Which Axe Should You Actually Buy? 

Amazon’s full of junk. Not All Axes Deserve to Touch Wood 

Amazon is rife with axes that appear great but are poorly weighted, dull very quickly, and don’t maintain an edge. Newbies will usually take the first one they find, not knowing that the issue isn’t their ability, but the instrument itself. A poor carpentry axe will make even the simplest job exasperating. The correct one does the trick for you. It’s advisable to begin with a tried and tested forged option, not necessarily a “cheaper one with good ratings.” Let’s break down 4 hand-forged, real-deal axes — what they do and don’t. 

For Control and Clean Cuts: Hand-Forged Carving Axe (1.05 kg / 2.31 lb) 

Accuracy begins with equilibrium, and this hand-forged carving carpenter’s hatchet provides control and cutting strength in the same proportions. At just 1.05 kg, this carpenters axe is light enough for detailed work but strong enough to take deep bites when working green wood. Forged from high-carbon steel and sharpened to razor-sharpness, it’s great for carving bowls, spoons, and sculptural pieces. 

Use it for: 

• Precise shaping. 

• Timber joinery. 

• Log work that needs finesse, not brute force. 

Why it works: 

• Just heavy enough for momentum. 

• Long edge and flat grind = great for “planing” cuts. 

• Perfect for furniture joints or prepping square stock. 

Avoid if: you need deep splitting or one-handed cuts only. 

For Maximum Smash: 28″ Wood Chopping Axe (2.1 kg / 4.5 lb) 

When brute strength is combined with precision, you have the 28″ Wood Chopping Axe. This monster is designed for serious splitting force — perfect for splitting large logs, thick rounds, and hard hardwoods. Upgrade to a carpenters axe that gets the job done if you’re fed up with bouncing blades and wasted labor. 

Use it for: 

• Heavy felling. 

• Chopping large logs. 

• Outdoors / off-grid building. 

Why it works: 

• Serious weight behind each swing. 

• Two-handed beast. 

• Deep wedge for splitting and hacking. 

Avoid if: you want precision or plan to carry it far — this one’s a tank. 

For Light Control Work: Small Carving Axe (0.66 kg / 1.46 lb) 

Whether cutting curves or detailing small projects, the Small Carving Axe has the right bite without ever being cumbersome. Hand-forged from high-carbon steel and paired with a hardwood handle as durable as it is rugged, this carpenters hatchet is a favorite among carvers who value feel, finesse, and precision. 

Use it for: 

• Spoon carving. 

• Kuksa / bowl shaping. 

• Fieldwork or mobile carving setups. 

Why it works: 

• Light, nimble, and accurate. 

• Comfortable for long sessions. 

• Great for learners or those carving small details. 

Avoid if: you’re doing rough shaping or large wood prep. 

A Bit More Weight, Same Precision: Small Carving Axe (0.7 kg / 1.54 lb) 

With the additional weight only sufficient for smoother cutting and deeper bites, this carpenter axe retains the precision and balance required for greenwood carving, spooning, and shaping. 

Use it for: 

• Same as the lighter version, but with more bite. 

• Slightly more momentum for tougher hardwoods. 

• Still one-handed and great for carving curves. 

Why it works: 

• Balanced feel. 

• Compact but not fragile. 

• Better choice if you want just one small carpenter’s axe with some muscle. 

Avoid if: you need ultra-light control — this one might fatigue tiny hands. 

Which One’s Yours? 

Choosing the right axe for your specific woodwork or carving needs is your best option. Use a lighter carpenter hatchet when you require dainty detail work, or a heavier axe to provide more power and gliding cuts. These carpenter’s axes are designed for varying needs, from fine carving to rough chopping, so that you always have the right tool on hand.