The Fiskars X27 Splitting Axe is the biggest in the X-Series range, geared towards the toughest firewood jobs. It’s a beast, made for splitting big, stubborn rounds that smaller axes struggle with. But is this tool worth the scratch?
This Fiskars X27 Axe review, takes a close look at its features, pros, and cons. You’ll get valuable performance insight as we reveal whether it has a place in your tool collection.
Is the Fiskars X27 worth the money?
The Fiskars X27 is a solidly built axe that’ll take a lot of punishment without breaking. At 36″ long, the contoured FiberComp handle is durable and offers massive leverage. When you combine an axe of this size with a sharp blade, it delivers enormous splitting power. This tool can effectively smash through large logs and stubborn knotted wood.
We think the X27 offers an impressive balance of value for money and performance. It’ll do a similar job to a high-end Swedish axe at a much lower price. It may not have the same stylish looks as a classic wooden-handled Hults Bruk, but if you can look past that, you’ll be impressed.
The X27 is best for taller people or experienced axe users who need a lot of power for large logs. Shorter people may find its long handle cumbersome; it is also overkill for everyday wood splitting. The Fiskars X25, 21, or even 17 are lighter axes that are easier to swing and cost less.
Quick points you need to know
- Best used for logs over twelve inches in diameter that smaller axes struggle to split.
- The handle is 36″ in length, so short-medium height users may struggle to swing it.
- This axe is heavy at over six pounds in weight; it’s overkill for smaller everyday jobs around the house.
- Buying a shorter splitting axe for the bulk of the splitting work in combination with an X27 makes sense if the budget allows it.
How does the Fiskars X27 perform?
We tested the X27 axe on a range of wood types to see how it performed. It makes easy work of softwood like cedar and pine. Delivering the full power of this axe on softer wood will be like a knife through butter. But your arms will feel it the next day if you use this tool all day.
In most cases, large hardwood logs are no match for the power of the X27. When swung correctly, oak and beech are easy to split. Of course, no axe is perfect. Twisted, gnarly hardwood will still take multiple blows to break it up. We’d still recommend having a maul on hand for the heavy lifting. Check out our review of the Fiskars Pro IsoCore Maul to see how it performs.
Features
The X27 has some impressive innovations, offering safety, ease-of-use, and efficient splitting. Some of the main features include:
- Rugged and lightweight handle that is virtually unbreakable.
- 36″ long handle delivers incredible splitting power.
- Coated blade helps stop wood binding.
- PermaHead design keeps the head from coming off the handle, reducing repair costs and increasing safety.
- Easy-carry handle on the head cover.
- Sharp-edged blade that is easy to maintain.
- Full lifetime warranty
Parts of the Fiskars X27
Axe Head
The head of the X27 weighs in at 4 pounds. When you combine the 2.3-pound handle, its total weight of 6.3 pounds makes it one of the heaviest splitting axes on the market.
Thanks to a permanent molded head, it is robust and won’t break off, even under extreme force from overstrike. We tried to find evidence of other users that’d had breakage issues, but they were few and far between.
A forged steel head will provide many years of use. Its double-hardened cutting edge isn’t as hard as some competitors like Gransfors Bruks. But it will consistently chop through tough wood, so long as the bit is maintained.
You can also invest in the Fiskars Axe and Knife Sharpener. It is purpose-built for the aggressive wedge profile of any axe in the X Series.
The head’s coating is a handy feature that anyone will appreciate if they’ve ever got their axe stuck in wood. This outer layer reduces friction, lessening the chance of pinching or binding. It wears off after solid use, so the benefit from this coating isn’t long-term.
The X27’s poll shouldn’t be used for hammering hard objects like steel. This is a helpful feature of mauls that we missed with this tool.
Axe handle
The handle is made from FiberComp, an innovative material that’s super-strong and much lighter than wood. Its ergonomic hollow design makes it much more shock-absorbent than regular handles.
You can bring down the axe head with immense force thanks to a shaft that’s an impressive 36″ in length. This handle is the longest in the X-Series and provides the benefit of leverage. Deliver faster blows with greater impact.
At the end of the handle, you’ll find a flared knob that helps keep the axe from flying out of your hands. For an axe of this size, it’s a necessary feature. You’ll also find a lanyard hole at the end for easy hanging when in storage.
Old-school lovers of wooden hafts may not appreciate the Fiskars range of axes. Also, DIY types who like to replace damaged handles or thin down the haft obviously won’t be able to with this handle. If that’s a deal-breaker, then the Gransfors Bruks or Husqvarna ranges may be a better option.
While it’s hard to beat the aesthetics of a hickory handle, the performance of FiberComp is exceptional.
Head cover
The Fiskars X27 comes with an orange plastic cover that protects the blade when not in use. It may not look as good as a leather sheath, but it’s incredibly robust, and moisture can easily escape, reducing the onset of rust.
The protective cover has a handle at the top, making it easier to carry the axe. It’s also suitable for hanging the tool when not in use. The cover is bright orange and is easy to spot out in the forest.
The pros
- One of the best axes for splitting wood
- Well suited to tall users
- Long handle delivers immense power
- Excellent value for money
- Hollow handle reduces vibration and increases comfort
The cons
- Doesn’t quite have the power of a maul
- Can be difficult to wield, especially for shorter people
- Traditionalists may not like its design and appearance
Commonly asked questions
How does the X27 splitting axe feel in hand?
The Fiskars X27 will take a little getting used to if you’ve previously used another axe. Its hollow handle is light compared to a solid wooden one, which messes with the weight distribution. While a regular axe has more evenly distributed weight, the X27 is top-heavy. Although it’s roughly the weight of a small maul, it’s easier to lift and bring down hard on the wood you’re trying to split.
Fiskars X27 vs. Super Splitting Axe – What’s the difference?
The Fiskars X27 and Super Splitting Axe are essentially the same tools with identical heads. The only difference is that the handle of the X27 has a material that absorbs vibration better. The Super Splitting Axe is a little cheaper and doesn’t have a handle that’s partially colored orange.
How do I sharpen the X27?
A Fiskars X27 is easy to sharpen with a file or sandpaper. The manufacturer also sells a purpose-built sharpener that maintains the ideal blade profile for the X-Series range.
What is the best alternative to the Fiskars X27?
If you need a splitting axe and find the X27 too big, we recommend testing out the X25 or the X21. You can also check out our X17 splitting axe review. They are shorter, easier to swing, and capable of splitting most logs. For bigger jobs, we recommend keeping a splitting maul on hand.
Be sure to check out our review of the X25 splitting axe here.
Fiskars X27 Quick Summary
X27 measurements
| Attribute | Imperial | Metric |
| Length | 36” | 964mm |
| Width | 9¼” | 235mm |
| Height | 1¾” | 45mm |
| Weight | 6.28lb | 2.6kg |
Is Fiskars a trustworthy manufacturer?
Fiskars has been making tools since 1649 and has built a solid reputation for long-lasting products. As Finland’s oldest private company, their axes are still forged in Finland under strict quality guidelines.
Fiskars makes a wide range of products and is perhaps best known for their iconic orange scissors. They also own brands like Royal Doulton, Gerber, and Royal Albert.
Summing up
The Fiskars X27 is well worth your money if you’re looking for a no-nonsense powerhouse axe. It’s super-effective at splitting large logs that many other axes would struggle with.
You get great value for money with the X27. It holds its own against premium axes and mauls that cost over $200. The combination of FiberComp handle and PermaHead design means you’ll get many years of work out of this tool. If not, there’s a warranty that lasts a lifetime.
The Fiskars X27 won’t appeal to everyone. It’s a massive tool that is best for tall people or anyone experienced using an axe. Others will do well to downsize to an X25, which has the same design but is 8″ shorter and much easier to deliver accurate blows.
