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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.
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.
We love this axe for its feel. Regardless of hand position, the tool feels comfortable in hand. It also delivers surprising power.
If you need a cheap, no-nonsense splitter, then the Coleman Camp Axe is what you need. It's rugged, affordable, and perfect for kindling splitting.
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.
- Flared handle end provides a secure grip.
- Can also be used to split small and medium logs.
- Extremely durable tool that takes the knocks.
- Lightweight, no-vibration FiberComp handle.
- Excellent value for money and lifetime warranty.
- Lacks the pleasing aesthetics of a wood axe.
- Can't shape or personalize the handle.
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.
- Premium axe made from the best materials.
- Ideal for a wide variety of jobs.
- Razor-sharp, polished edge.
- Comes with luxurious leather sheath.
- Heavier than composite hatchets.
- Requires ongoing handle maintenance.
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.
- High-carbon steel head.
- Full tang steel shaft.
- Notch pulls out stakes for fast camp teardowns.
- Comfortable rubber handle.
- Edge dulls quickly with use.
- Lacks the finesse of more expensive hatchets.
- Only one-year warranty.
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.
- Light, low-vibration FiberComp handle materials.
- Extremely tough hatchet that should last many years.
- PFTE coating helps reduce sticking in wood.
- Easy two-handed swinging for more demanding jobs.
- Extra length makes kindling splitting less precise.
- Lacks the pleasing aesthetics of a wood axe.
- Can't shape or personalize the handle.
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.
- Durable tool made from solid American steel.
- A heavy-hitting splitter.
- The ideal balance for splitting.
- Sharp, hand-sharpened edge.
- Some will find it too heavy for prolonged use.
- One-piece steel construction increases vibration.
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.
- Portable axe for easy transportation.
- Curved blade is suitable for a range of jobs.
- Bright colors are easy to spot outdoors.
- Composite handle that won't break easily.
- Flared handle end for secure swinging.
- Could feel more secure in hand.
- Lacks the pleasing aesthetics of a wood axe.
- Can't shape or personalize the handle.
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.
- Made from top-quality materials.
- Ideal for a wide variety of jobs.
- Razor-sharp, polished edge.
- Comes with an eye-catching leather sheath.
- Requires ongoing handle maintenance.
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.
- One of the most portable hatchets on the market.
- Full-tang construction means no broken handles.
- Affordable firewood splitter.
- Lacks the power of other hatchets on this list.
- No poll for hammering.
Summary table
Here’s a roundup of the top splitting axes currently on the market.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Editor's Pick |
| 9.5 | Check Price |
Top Hand Crafted |
| 9.5 | Check Price |
Best Budget |
| 9 | Check Price |
| Gerber Freescape 17.5” Hatchet
| 9 | Check Price |
|
| 8.5 | Check Price |
| Husqvarna Universal Hatchet H900
|