A hatchet is a single-handed striking tool that is fitted with a sharp blade on one side, and offers a plethora of benefits in several different situations. You can use a hatchet as a snow and ice tool, drive tent stakes, create tinder, carving, and even to build a shelter.
Hatchets, even though considerably similar in design are not to be confused with axes, most notably because they showcase a smaller footprint, making them a better choice for certain tasks than others including chopping down small to medium size trees. Some hatchets are also great for backpacking as well.
Buying the best hatchet for chopping wood however can be a tricky task, given the myriad of options available.
But we’ve done the homework, and narrowed it down to just two great options that won’t disappoint you in the field.
Our Top Picks
Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet
Pros:
- 3.5-inch blade
- Zero slip grip
- Weighs just 1.54 lbs
- Onsite finger notches
- Made from stainless steel
- Includes nylon sheath and pocket guide
What we like: The Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet comes in at the #1 spot on this list of best hatchets for chopping wood for several reasons, most notably its razor sharp 3.5-inch blade. With this integrated blade, the Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet makes it easy to perform tasks such as chopping wood, limbing saplings and splitting logs, without having to put in a significant amount of effort.
Further, it boasts a lightweight and compact footprint at just 1.54 lbs, and measures 9.46 inches overall. The Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet is made from sturdy stainless steel, and features a zero-slip grip on the handle for added comfort and safety during use. This wood chopping hatchet features finger notches right below the head, which are designed to provide optimal control in tasks such as stripping bark and feathering kindling.
The base of the hatchet features a handy hole, which can be used to attach a lanyard as an extra precautionary measure when using the tool. The head of the Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet offers twofold benefits, where the sharp blade side can be used to chop wood etc.
And the crosshatched striking surface on the other side can be used for a wide range of camp tasks including tenderizing meat, and pounding tent stakes. The Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet by Gerber comes with a mildew-resistant, military-grade nylon sheath with integrated belt loops to store the tool when not in use, and a copy of Bear’s “Priorities of Survival” Pocket Guide.
Fiskars X7
Pros:
- 3.5-inch blade
- Zero slip grip
- Weighs just 1.54 lbs
- Onsite finger notches
- Made from stainless steel
- Includes nylon sheath and pocket guide
What we like: Coming in at the #2 position on this list of best hatchets for chopping wood is none other than the Fiskars X7, owing mostly to its pocket friendly price, and rich set of features. It features advanced blade geometry, an ultra-sharp edge, and offers perfect weight distribution, which collectively allow you to maximize your performance.
Speaking of the blade, it is crafted using the company’s proprietary grinding technique, which results in a sharper edge for better contact and cleaner cuts. Further, the blade of the Fiskars X7 axe is engineered to stay sharp over a longer period, and features a low friction coating.
Its advanced weight distribution provides excellent power to weight ratio for enhanced swing speed, somewhat similar to swinging an aluminum baseball bat. The Fiskars X7 hatchet is claimed to be virtually unbreakable in lieu of its inseparable insert-molded head, and steel-like FiberComp handles.
The Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 hatchet measures 16.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches, and weighs just 1.38 lbs, making it easy to carry around, and store when not in use. It is made from high quality fiberglass material, and allows you to chop more wood in less time, and without adding strain on your hands.
The Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet is equipped with a hollow plastic handle, which features a lanyard hole at its base. It is an ideal choice for chopping small to medium size logs and kindling, and is backed by a lifetime warranty against any manufacturer defects.
General Buying Guide
Buying the best hatchet for chopping wood may seem like an easy task, but there are a few important factors to consider to ensure that you buy the right tool for the job.
Blade – often referred to as the head, the quality and sharpness of the blade dictates how well the hatchet will cut wood. The blade is also the main component of the hatchet, so ensure it is made from material that won’t damage easily such as tough grade stainless steel.
Handle – another important part of a hatchet, the handle should not only be comfortable to hold, but also designed to prevent strain on your hands. What’s even better is if the handle is fitted with some sort of rubber or similar material grip, which prevents sweating, and gives you a great grip of the tool. Handles can be made from several different materials, so choose one that is durable, less likely to splinter, and is lightweight.
Length – the length of hatchets varies, but on average is roughly 14 inches to 36 inches in length. If you need anything longer, then you should consider buying an axe instead.
Hammer – this is the back of the blade i.e. the flat surface dubbed the poll or hammerhead. This flat surface is often used as an alternative to a hammer in several different situations such as driving nails in solid ground when camping.
Hatchet weight – given that you’re buying the best hatchet for chopping wood, buy a tool that is lightweight, and won’t bog you down when carrying it around. Sheath – a sheath is basically a case that’s designed to protect the blade of the hatchet. Some manufacturers include it with your purchase, but if not is highly affordable and easily available.