Best Camping Axes
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Camping axes are useful when spending time outdoors with organic resources. Being able to chop through wood, branches, and/or other materials requires something substantial in your hands. This is why more and more campers are starting to look towards investing in a high-grade camping axe.
For those who are thinking about making an investment such as this, it’s time to look at the top 5 camping axes available on the open market right now.
Here are the best camping axes, why it’s important to buy a camping axe, and what to look for before making the investment.
Efficere Camping Axe
The Efficere Camping Axe is a powerhouse when it comes to ergonomics, build quality, and overall performance. This camping axe ages well and is going to provide illustrious value for those who want a rugged option that’s affordable at the same time.
Pros
- Balanced Weight Distribution From Top to Bottom
- Anti-Shock Elements
- Affordable Pricing
- Excellent Soft Rubber Grip for Added Control
- Great Cutting Performance
Cons
- Require a Bit of Sharpening
- Not Good for Smaller Hands
Estwing Sportsman's Axe
Estwing Sportsman's Axe - 14Buy Now From Amazon
The Estwing Sportsman’s Axe is a substantial addition to any camper’s kit. It’s rugged, easy to handle, and provides tremendous performance in all types of conditions. Whether it’s handling branches or digging small holes, this is an axe that is going to always get the job done.
Pros
- Easy in the Hands
- Heavy-Duty Sheath
- Forged Into One Piece
- Safe and Built in the U.S.
Cons
- Axe’s Handle May Need Leather Conditioner
- Average Durability
Cold Steel Axe Gang Hatchet
Cold Steel Axe Gang Hatchet, One SizeBuy Now From Amazon
The Cold Steel Axe Gang Hatchet is among the finest camping axes on the market right now. It is sleek, easy to use, and offers a comfortable grip everyone will like whether their hands are small or large. These details and balanced proportions are what make it a gem.
Pros
- Razor-Sharp Edges for Consistent Cutting
- Great Grip for All Conditions
- Comfortable for Extended Usage
- Affordable Pricing
Cons
- Blade Can Start to Chip with Aggresive Use
- Handle is a Bit Longer than Normal
Cold Steel Viking Hand Axe
Cold Steel (CS90WVBA-BRK) Viking Hand Axe 90WVBA, PolishedBuy Now From Amazon
The Cold Steel Viking Hand Axe is a top of the line camping axe with a variety of perks. Whether it is the premium build quality or the excellent cutting performance, everything about this axe is ideal for those wanting a reliable partner by their side.
Pros
- Exceptional Cutting Performance Outdoors
- Easy in the Hands and Breathable
- Good Durability with the Edges
- Good Pricing
Cons
- Handle Can Loosen with Aggressive Use
- Average Quality Screw Used to Hold Tool Together
Schrade SCAXE2L
The Schrade SCAXE2L is an industry-grade camping axe and provides a beautiful finish that is easy on the eyes and perfect in the hands. The cold-resistant handle makes it one of the better camping axes when the temperature drops and/or snow is around.
Pros
- Quality Polyester Sheath
- Secure Grip in Different Conditions
- Cold-Resistant Handle for the Outdoors
- Good Weight Distribution
Cons
- Handle Can Rattle a Bit When in Use
- Rod Can Get in the Way During Cutting
Reasons to Buy a Camping Axes
1) Ideal for Chopping Wood/Branches
The main reason you are going to want to have a camping axe handy has to do with chopping wood. If you are going to be preparing a small shelter or perhaps a campfire, it is the axe that is going to be handy. Doing things manually is not an option and is only going to endanger you outdoors.
Instead it is better to have something like this ready to go at all times.
It is going to keep you safe and make sure things are done the right way.
2) Great for Setting a Campfire
Let’s imagine you are thinking about settling in a spot and the temperature begins to drop. In situations such as these, you are going to want to have a campfire ready to go. However, it is not easy to do this without having enough wood and knowing it is going to be properly sized.
For this to happen, you are going to have to get the camping axe out of the bag.
Without a tool like this, the process is going to become ten times harder and the campfire won’t be as effective as you want it to be.
3) Self Defense From Predators
While this is not a situation you are going to want to find yourself in, it is always best to stay prepared. What if a predator finds its way to your camping spot and wants to get aggressive? How are you going to make sure the predator doesn’t attack you and cause harm?
The best way is to use a camping axe as a weapon to make sure you are safe and don’t get harmed.
This is a neat tool that is going to make you feel safe at all times of the day.
4) Easier to Dig Holes
In rare cases, you are also going to want to think about using the camping axe as a way to dig holes. Yes, it is not going to be the same as taking out a shovel, but it is an option that can be used from time to time to dig deeper holes.
You can cut through rough parts of the ground that may not be as easy to get through with your hands. As a result, the axe is ging to make it a breeze to power through without having to think too much about it. This is the charm of having a quality camping axe ready to go in your bag.
What to Look for in a New Camping Axe
1) Ergonomics/Handling
How does the camping axe handle when it is put to use? There are several modern examples of camping axes that look great in pictures but end up performing poorly because they are difficult to hold onto. This can be something as simple as the finish not being comfortable in the hands.
If it is too hard to handle, how are you going to use it for extended periods with sweaty palms?
These details have to be taken into account when it is time to make an investment of this nature. Otherwise, the axe is going to keep slipping and potentially become a safety hazard too.
2) Anti-Shock Features
There are times when the axe is going to hit against a hard surface and rattle. This can be frustrating and it happens when the blade is loose and/or not securely fitted the way it should be. Modern standards demand there to be anti-shock features for high-quality axes.
The best axes may rattle a bit, but they are never going to take away from cutting performance as a whole.
This is why it’s recommended to look for an axe that is rigid and isn’t going to shake as soon as it slams against a hard surface such as a tree.
3) Anti-Corrosion
Durability is one of the biggest requirements people have when it is time to make an investment of this nature. The last thing you are going to want is to buy a brand-new camping axe and then realize it is breaking down in front of your eyes.
The camping axe is going to go through a lot and it needs to hold up well in all conditions.
This includes being able to weather moisture that settles on its edges. This is the only way the blade will survive over the long haul.
To do this, you have to look for anti-corrosion properties in how the axe is built.
4) Balanced Weight Distribution
You are going to have to focus on weight distribution when it comes to a new camping axe, Remember, it is always going to be in your hands being swung from one place to the next. Whether this is while chopping wood or digging a hole, the weight distribution is going to play a significant role in the axe’s performance.
If it is too heavy on one side, it is going to feel wobbly and ruin the axe’s results.
The axe will become difficult to use and it will become ten times worse as the temperature drops. This is why a balanced axe is the only way to go. It should never feel like the axe is leaning too far towards the blade as that is when performance dwindles to nothing.
Final Thoughts
For those who are on the market looking to invest in a wonderful camping axe, it’s important to create a checklist and make a worthwhile investment. The top 5 camping axes listed in this guide are a wonderful example of what is available for those who want the best.
These camping axes have been verified by experts to make sure they perform well in all conditions.
Whether it is time to head outdoors in the dead of winter or the middle of the summer, these camping axes will come through the way you want them to.
