The Best Splitting Axes in Canada
There are a bunch of great splitting axes available in Canada, each with its own pros and cons. Most of them are imports, but we also finally have a Canadian option in the mix as well.
There are different designs, sizes, and options to consider when getting a splitting axe. I will do my best to break down the strengths and weaknesses I have experienced through hands-on use, so you can find exactly what you need.
I’m in Ontario, so I know availability might shift depending on where you live. But I believe everything on this list should be available Canada-wide.
If you want the short and simple answer, my top choice for most folks is the Fiskars splitting axe line. They offer a wide range of sizes, perform well, are mostly indestructible, and aren’t overly expensive. Fiskars are what I reach for most of the time when splitting, and I own more expensive options.
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Fiskars
My Top Recommendation
Fiskars have long been my favourite splitting axes, and what I recommend to most folks. They are affordable, easy to care for, there are lots of options, and most importantly, they just work.
The flared head spreads the wood apart quickly and is tapered on the corners to help twist and pry stubborn wood apart. The blade begins as a thinner edge, which helps penetrate better and makes splitting smaller pieces easier without needing full-force swings.
This thin edge can be a little “sticky” if the log doesn’t split, but I find the trade-off worth it. But besides performance, one of my favourite things about Fiskars axes is that they need very little maintenance.
The composite handle is (mostly) indestructible. You don’t need to worry about overstrikes; you can use it to help pry apart stubborn wood. Rain and snow are non-issues, and it’s nice to throw the axe back in the garage and not care. You will likely get a little rust on the blade as the coating starts to wear off – but it doesn’t really matter.
Some people don’t like the “plastic” look or feel compared to wood – and that is fair. Truthfully, I love and own many classic wood-handled axes. But, there is no denying that Fiskars axes get a lot of things right. They cost less than most other axes on this list, and they are my top choice for a splitting axe.
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Ochsenkopf & Stihl
A Heavy Hitting Splitter
Ochsenkopf splitting axes (sometimes called Iltis or Oxhead) are made in Germany, and are excellent heavy splitters. Their main splitter (the Spalt-fix) has a beefy 6lb wedge-shaped head that can break apart even the most stubborn logs.
While there are other Ochsenkopf models out in the world, the Spalt-fix seems to be the only easily found in Canada. With a 6lbs head, the Spalt-Fix is heavier than many other splitting axes. It doesn’t have any fancy ramps or bevels, or even come particularly sharp; it’s just a big, fat, heavy wedge that works.
On large logs, it delivers more one-hit splits than any other axe I’ve used. The fat wedge doesn’t get stuck, and I think the 31″ Ash handle is the perfect length. Long enough to gain power, but short enough to keep it more nimble and faster to use than 36″ options.
Stihl (known for chainsaws) also offers rebranded Ochsenkopf splitting axes. The Stihl version costs a bit more, but has a metal collar under the head to protect against overstrikes. They also offer a full 8lb maul.
The downside of this axe is similar to that of a maul. The extra head weight that makes it so good for large logs makes it cumbersome and less efficient for small ones.
Also, the handle is very fat, which makes it tougher for overstrikes but is quite noticeable in the hand. And it only comes with a little pleather sheath, which is not great, but better than nothing.
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The primary splitter can be found at Lee Valley, or the Stihl website offers the even heavier maul, or the splitter with the metal collar on the handle.
Gransfors Bruk
Premium Splitting Axes
Gransfors Bruk are certainly the nicest (and most expensive) axes on this list. They are hand forged and assembled in Sweden, and the fit and finish are unparalleled by any other axe maker on this list.
I am a firm believer in paying for heirloom-quality tools like this, but it’s important to understand what you are getting. These axes are great, but don’t expect that just because they cost twice as much, they will perform twice as well. You are paying for craftsmanship, not performance.
The design of Gransfors Bruk splitting axes is similar to the Fiskars (performing in much the same way), with a flaring design that has a thin, sharp bit that ramps outward.
The steel is hard and holds a keen edge longer than the cheaper axes, and the Hickory handles are well-shaped and have texturing at the grip. There is also a metal collar to protect from over-strikes, and they come with a nice light leather sheath.
There is a range of Gransfors Bruk splitting axes, from hatchets to “full-size”. But even the larger Gransfors axes are a little lighter than the other brands on this list. The large models only have a 3.5 lb head and can come with either a 27″ curved handle or a 31″ straight handle. This means they may struggle a little more on really big logs, but are still well-suited to the average woodpile.
The Gransfors maul is lighter than most mauls and even some splitting axes with a 5.5 lb head. To me, this brings it into consideration as a primary splitting axe and would be my choice. The maul also has a hardened poll, so it can be used to hammer wedges.
There is a little extra work to keep these heirloom quality tools well-oiled and clean – but that is part of the fun.
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Esker Outdoors
A Canadian Splitter
Esker Outdoors is a proudly Canadian company that focuses on winter camping and similar outdoor activities. And they offer a Canadian compact splitter that is perfect for the cottage wood pile or winter camping expeditions.
Because their focus is on camping, Esker only offers a compact 25″ model of splitting axe. It can work in the backcountry or at the woodpile, but it is too small to be a primary splitter.
It has a beefy 3.8lb head. The head itself is forged in Austria and is a common German/Austrian pattern with flared wings on either side. The handle and leather mask are made in Ontario, and the axes are assembled and tuned here as well.
I haven’t used this splitting axe yet, but I have an Esker hatchet. The steel is hard, has a great forged finish, holds an edge well, and comes nice and sharp.
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Hultafors
Quality German axes
Hultafors makes high-quality axes. However, I don’t really like the splitting pattern used for the head. It might just be me, but I struggle with it.
I hate putting this brand so far down the list, as they are one of my favourite axe makers. However, the head design of the Swedish splitting axes takes some getting used to and is not always a great fit for big Canadian trees.
The head design is a long diamond pattern, which is well-suited for small to mid-size softwood trees (similar to those of Sweden), but struggles on larger and harder types of wood. Beyond that, the geometry is just different than a typical North American axe and takes getting used to.
I have had some days where it works fine for me, but more often than not, I don’t swing these as confidently as other designs.
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Adler
Quality German Axes
Adler axes are made in Germany, I believe by the same factory that makes the much more expensive Helko Work axes. They are well-made with good steel and nice hickory handles, and come with decent leather sheaths.
Overall fit and finish is nicer than the Ochsenkopf, but not as nice as the Gransfors – and the price reflects that as well (a little more money than the first, and a fair amount less than the second).
Adler is a little harder to find in Canada, but they have a good reputation, and the quality level you get for the price is good value in my books.
The Super splitter is heavy-duty, with a 6.2lb head, and another big wedge design. However, it has a distinct point at the bottom of the blade that allows you to use it to help move and position logs (a neat feature it has over the oxhead).
The German Splitter uses an iconic German pattern that is quite common (although it’s not my favourite), which works well in most scenarios. The head is 4 lbs, which makes it easier to swing for extended periods.
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Hardware Store Options
Husky
Husky Super Splitter
Husky is the cheap “owned brand” of Home Depot, and the Super Splitter seems to be a decent, cheap option if price is a key consideration. I have only tried this axe once, and it did fine. But I don’t have long-term data on it.
If you want a cheap splitting axe, the Husky has a similar flared design as the Fiskars, with a similar weight, and a 34″ Handle (which I like more than 36″). And it will still have all the same low-maintenance benefits.
But, it will not be as durable, come as sharp, or be made with the same level of materials as Fiskars composite axes. And the handle is a more old-fashioned fiberglass design, which won’t be as strong or reduce the vibrations as much either.
I think the extra price of the Fiskars is worth the money. But if you need a cheap axe, that you only use a couple of times a year, this is the one I would get.
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Canadian Tire Yardworks Axe
I haven’t tried these axes, and I have no intention of it. They look bad. Just get a Fiskars.
Garant Splitting Axes
The Garant axes themselves are fine. I actually really like Garant handles (even though they are fat and varnished). My only issue is the price. The last time I looked, they were like $90 from Canadian Tire, which is crazy.
The heads are made in China and the handles in Mexico. So $50 sure, but $90 – forget it
Please comment below If I missed something or if you have any questions. I do my best to respond to everyone.
About the author:
About the author:
Jim Bell | Site Creator
I’m just a guy who likes axes. I got tired of only finding crap websites, so I set out to build a better one myself.
I’m also on Instagram: @axeandtool
Any thoughts on Council Tools 6lb or even the 8lb mauls?
I just put my 6lb Council Tool maul through a couple cords of mixed Canadian pine and fir. I found it to be quite the processor, easy on the hands too. May be worth a look!
I really enjoy your website by the way, keep up the good work.
I haven’t had a chance to try the Council Tool Maul, but maybe I will have to try and find one. I have a couple other axes of theirs which have impressed me, so I’m not surprised you have had good results.
They don’t seem very common up here – although I see Lee Valley has started carrying the 6lb. I also want to get my hands on the 5lb splitting axe as well.
Thanks for comment!
Yeah same here (BC), mostly just run of the mill crap, I ordered mine from Lee Valley, which I’ve had good experiences with.
I didn’t know that Council Tool had a 5lb splitter, that cues some intrigue, I may have to seek one out.
I don’t think the 5lb splitter is in Canada (yet), but it has been around in the USA for a couple years. Looks really well designed. But we are stuck day dreaming about it up here (I’m in Ontario).
Idk what your thoughts on Amazon are, (or if they charge extra for shipping to Canada); but they have a TON of different Council Tools products.
Also; I have found axes on Walmart.com, (and have bought a couple), with prices far cheaper than Amazon. I would check both.
Hey John! I have bought axes of Amazon, If it’s a reputable brand like Council Tool I don’t worry too much. I’m assuming you are in the US, but the Canadian Amazon has less options, and the options from the US do have import charges that tend to remove any potential savings (usually not worth it by the end in my opinion). And the Canadian Walmart is even worse, I don’t think I have ever found an axe worth buying there.
But I appreciate the tip, it’s good to know for when other people ask. I never would have thought Walmart because of my own lack of luck.
Side note – I was just out playing with Fiskars mini-maul again, thought I would give it another go… Still hate it, lol.
Thanks for another great comment.
Your last sentence about the mini maul made me literally bust out laughing. I hate mine too.
ALSO; I haven’t yet found much use for my X5. I have an X7; and for what I do; it is barely useful. Although I always have it with me; and when the pieces are just a little too big for my liking; I reach for the X7.
Side note: I would like to see reviews on pickeroon/hookaroon.
I am ordering a Forester pickaroon this month from Walmart online. If my Social Security hits the credit union tomorrow; I will place the order.
HOWEVER; I still haven’t decided on whether to get a 28″, or a 36″.
I am on the Wisconsin/Illinois border. In Wisconsin thank God.
I love my X5 for backpacking, but that’s really it. As for the pickeroon, I have 0 experience and likely won’t any time soon. I don’t really go through enough wood to justify it. But also when I have money in the axe budget, I usually “justify” buying stuff I think is cool that I need even less. Let me know what size you end up going with.
VERY interesting about the pickaroon! I found a 28″ Forester pickaroon at my local home goods store; that was marketed with the store’s own brand name; Yardworks, for 19.99!
They had three of them. I didn’t think to check that they might have their own “personality”…
The FIRST one I got; the head started to come off, so I took it back to exchange it. The head started to come off on the second one; so I called the store; and asked to speak to the manager…
I reasoned with him that he should just give me a couple of wedges; and I would fix the one I had, as the last one there would probably do the same thing.
I had my neighbor hold the pickaroon upright on the concrete driveway, while I held the wedge with a needle nose pliers; and drove a couple of wedges in with a ball pein hammer.
NOW; about the personalities: my neighbor decided HE wanted one. So he went to the store and bought the last one.
He brought it over to try it out on my woodpile. I noticed that he seemed to have to exert less effort to get it to stick…sure enough! The taper of his point was noticeably narrower! Which resulted in considerably less effort required to sink the head into a log.
So now I have to grind away some of the metal on mine to get it to work better…
Sorry for the long winded reply, BUT….
I couldn’t help myself; I ordered a Fiskars “Hookaroon” they seem to use the names interchangeably.
The Fiskars uses a “blade” instead of a “head”; and WOW what a difference! Very little effort required to get a decent “stick” with the Fiskars. Hands down!
It was 51.00 from Amazon here in Wisconsin.
I found it an interesting experiment; and have used my Fiskars Hookaroon every day since I got it. It makes lifting or moving large pieces of wood ever so much easier. Now I wouldn’t want to be without one!
What makes you belive Adler axes come from the same faktory as Helko-Werk axes? Adler is in Waghäusel and Helko is in Wuppertal. 300km distance.
I don’t have “proof”, but looking at models like the Helko Werk Saxon vs Adler Super Splitter – the axes are identical, even down to a little ripple behind the flare. Looks like they are using identical dies to forge them. Even if one copied the other, they wouldn’t be so perfectly matched.
The companies do things differently, the axes are stamped differently, and finished differently – but I think the initial forge might be the same.