Finding the best woodcarving ax is a great addition to any carver. A woodcarving ax can be used to quickly rough out shape when carving. With so many brands claiming to be the best, it may be difficult to select the best wood carving ax.
We did some research and shortlisted these 6 axes as the best wood carving axes available on the market now.
The best wood carving axes – detailed review
Gransfors Bruks Large Swedish Carving Axe- Best carving ax overall
Experience the artistry of Swedish craftsmanship with this exceptional ax, meticulously designed and crafted by expert carvers, Linnaheimo and Wille Sundqvist. Using traditional techniques and premium materials, that guarantee unmatched durability.
Having been designed by actual woodcarvers, this model meets the highest standards of quality and functionality. Its broad beveled face, long and curved cutting edge, and double bevel blade ensure effortless carving of even the most intricate shapes with maximum precision and control.
So why settle for anything less when you can own this premium Swedish-designed ax? Upgrade your woodcarving game today and experience the unmatched quality and performance that this ax has to offer.
Reasons to invest in Gransfors Bruks carving ax
- Unique design inspired by traditional Swedish woodcarving techniques
- Made of premium propriety steel
- Comes with an ax book and vegetable-tanned sheath
- Ergonomic handle with good texture and adaptable grip
- Weighted head for maximum carving power
- Crafted by expert Swedish artisans
The Hults Bruk Akka Foresters Premium Outdoor Axe is a top-performing woodcarving ax that delivers superior quality and durability. Here are some of the reasons why it's the perfect choice for your woodcarving projects:
- Premium Materials: Made with a Swedish steelhead, this ax is built to last. The head is pre-sharpened before packaging, and the finger notch and ground edge make it easier to shape wood. Plus, it includes a leather sheath with a welt to protect the edge.
- Hand-Grinded Head: The ax head is hand-grinded, which increases density and durability, ensuring that it will last you a long time.
- Ergonomic Handle: The 24-inch hickory handle is carved and designed with good ergonomics, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.
- Retains Sharpness: Because of its Swedish steel construction, this ax does not need to be sharpened often, as it has the ability to retain its sharpness
Why Investing in the Hults Bruk Akka Foresters Axe
- Made with premium materials, including Swedish steel and hand-grinded head.
- Ergonomically designed hickory handle for comfortable use.
- Retains sharpness for a longer period of time.
- Versatile with finger notch and ground edge for shaping wood.
- Comes with a leather sheath with a welt for maximum protection.
Best woodcarving ax for beginners
CRKT Freyr Axe - our top pick for the Best Budget-friendly Carving Axe for Beginners. Despite its size and weight, it is easy to use and features a small, smooth hickory wooden handle that provides a good grip and easy control. The carbon steel blade is durable and retains its sharpness even after prolonged use, while the ergonomic design allows for precise blade control.
At just under 2 pounds, Freyr is perfect for beginners looking for an affordable, high-quality axe that can handle a variety of tasks such as chopping wood, clearing brush, carving wood, or felling trees. Additionally, the included sheath provides protection when not in use.
While some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the axe in reviews, we still recommend it for beginners who are just starting to learn carving skills and do not want to spend too much money on an axe.
Why Investing in the CRKT Freyr Axe
- CRKT Freyr Axe is a budget-friendly option for beginners.
- It has a durable hickory wooden handle with an ergonomic design for easy control.
- The carbon steel blade provides durability and edge retention without frequent sharpening.
- It can be used for chopping wood, clearing brush, carving wood, or felling trees.
- Comes with a sheath for protection when not in use.
Best axe for spoon carving
The Drake Off Road Tools Viking Type Light Bearded Axe is the best spoon carving axe on our list. It has a wide, sharp blade made of high-quality steel that is perfect for shaping and processing minor pieces of wood into spoon blanks. The head weighs only 1.3 pounds, making it lightweight and easy to handle. The handle is made from a beech tree and is treated with a wood varnish that provides a comfortable grip while in use.
Despite being less sharp out of the box than preferred, the axe takes an excellent edge and is simple to resharpen. If you're searching for a good axe that will make your spoon carving smooth and easy, this is the perfect axe for you. Plus, the reasonable price makes it a great value.
Why invest in Drake Off Road Tools Viking Type Light Bearded Axe
- The Drake Off Road Tools Viking Type Light Bearded Axe is specially designed for spoon and small bowl carving.
- It has a wide, sharp blade made of high-quality steel that is perfect for shaping and processing minor pieces of wood into spoon blanks.
- The axe head is lightweight, weighing only 1.3 pounds, making it easy to handle and ideal for situations where weight is a concern.
- The handle is made from a beech tree and is treated with a wood varnish, making it comfortable to grip and use.
- The price is very reasonable, making it an excellent investment for anyone looking for a high-quality axe for spoon carving.
Best wood carving hatchets
Mapsyst Bearded Hatchet
Mapsyst Bearded Hatchet has a very unique design and it is the best performance carving ax on this list.
It has two-blade designs where one edge is used for chopping, splitting, and sports, and the other edge is used for carving bowls and spoons. The blade is made from carbon magnesium blades making them rustproof.
It can cut through both softwood and hardwood and for this reason, experienced carvers prefer the ax for its quality, design of the head, and handle.
The ergonomic, straight handle makes it adaptable to many activities, and it’s also comfortable when used.
1844 Helko Werk German Rheinland
The 1844 Helko Werk German Rheinland is a Wuppertal, Germany makes and it is excellent for cutting and carving. It includes an ax guard bottle and a leather sheath.
The head is drop-forged with German C50 carbon steel and left unpolished creating a unique and rustic look of the forging marks. This process also improves the ax’s ductility and mechanical properties.
The head of this ax is heat-treated and then hardened by oil for maximum performance.
The handle is made of grade A-A American hickory and it is secured using attached steel-ring wedges. The long, slim, flat head is specifically designed to cut across the grain.
The edge retention on this ax is excellent and the 150-grit sanded handle gives comfort when carving.
Gransfors Bruks Carpenter’s Axe
This is another ax from the family of Gransfors Bruks weighing 1.3 pounds, and this carpenter’s ax is hand-forged to make it stronger and durable. It includes a leather sheath that helps to protect the edge.
It has a thin, low-angled bevel face blade that facilitates stability, control, and rigidity. The edge of the blade also has a small recess that helps in controlling the movement by applying minimal force with your finger.
It has an inward curve that runs from the heel to the ax’s head giving the user a better grip. This feature makes it possible to grip the ax from proximity to the edge and this improves precision when shaping.
It has a straight, durable, 9.5 inches hickory handle that gives maximum control, balance, and speed. The handle is also nicely oiled to reduce blisters on your hand if you don’t prefer wearing gloves.
This ax comes with a 20-year warranty and you can rely on it to serve you for long because it is built to last.
Prandi German Style Hatchet
This type of ax’s head which is 1.3 pounds in weight and 4 inches in size, is made in Italy but assembled in Germany and it is made of C45 steel. The ax is packed when blunt for safety purposes, so it will require you to sharpen it after buying it,
It includes a leather sheath to protect the blade and an added feature of a golden mark of ‘Prandi’ on the head.
The Prandi German Style Hatchet has a thin flat blade radius that quickly digs in wood and it is ideal for carving spoons and bowls made from soft wood.
Th ax has an ergonomic handle which is 15.75 in inches, and it is made of hickory wood giving a smooth grain orientation.
It also has a smooth varnish coat that makes the ax appealing and durable.
What to look for when shopping for the best wood carving ax
How to Choose the Best Wood Carving Ax
If you’re in the market for a wood carving ax, there are a few things you should consider before making a purchase. In this section, we’ll explore the key factors to keep in mind when shopping for the best wood carving ax.
Quality of Steel
First and foremost, consider the quality of the steel used to make the head of the ax. Look for high-quality steel that will hold up to frequent use and provide a sharp cutting edge.
Weight
The weight of the ax is also an important factor to consider. If the ax is too heavy, carving will be a tedious task, but if it’s too light, the head won’t provide enough carving power. Look for an ax with a weight that feels comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.
Handle Material and Design
The handle of the ax is another crucial aspect to evaluate. Look for a handle that is ergonomic and comfortable to hold for extended periods. Additionally, a handle with a good grip will help prevent the ax from slipping during use.
Bevel
When it comes to wood carving, the bevel of the ax is another essential factor to consider. Most standard axes have a rounded edge and a convex bevel, which isn’t ideal for carving. Look for an ax with a flat bevel to maximize its carving power.
Cutting Edge Length
The cutting edge of a carving ax is typically longer than that of a chopping ax. Look for an ax with a cutting edge that will meet your specific carving needs.
Manufacturer
As wood carving gains popularity, more manufacturers are creating axes specifically designed for this craft. Look for an ax made by a reputable manufacturer with a history of creating quality tools.
If You Can’t Find a Flat Bevel
If you can’t find a carving ax with a flat bevel, don’t worry! You can purchase a standard ax and shape it into a carving knife. This may require some additional work, but it’s a viable option if you can’t find the perfect carving ax for your needs.
Conclusion
Remember that the hatchet is also known as a small ax so for carving, hatchets are the right sized axes to use. Sharpening your ax is one of the best ways of maintaining your ax and when storing it, make sure the place you are sore is cool and dry.
After you are done carving, clean your ax and this will increase its durability to your ax.