fire-poker, or digging tool — hugely upping its level of utility on and around the campsite. 

At $375, the Hellgate Hatchet is admittedly far from cheap, though it does offer better value than it might first appear. As previously mentioned, it exhibits world-class craftsmanship and a beyond-meticulous level of fit and finish. More importantly, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty, plus its MSRP includes MKC’s Generations Promise — a service that includes free factory cleaning, sharpening, and even reshaping for life, practically guarantying the hatchet can be passed down to future generations. At the end of the day, this hatchet’s biggest Achilles heel is the fact that it’s fairly underpowered for chopping and splitting tasks — though I’d argue it more than makes up for this with its immense versatility, world-class craftsmanship, and premium materials. 

Verdict: The very epitome of small but mighty, the MKC Hellgate Hatchet is a super compact and lightweight pack axe offering an unparalleled level of versatility — plus some of the best craftsmanship I’ve ever seen on a hatchet.

Hatchets Comparison Chart

How Do Axes & Hatchets Differ?

Though the two are admittedly very similar — and are often even used interchangeably — the reality is that there are some pretty major fundamental differences between hatchets and axes. For starters, hatchets are almost always considerably smaller than regular axes. With markedly shorter handles and smaller heads — typically measuring no more than a foot in length and no more than 2lbs in weight, respectively — hatchets are also used with one hand, plus are much more conducive to applications such as backpacking where minimizing weight and bulk is key. Because of their compact size and how easy they are to stow in a backpack or carry solution, these single-hand items are also often referred to as “pack axes.” Additionally, hatchets also tend to be fitted with heads that sport a more wedge-shaped profile compared to regular axes — a design that allows them to maximize their efficacy despite their size. 

While hatchets are largely defined by their size, axes exist across a much wider spectrum of different types. From splitting axes to felling axes to even tactical tomahawks, full-size axes are obviously much larger than their hatchet counterparts, and are swung using both hands. Featuring longer and more robust handles and shafts and bigger, heavier heads, axes weigh considerably more, making them less conducive to applications where one’s gear loadout is being carried entirely by hand (or on their back in a ruck). Lastly, there are also some models on the market that blur the line between axes and hatchets, though they aren’t as common. 

Why Carry A Hatchet

Because they lack the leverage and superior chopping power of their larger counterparts, people are sometimes left wondering why one would opt to carry a compact camp axe or hatchet over a full-sized splitter. The reality is, however, that there are actually plenty of benefits to carrying a matchet that make it more ideal in certain scenarios and applications. Starting with the most obvious, hatches are much smaller, more compact, and ultimately more mobile, more lightweight, and more travel friendly than larger axes. This typically makes hatchets and pacl axes a better option for backpacking, off-roading, kayaking, hike-in camping, or any other use where storage space is limited and every pound of weight counts. What’s more, because they weigh so much less, hatches are usually much less tiring and physically taxing to use — even if they do at times require a few extra swings. 

Even more important is the fact that the vast majority of hatchets are still capable of delivering much of the same utility as longer and heavier axes. It may require a bit more effort and a few extra swings, but smaller hatchets and axes have no problem splitting wood or even side-sectioning branches or logs. And while we wouldn’t recommend using a pack axe or hatchet for splitting entire piles of firewood, they’re perfectly sufficient for processing the fuel needed to sustain a campfire for the night — even when spending several nights at a time off-grid. Smaller axes and hatches also unsurprisingly tend to be cheaper than their full-sized counterparts. Because they use shorter, single-hand handles, quite a few of today’s smallest hatchets also feature more dialed-in ergonomics that allow the user to grip the tool tighter and swing it harder. Thanks to their more compact size, a great many camp hatches also excel at doubling as a hammer. 

What To Consider When Shopping

Though there are admittedly dozens of factors and finer points that one can consider when buying a hatchet, there are really only a handful of elements to review when shopping that objectively trump all others in terms of importance — the most crucial of which we’ll be highlighting and breaking down directly below. 

Hatchet Type: The jumping-off point for your search should start with first identifying which type of hatchet or camp axe will best suit you. When, where, and how you plan on utilizing your new hatchet should hugely narrow down your search, as felling axes, splitting axes, and hatchets all have their own respective strengths and weaknesses. 

Size & Shape: This will be partially dictated by what type of hatchet you select, but regardless of the genre, hatchets from the same sub-segment can still vary significantly in terms of size, shape, and overall aesthetic form, with some models employing age-old vintage designs while others utilize unmistakably modern layouts that present evolved takes on the space. Just like with axe or hatchet type, your intended use should ultimately guide this portion of your search. 

Materials: One of, if not the single biggest factor that determines the overall quality and durability of any hatchet is the materials that it’s crafted from. This includes looking into the construction of the handle, as well as the material used to craft the axe’s head — the former of which can be made from everything from wood to modern composites while the latter is most commonly composed of iron, steel, or other alloys. It’s also worth exploring secondary materials such as handle or grip overlays, hardware, and any other more minor elements. 

Head Design: In addition to its construction, you’ll also want to examine the design of an hatchet’s head, as this item’s size, weight, shape, and profile all directly impact how the hatchet will perform, as well as which type of tasks it will best lend itself to. Some hatchet heads will also sport supplementary features or design elements such as notches that can serve as nail and/or tent stake pullers. 

Handle Ergonomics: How a handle is shaped — i.e. its ergonomics — is another factor that plays a substantial role in deterring the performance of any axe or hatchet. Often slightly curved to increase leverage and striking force, the shape, size, and length of a handle is ultimately what determines this area. 

Build Quality: The materials used to make a hatchet are no doubt of utmost importance, though so too is the manner in which said materials were pieced together. The build quality, overall construction, and fit and finish not only greatly impact a hatchet’s durability and longevity, but these are also key factors that separate the best camp axes and hatchets on the market from their less expensive counterparts. 

Weight & Packability: Depending on how and where you plan on using your new hatchet, you may also need to consider how portable it is. This area primarily comes down to the axe or hatchet’s size and weight, how thick its profile is, and what type of sheath or holster it’s sold with — though we’ll touch more on this latter area immediately below. 

Sheaths & Holsters: The vast majority of hatches on the market are sold with an included holster or sheath — or, at the very least, a cover to shield the hatchet’s head and blade when not in use. Sheaths and holsters may seem like an afterthought, though these can massively affect how easy it is to carry, mount, or transport an axe or hatchet, making this another pivotal area to review when shopping. 

Honorable Mentions

What Barebones does, it does incredibly well, which is deliver vintage — and often Japanese — inspired tools with decent quality at a fair price. And this formula is on full display with the Barebones Field Hatchet. Priced at just $70, this hatchet is comprised of a 1055 high-carbon steel head mated to a hickory handle and furnished with a 900-denier sheath. Though we came very close to giving this model a main spot on our list, some of the quality control issues we’ve experienced when using other Barebones tools lead us to ultimately relegate this pick to an honorable mention.

The Civilware Hatchet is a modern take on a classically-styled field hatchet that’s been brought to life using premium materials, with a 5.5” drop-forged 1060 high-carbon steel head fixed to a 13.5” American hickory handle. Straight-cut for a more balanced weight, this simple yet efficient splitter is able to offer a lifetime of use. And, while it’s admittedly a terrific compact axe option, Civilware’s Hatchet just wasn’t quite special enough to justify including it as a main pick on our list — though it’s definitely worth a look when shopping, especially if you’ve got a proclivity for more classically-styled outdoor gear. 

Crafted by hand in America, the Hardcore Hammers Survivalist Hatchet is unquestionably one of the finest examples of a boutique-made, small-batch axe. Using ultra-tough 4140 tool steel — better known as “Ordnance Steel” — this hatchet features a 5.5” head with a 3.5” blade on one side and a waffled hammer on the other. Ground to within a +/- 0.005″ tolerance, this Ordnance Steel” head comes mated to a 18” curved Hickory Handle. While there’s absolutely no denying the immense quality and performance of Hardcore Hammer’s hatchets, the fact that they don’t afford the best bang-for-your-buck ultimately lead us to select this USA-made hatchet as a very honorable mention — that and the fact it spans 18” overall. 

Offering a stellar combination of portability and chopping prowess, the Toor Knives Camp Axe has long been one of our favorite hatchet models. Though it’s been discontinued for the time being — albeit is reportedly slated to reenter production in the near future — the company is still making its also stellar F13 Tommy, which is a shorter (9.0” vs 12”) more tactical tomahawk-style item that’s still plenty capable of chopping throw limbs and splitting logs. In typical Toor fashion, the F13 Tommy benefits from the American outfit’s usual brand of top-shelf materials and top-notch build quality. At $350, it admittedly doesn’t come cheap, though it is practically guaranteed to afford a lifetime of use thanks to its immense durability. 

Winner of a prestigious Red Dot Design Award, the Aclim8 COMBAR Titanium is an ultra-rugged survival tool that features a locking and pivoting 420J2 stainless steel head with an axe blade, hammer, and a spade. Also crafted from 6AL-4V titanium and hard-anodized aluminum, the COMBAR Titanium also boasts a hardwearing glass-reinforced polymer handle that houses a removable storage capsule that can accommodate an optional fixed blade knife and folding saw — making it something of the ultimate outdoor survival tool. Between its hefty weight and even heftier price, we opted to give this top-shelf model an honorable mention slot rather than including it as a main pick.