Best Hatchets For Kindling In 2023 – 8 Top Picks

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Any axe can split kindling, but a well-built hatchet will make the job much easier. We’ve got the best hatchets for kindling. Whether you’re in the backyard or camping remotely, this guide is here to help.

We recommend the Fiskars X7 Hatchet as the ideal kindling all-rounder. Its design features an aggressive blade profile that efficiently splits wood along the grain. The X7’s lightweight construction, balance, and ergonomic handle make it easy to wield.

Here is a quick snapshot of our three favorite kindling hatchets.

What are the top hatchets for kindling?

We’ve tested all the hatchets on this page, and they will all do a good job of splitting kindling. Their polls can all be used for hammering, except the Gerber Pack Hatchet, which is too thin to hammer objects. 

1. Fiskars X7 Hatchet

The Fiskars X7 is a kindling beast. This tool has a wide-angled wedge-shaped blade that does an impressive job of popping wood apart. At 14″ in length, it’s compact enough for close-up work but long enough to pry apart stubborn, twisted wood grain.

The X7 is light and easy to swing, so most will find delivering super-precise blows isn’t a challenge. Direct from store, the 30° blade is sharp for a mass-produced tool. It’s capable of slicing feather sticks and fine pieces of tinder, although not the ideal tool for this purpose.   

Some hatchets have long blades that often bind when splitting vertically. The X7 is short, stout, and has a handy coating to help prevent sticking.

You can also check out our in-depth review of the X7 here.

2. Hults Bruk Almike Hatchet

The Hults Bruk Almike is a small multi-purpose tool ideal for chopping kindling. This hatchet is hand-crafted in Sweden with high-quality Swedish axe steel and American hickory.

We love this axe for its feel. Regardless of hand position, the tool feels comfortable in hand. It also delivers surprising power and makes easy work of kindling and less challenging splitting jobs.

The Almike is a portable hatchet at 1.75lb, making it useful for camping, hiking, hunting, and other outdoor activities. Use it to chop poultry and game, clear campsites, knock in tent stakes, and chop wood. Its finger notch makes intricate carving and carpentry easier using a choke grip.

3. Coleman Camp Axe

If you need a cheap, no-nonsense splitter, then the Coleman Camp Axe is what you need. While it has a budget-friendly price tag, the Coleman is rugged and perfect for kindling splitting.

The axe’s head is constructed using heavy-duty, drop-forged steel. It comes with a notch for easy removal of nails and tent stakes.

The blade will need regular sharpening with a file or sandpaper if you want it to keep performing. While any axe needs sharpening occasionally, we found this model didn’t hold its edge well.

4. Gerber Freescape 17.5” Hatchet

The Gerber Freescape 17.5 hatchet is made by the company that produces the Fiskars range. It shares the same design and features as the Fiskars X7 but is a few inches longer and has a green color scheme. If you’re impressed by the X7 but want extra leverage, the Gerber 17.5 is an excellent option.  

The Freescape is a versatile hatchet designed for yardwork and outdoor enthusiasts. The combination of balance and a sharp bit makes most chopping jobs easy. We delimbed some olive tree branches, chopped kindling, and messed around with some simple carving.

A hollow handle makes for a light and easy-to-wield tool. It provides a secure grip, even in wet conditions. A lanyard hole is at the end of the haft for attaching the hatchet to a backpack or hanging it in the tool shed.

5. Estwing 14″ Fireside Friend

The Estwing 14″ Fireside Friend is the heaviest tool on this list. At only 14″, it’s compact, but a heavy four-pound head means it’s a force to be reckoned with.

The weighty head provides useful splitting force. It’s a great splitter that doubles as a kindling chopper. If you need a multi-functional hatchet, then this is a good option. The Fireside Friend is overkill for those who just want to chop kindling. Its weight will cause premature hand strain and fatigue for many users. 

6. Husqvarna Universal Hatchet H900

The Husqvarna Universal Hatchet H900 is a compact hatchet that easily slips into a backpack or vehicle trunk. Its slim, curved blade is sharp and highly effective at making deep cuts into wood. It’s an ideal tool for felling small trees, chopping up tinder and kindling, or splitting small to medium-sized logs.

After conducting various tests, our team was impressed with the Husqvarna H900. Despite its size, this tool’s length and weight make it easy to hit targets with pinpoint accuracy. Swing through a big pile of kindling without getting tired or sore wrists and fingers. 

We review the Husqvarna H900 here.

7. Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet 13.50 Inch

The Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet is a sleek, high-end tool that feels as good as it looks. It made easy work of chopping kindling, even tough, gnarly pieces of wood. It is also good for bushcraft activities like carving, shaving tinder, and notching branches.

An extensive beard provides safe finger clearance. Grip the handle in choke for precise cuts. This feature is handy for carving and food prep in the wild.

The GB Wildlife is a great choice for those on the move. It’s super-light, barely noticeable on a belt, and has minimal impact on your loadout. If you’re buying a hatchet for around the home, this tool is perfect – easy for prolonged use, and older kids will have no problem using it (supervised).

The axe’s size means less power, and two-handed swinging isn’t feasible. You’ll need something with extra grunt for bigger jobs like wood splitting.

8. Gerber Pack Hatchet

The Gerber Pack Hatchet is the ultimate kindling chopper if packing light is your primary goal. Whether kayaking, mountaineering, or heading out on multi-day hikes, this hatchet is worth considering. It’s the shortest, thinnest, and lightest option in this guide.

The Gerber Pack Hatchet can perform most tasks at a campsite, like felling small trees, bucking small logs, and chopping kindling. Of course, the tool is tiny, so it’ll take a lot more swinging to get the job done.

The Pack Hatchet also lacks a significant poll, so it’s not much help for knocking in tent stakes. Splitting anything bigger than small, straight logs will usually leave you frustrated. However, some will find the portability of this tool outweighs the need for more power.

We provide a full review of the Gerber Pack Hatchet here.

Summary table

Here’s a roundup of the top splitting axes currently on the market.

Image	Product	Features	Price
Editor's Pick	Fiskars X7 Hatchet Length: 14" Head weight: 1.0lb Total weight: 1.4lb	9.5	Check Price
Top Hand Crafted	Hults Bruk Almike Hatchet Length: 16" Head Weight: 1.0lb Total Weight: 1.75lb	9.5	Check Price
Best Budget	Coleman Camp Axe Length: 13” Head Weight: N/A Total Weight: 1.9lb	9	Check Price
	Gerber Freescape 17.5” Hatchet Length: 17.5" Head Weight: N/A Total Weight: 2.0lb	9	Check Price
	Estwing 14″ Fireside Friend Length: 14”    Head Weight: 4.0lb Total Weight: 4.18lb	8.5	Check Price
	Husqvarna Universal Hatchet H900 Length: 13.4” Head Weight: 1.54lb Total Weight: 1.98lb	8.5	Check Price

How we tested the best hatchets

Searching for the best splitting axe is no easy feat. There are thousands of axes on the market, so our small team couldn’t possibly test them all. Here’s how we approached the task.

1. Research: To create our initial shortlist, we start by reaching out to our friends on forums and social media. Groups like Axe Junkies and Youtube video reviews provide a wealth of advice and opinion from experienced axe users. We combine that knowledge with Alex Johansen’s experience to get a useful list of contenders.
2. Data collection: We measure, weigh, analyze, and observe each tool, allowing for some valid comparisons between axes.   
3. Field testing: We then buy each axe through some rigorous tests. Each tool has to split a softwood, hardwood, big and small logs, kindling, and some nasty crotch. Each axe was judged on power, weight, durability, and price.

Limitations: No two rounds of wood are the same, so making comparisons is hard. Also, the first swing of the day will likely have more oomph than the last. This disparity makes comparing splitting power between axes a little tricky.

What to consider when choosing a hatchet for kindling

There is plenty to think about when buying a hatchet to split kindling. Below are some essential factors to consider in the decision process. Every buyer has different needs, so handle material may be a key factor for one person, while weight may be crucial to another.

1. Amount of kindling

Do you only need to chop small amounts of kindling for a few cold nights through winter? An entry-level hatchet should be all that’s required. For processing big piles of kindling, consider a higher-quality tool built for comfort and performance.

2. Handle Material

Axe handles are constructed from one of three materials, each with strengths and weaknesses. You can choose from steel, wood, or fiberglass when buying an axe.

Steel: Some axe makers forge an axe from one piece of steel. The axe head and handle don’t have to be attached, meaning the tool is virtually unbreakable. Steel isn’t ideal for absorbing shock and isn’t comfortable in hand. Rubber grips help absorb vibration and increase comfort for the user.

Steel hatchets are fine for occasional use but don’t absorb shock well. If you split a lot of firewood, fiberglass or wood handles will allow you to swing for longer without joint pain.

Wood: Wooden handles feel comfortable in hand and look impressive. Wood varieties like hickory are light and have outstanding shock-absorbing qualities. They also flex on impact, which increases power.

Wood-handled kindling hatchets don’t have to deal with overstrike and the extreme impact that bigger axes deal with. That means they should last many years without needing a handle replacement.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass handles have increased in popularity over the last ten years. They are tough, light, and absorb shock exceptionally well. Some will argue the look and feel of composite materials don’t match wood, but that comes down to personal preference.

3. Weight

Weight is a vital factor when selecting a kindling splitter. Accuracy is crucial, and people with a diverse range of axe experience chop kindling. The ideal tool will be light and easy to swing. If you’re built like Thor, you may prefer a weightier hatchet for extra power.   

4. Handle length

Longer handles mean increased leverage and greater power. This feature can be helpful if the wood is twisted and doesn’t want to break apart. Longer handles also enable other jobs like felling saplings.

For easy splitting jobs and those who carry their hatchet long distances, look for a short handle.

5. Balance

A well-balanced hatchet improves user comfort and accuracy. Traditional wood and metal axes have even weight distribution; hatchets with a composite handle carry more weight in the head and less in the handle.

• Fiskars X7: The head makes up 71% of the total weight.
• Hults Bruk Almike: The head makes up 57% of the total weight.

We have used most hatchets on the market and found that adjusting to different ratios doesn’t take long. Some people find that too much head weight can lead to hand fatigue, so keep this in mind if you chop a lot of kindling.

6. Blade

Most kindling hatchets have carbon steel or steel heads. They don’t have to take the impact that a felling or felling axe endures, so damage isn’t a significant factor.

The blade profile is important. Look for a curved blade if you need a multi-purpose tool. These are great for various jobs in the forest or backyard. Specialist kindling axes have a flatter edge that’s wedge-shaped and super-sharp.

7. Handle grip

Hatchets made from wood like hickory or cherry offer excellent grip thanks to the wood grain. 

Steel handles typically have a grip made from leather, rubber, or some other comfortable material. Research what people say about handle grips, as this can be a sticking point. Some come loose, and others cause blisters or turn slippery when wet. The hatchets in this guide shouldn’t cause any issues.

8. Sheath

Hatchets often get tossed into the back of a truck or left next to a woodpile. To keep the blade in top condition, a sheath is essential. It will also protect kids from cutting themselves with a sharp edge.

Most hatchets come with a protective cover. If not, consider buying one separately – a wide range is available online.

Ensure the sheath has a loop for attaching to a belt or pack if you intend to travel on foot with it.

We love the plastic sheaths on many composite axe ranges like Fiskars and Gerber. They allow water to escape before mold can grow; they also double as a safe, comfortable carrying handle.

Frequently asked questions

What type of axe is best for kindling?

Small, lightweight hatchets with thin, sharp blades are usually best for chopping kindling. These axes typically have a shorter handle, allowing greater control and precision when working with small pieces of wood.

What is the easiest way to chop kindling?

Most people find it easiest to chop small pieces of wood along the grain vertically. Straight wood will break apart easily with a sharp hatchet.

What is the best Fiskars axe for kindling?

While many of the small Fiskars hatchets will do a good job of chopping kindling, we recommend the X7. It has a sharp blade with a splitting axe profile that’s ideal for breaking off small pieces of kindling. It is also lightweight and well-balanced, so it will appeal to most users.

How much should a hatchet weigh?

Hatchets made to chop kindling usually weigh between one and two pounds. If you want to split firewood and lop down small trees, a heavier tool weighing over two pounds will offer improved power.

How long should a hatchet be for chopping kindling?

Short handles improve precision and reduce the likelihood of injury. The shorter the hatchet, the greater the accuracy, which is essential when splitting finicky small bits. A hatchet ranging from 10-14″ is ideal. Longer handles will make heavy-duty tasks possible, but it’ll be more cumbersome for intricate work and kindling.

A quick recap of the top 3

Conclusion

Whether you’re making a fire in the wilderness or heating a home, the right hatchet will make a big difference. 

The hatchets reviewed in this article have been carefully selected based on their durability, versatility, aesthetics, and overall performance.

Every option on this page will split kindling with ease and efficiency. However, each has its strengths and weaknesses, depending on who uses it. For most, the Fiskars X7 or the Hults Bruk Almike won’t disappoint. They’re made by manufacturers with a long history of quality tools.