The Fiskars X25 is the second largest splitting axe in their X-Series range. Whether you have a lot of wood to split or some big stumps making life difficult, this could be the tool for you.
An X25 looks impressive on paper, but does it perform? This article will review the Fiskars X25 axe to help you understand its features, strengths, and weaknesses.
Overview of the Fiskars X25
The Fiskars X25 is a well-built axe that will split big tree rounds all day without breaking. Its FiberComp handle is super-durable, light, and does a reasonable job of absorbing shock.
At 28″ in length, it’s long enough to deliver impressive splitting power. Combined with a sharp edge and anti-stick blade coating, it will swing through most wood.
This axe is our favorite large splitting axe in the Fiskars range. It’s excellent if you have a lot of wood to chop, providing a nice balance of power, accuracy, and ease of use.
Keep in mind that stubborn logs, crotches, and unfriendly knots are tough work with an X25. If you’ve got the budget it’s worth keeping a larger maul in the tool shed for the most challenging jobs. Check out our reviews of the Fiskars X27 or Fiskars Pro Maul to learn more.
The X25 is good value for money, offering similar performance to the top Swedish axe brands for a lower price. It doesn’t have the sleek look of a classic Gransfors Bruk, but those more interested in performance will be impressed with this product.
Fiskars X25 Quick Advice
- The X25 can split logs over 12″ in diameter.
- Most will find it light enough for everyday smaller jobs.
- If budget allows, invest in a bigger splitting axe or heavy-duty maul for extreme jobs.
How does the Fiskars X25 perform?
We gave the Fiskars X25 Splitting Axe a solid workout on some 20″ elm and 14″ pine rounds. It easily chopped through the pine and a stack of green elm. It felt light in hand and delivered blows hard and fast. After an hour of splitting, our arms weren’t ringing in pain as they would be from swinging bigger mauls.
A few elm logs had fully seasoned, and without any water content, they were as hard as rock. Although we managed to split the wood, it required a lot of work. A larger maul would have made life easier for this job.
Features
- Plastic FiberComp handle is non-slip, durable, and lightweight.
- Coated blade is corrosion and rust-resistant and less likely to get stuck in wood.
- An easy-to-maintain edge that’s sharp.
- Ergonomic handle with an antishock 3D surface to reduce jarring.
- Hooked end to prevent the axe from slipping out of hand.
- Handy plastic sheath for blade protection and easy carrying.
- Patented system that securely attaches the head and handle.
- Full lifetime warranty.
Parts of the Fiskars X25
The X25 is loaded with features that set it apart from the competition. Besides its vibrant color scheme, here’s what we like about this tool.
Axe Head
The head of the X25 weighs 4.03 pounds, making up most of the axe’s 5.3-pound total weight. Although the tool’s total weight isn’t much less than the X27, it’s much easier to wield.
Like all the Fiskars X-Series, it has a permanent molded head that can take the knocks. Even the intense impact of overstrike is unlikely to break it off. Although the tool’s poll (butt) is flat, save it for light hammering work.
The head is crafted from hardened forged steel that will allow you to keep chopping wood for years to come. It also has an aggressive double-hardened cutting edge that makes easy work of tough wood, so long as it’s sharpened regularly.
Another feature we loved about the axe head was the anti-stick coating. The blade doesn’t pinch or bind in the wood as much as other axes during splitting. This coating only offers short-term benefits as prolonged use will wear off the non-stick layer.
Axe handle
At 28″ in length, the Fiskars X25 is a “Boys Axe” that can deliver a lot of force. It is the second longest axe handle in the range, designed to split medium and large logs.
Although its bright color scheme makes it hard to lose in the forest, the handle may not appeal to some traditional axe enthusiasts. If you love the feel of wood handles then making the transition to fiberglass may be too bigger leap.
Besides its aesthetics, some won’t appreciate the materials used to make the haft. Because it’s not wood, you won’t be able to thin, sand, or varnish the handle.
At 28″ in length, the X25 is a good size for people of average height who are comfortable swinging a tool that’s bigger than a hatchet. Those who find full-sized axes cumbersome will appreciate the X25 for its size.
Its handle is lighter and stronger than a regular wooden haft. The advanced FiberComp material is hollow, which plays an essential role in shock absorption. Check out our article on the benefits of using a composite axe here.
Bringing the axe down hard on the crotch of an oak tree won’t create as much jarring. That means you can keep working for longer without wrist pain.
A flared knob at the end of the haft helps stop the axe from flying out of your hands. We also noticed that its grip didn’t become slippery after splashing water on the handle.
Those who like to hang their axe while it’s not in use will appreciate the lanyard hole at the end of the handle.
Head cover
The X25 comes with a plastic cover that is easy to attach. This sheath protects the blade and stops people or animals from injuring themselves. It also has a practical handle that makes carrying the tool safe and easy.
Another benefit of the head cover is that it allows any water on the axe to escape. This feature will help extend the life of the axe by reducing the onset of rust.
Strengths of a Fiskars X25
- An excellent tool for splitting most types of wood.
- A sleek, modern-looking axe that most will appreciate.
- Comfortable to swing and low vibration on contact.
- Made from durable materials that can take impact.
- Produced in Finland by a reputable 370-year-old company
Weaknesses of a Fiskars X25
- Less power than a maul or larger axe.
- May struggle to split extra tough, knotty wood.
- The head’s poll is limited to light hammering tasks.
- Woodsmiths can’t make alterations or perform maintenance.
Commonly asked questions
How does the X25 splitting axe feel in hand?
While many axes have their weight more evenly distributed, the X25 contains most of its weight in the head. It takes a slight adjustment, but you’ll soon find it comfortable in hand. Lifting the axe and bringing it down with explosive force is easier than most axe varieties.
Fiskars X25 vs. X27 – What’s the difference?
The X25 and X27 share the same design and features. However, the X25 is twelve inches shorter, making it easier for most people to swing. The X27 has more power for tough jobs, but for frequent use, it’s best for taller people or experienced axe users.
How do I sharpen the X25?
The X25 blade can be sharpened like a regular axe using sandpaper, files, or an electric tool. Keep in mind that any sharpening will remove the coating, which reduces binding. Fiskars offers a special sharpener that helps maintain the tool’s correct blade profile.
What is the best alternative to the Fiskars X25?
If you’re looking for an alternative, then the Fiskars X17 or X21 splitting axes are shorter, easier to swing, and capable of splitting most logs you come across. You may want to invest in a splitting maul for the bigger jobs. Those looking for a different brand should try the Hultafors’ HY axe or the Husqvarna Splitting Axe.
Related reading: Fiskars X7 hatchet review.
Fiskars X25 Specifications
| Attribute | Imperial | Metric |
| Length | 28” | 72.3cm |
| Head weight | 4lb | 1.81kg |
| Total weight | 5.36lb | 2.43kg |
Is Fiskars a trustworthy manufacturer?
Fiskars has been making tools since 1649 and has built a solid reputation for long-lasting products. Finland’s oldest private company forges its tools locally under strict quality guidelines. We provide more details about Fiskars here.
Fiskars makes a wide range of products and is best known for its iconic orange scissors. They also own brands like Royal Doulton, Gerber, and Royal Albert.
Summing up
The Fiskars X25 Splitting Axe is an impressive axe capable of most jobs you throw at it. Logs over 12″ in diameter can often be split in a single blow, thanks to an aggressive blade profile.
This axe is built to last, making it excellent value for money. Its PermaHead design means no more axe heads flying loose, and the FiberComp handle is practically impossible to break.
What we liked the most about the X25 was how it feels in hand. Having already tested the X27, swinging the shorter X25 made a huge difference. It was easier to deliver accurate strikes, and overstrike wasn’t such a worry. Less weight also meant that hand strain was less of an issue.
The X25 won’t appeal to everyone, especially those with a load of gnarly, knotted wood that needs splitting. It doesn’t have the extreme power that comes from full-size splitting axes and mauls. If you have the budget, consider using the X25 for most jobs and keep an oversized, heavy-hitting splitter for the toughest challenges.
