Hatchet vs. axe

Cutting wood, need the right tool, don't want to sound silly? A full comparison of the hatchet vs. axe, differences and similarities, when you should use them, and recommendations on what to buy.

An axe is double the length of a hatchet. And you're going to notice the head shape between hatchets and axes vary. The head of a hatchet is also smaller and has a significant taper. The head of an axe is larger and has a very slight taper (if any at all).

A hatchet can effectively be used with one hand, typically meant for chopping smaller pieces of firewood or small branches.

An axe is large enough for use with two hands (for maximum striking power). Axes are used for chopping larger wood.

When to use an Axe

• Splitting firewood
• Cutting down a tree
• Hewing lumber

What is hewing lumber?

Hewing is a centuries-old process of converting a round log into square lumber for use as building material.

When to use a Hatchet

• Split small pieces of firewood
• Cut down saplings & very small trees
• Chop small branches off a tree or bush
• Useful when camping

An axe and a hatchet look very similar (other than the size difference) and it's not hard to confuse the two.

With both an axe and a hatchet, the purpose is typically to cut wood. The difference between the two is in the scale and ability of each.

Both the axe and the hatchet have a steel head with a sharp edge called a bit. Both also have a handle that can be made out of either wood or a strong composite material.

The axe is thought to be one of the oldest tools ever used by man. It predates any written record. The earliest known axes are called "hand axes".

The hand axe was a pear-shaped piece of chipped stone worked to a point and a cutting edge. It had no handle. It was held directly in the hand, which is where the name comes from. Early man most likely used the hand axe to butcher animals or dig up roots.

Think of this as the anatomy of the axe. Each and every section of an axe has a name, these are the parts of an axe.

Head of an Axe

The head of an axe is the part of the tool that is used for cutting or chopping. It is typically made of metal and is attached to the handle, or haft, of the axe. The head typically consists of a blade and a poll, with the blade being the sharp, cutting edge and the poll being the opposite end of the head that is used for striking or pounding. The shape and size of the head can vary depending on the type of axe and its intended use. For example, a felling axe may have a longer and wider head with a more pronounced blade, while a hatchet may have a smaller and more compact head with a shorter blade.

Eye

The eye is the hole through the axe head that the handle fits into. The handle is driven into the eye and locked in place with a wedge. It is called the "eye" because it is typically shaped like an eye, with a round or oval opening at the end of the handle. The head of the axe is inserted into the eye and secured in place with a wedge, which helps to keep the head from coming loose during use.

The size and shape of the eye can vary depending on the type of axe and the size of the head. In general, the eye should be slightly larger than the head of the axe to allow for easy insertion and secure attachment. The head of the axe should also be properly aligned with the handle to ensure that it is balanced and easy to use.

The handle of the axe should be long enough to allow the user to hold it with both hands, with the eye being located near the end of the handle where it can be easily gripped.

Toe

The toe of an axe refers to the very tip of the blade on the cutting edge of the head. It is the part of the axe that makes contact with the material being cut or chopped, and it is often the thinnest and most pointed part of the blade. The shape and size of the toe can vary depending on the type of axe and its intended use. For example, an axe used for felling trees may have a wider and more blunt toe, while an axe used for carving or splitting wood may have a thinner and more pointed toe.

The toe is an important part of the axe because it determines the overall cutting performance of the tool. A sharp and well-maintained toe will make it easier to cut through wood or other materials, while a dull or damaged toe will make the axe less effective and may require more effort to use. It is important to keep the toe of the axe sharp and in good condition to ensure that it is able to perform its intended function effectively.

Bit

The bit of an axe is the cutting edge of the head, which is typically located on one side of the head and extends from the toe to the heel. The bit is the part of the axe that does the actual cutting or chopping, and it is often the sharpest and most durable part of the head. The shape and size of the bit can vary depending on the type of axe and its intended use. For example, an axe used for felling trees may have a wider and more curved bit, while an axe used for carving or splitting wood may have a thinner and more straight bit.

The bit of an axe is an important part of the tool because it determines the overall cutting performance of the axe. A sharp and well-maintained bit will make it easier to cut through wood or other materials, while a dull or damaged bit will make the axe less effective and may require more effort to use. It is important to keep the bit of the axe sharp and in good condition to ensure that it is able to perform its intended function effectively.

Heel

The heel of an axe is the part of the blade on the cutting edge of the head that is closest to the poll, or opposite end of the head. The heel is the bottom corner of the bit, the end of the cutting edge nearest the handle. The toe is the top corner. The shape and size of the heel can vary depending on the type of axe and its intended use. For example, an axe used for felling trees may have a wider and more blunt heel, while an axe used for carving or splitting wood may have a thinner and more pointed heel.

The heel of an axe is not typically used for cutting or chopping, but it can be used to help guide the axe when making a cut. For example, when splitting wood with a splitting axe, the heel can be used to guide the axe as it is struck into the wood, helping to ensure that the cut is straight and accurate.

Poll

The poll of an axe is the flat, blunt end of the head that is opposite the blade. It is typically located at the end of the head that is furthest from the handle, or haft, of the axe. The poll is not typically used for cutting or chopping, but it can be used for striking or pounding. On most axes the poll is a counterweight, not a hammer. Never pound steel wedges with it or hit it with a steel hammer: the poll is not tempered for that and can deform, crack the eye or throw steel chips. Wooden or plastic wedges only, unless the maker rates the poll for striking, as on a splitting maul.

The shape and size of the poll can vary depending on the type of axe and its intended use. For example, a felling axe may have a wider and more rounded poll, while a hatchet may have a smaller and more pointed poll. The poll of the axe is typically made of the same material as the blade and is designed to be strong and durable to withstand the force of impact. It is important to maintain the poll of the axe to ensure that it is in good condition and able to perform its intended function effectively.

Cheek

The cheek of an axe refers to the sides of the head that extend from the blade to the poll. The cheeks are typically located on either side of the head and are perpendicular to the blade. The shape and size of the cheeks can vary depending on the type of axe and its intended use. For example, an axe used for felling trees may have wider and more rounded cheeks, while an axe used for carving or splitting wood may have thinner and more angular cheeks.

The cheeks of the axe are an important part of the tool because they provide structural support for the head and help to distribute the force of impact when the axe is used. The cheeks also help to balance the head of the axe and make it easier to control when using the tool. It is important to maintain the cheeks of the axe to ensure that they are in good condition and able to perform their intended function effectively.

Handle of an Axe

The handle, or haft, of an axe is the part of the tool that is held by the user when using the axe. It is typically made of wood, plastic, or other materials and is attached to the head of the axe at the eye. The handle of the axe provides a grip point for the user and helps to balance the tool when it is being used.

The length and shape of the handle can vary depending on the type of axe and its intended use. In general, the handle should be long enough to allow the user to hold it with both hands, and it should be comfortable and easy to grip. The handle should also be sturdy and strong enough to withstand the force of impact when the axe is used. It is important to maintain the handle of the axe to ensure that it is in good condition and able to perform its intended function effectively.

Shoulder

The shoulder is part of the handle, not the blade. It is the top of the handle just below the head, where the wood swells to meet the eye. The shoulder is the transition point between the blade and the handle, and it is typically wider and more rounded than the rest of the blade. The shape and size of the shoulder can vary depending on the type of axe and its intended use.

The shoulder of the axe serves a number of important functions. It helps to distribute the force of impact when the axe is used, and it also helps to balance the head of the axe and make it easier to control. The shoulder is also an important part of the blade because it helps to protect the eye of the handle from damage when the axe is used. It is important to maintain the shoulder of the axe to ensure that it is in good condition and able to perform its intended function effectively.

The anatomy/terminology of a hatchet is identical to that of an Axe.

Here are a few axe and hatchet recommendations. I own many axes and hatchets and these have made it to the top of the my list:

Fiskars: The handle is considered stronger-than-steel, it's a FiberComp handle with an inseparable insert-molded head. They’re virtually impossible to break. And yeah, I get it... it doesn't look old-timey but I've used these a lot and everything about them is superior.

For a classic wood handled axe, this 1844 Helko is pretty great. (Replace the product links below.)

Similar to the axe recommend above, these Fiskars hatchets have an incredible blade, strong handle, and a solid weight distribution.

And for a compact camping hatchet, Gerber makes amazing products, highly recommended!