Sometimes you can scrounge up enough small sticks to meet your need for kindling. But the best burning and easiest to start kindling is made by splitting seasoned firewood.
There’s a few different tools you can use for splitting kindling, but by far the most popular is a hatchet. Below, you’ll find a snapshot of our 6 top-rated hatchets from Amazon.com.
Let’s start with an overview, then we’ll do a deep dive into what we liked (and didn’t like) about each of these hatchets.
(FYI: I receive commissions from sales through some of the links below)
Best Hatchets Overview
Our #1 pick for kindling is the Estwing 14″ Fireside Friend. It’s beautifully built, comes with a weighted splitting head, and is an all-around exceptional tool for kindling.
Keep in mind, that most hatchets are going to be able to do a decent job splitting kindling. Some will be better built, more effective, longer-lasting, and easier to handle. But at the end of the day, it is more important to consider how you will use the hatchet.
In the table below, you’ll find our 6 top picks, each with their own specialization. So take a minute, and think about how you’ll want to use your hatchet.
If you’re looking for something that can fit in your backpack, consider the Gerber 9″ Hatchet. Or if you want a premium tool that you can show off to friends, then you can’t beat the quality and design of the Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet.
Whatever you’re looking for, I’d bet that there’s a hatchet below that will work great for you.
Hatchet |
Highlights |
BB Rating |
|---|---|---|
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9.6 / 10Best hatchet for splitting kindling |
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9.3 / 10Most versatile hatchet |
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8.9 / 10Best hatchet for backpacking |
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8.2 / 10Best budget hatchet |
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9.6 / 10Best Swedish hatchet |
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9.1 / 10Best hatchet with longer handle |
Best Hatchet for Splitting Kindling
Estwing 14″ Fireside Friend
Pros:
- Easy splitting with weighted 4 -pound head
- Quick cutting with hand sharpened blade
- Durable and forged in one piece of steel
- Beautiful special edition design/finish
- Real leather handle grip
- Made in Rockford, IL (USA)
Cons:
- Paint on the head can chip with use
- Metal might come with minor pockmarks
- Heavier than you’re used to for a hatchet
Description:
This hatchet is a kindling splitting beast. If you split a LOT of kindling, this thing is a workhorse and will be a great tool for you.
The head of this hatchet is actually designed like the head of a larger splitting maul. This is both good and bad. It’s good because the weight will carry it through tougher logs, creating easier and cleaner cuts.
On the other hand, the weight will probably be surprising to you initially, and you’ll want to make sure you position your body out of the path of your swing to be safe. Also, if you have wrist or arm problems, this might not be the hatchet for you.
However, if you can handle the 4-pound head, and you want to make a mountain of kindling, then this tool will get you there. In addition to the design, it has a hand-sharpened blade that keeps it’s edge pretty well.
The whole tool (head to handle) is forged in one piece of steel, which makes it long-lasting and durable. This special edition version also has a handle-grip made of real leather and a finish that looks pretty slick.
And like all Estwing hatchets, it’s made in Rockford, IL (USA).
In summary: if you want an exceptionally good tool for splitting kindling, then get the Estwing Fireside Friend.
On the other hand, for a versatile all-around hatchet, I’d skip to the Estwing Camper’s Axe below
Most Versatile Hatchet
Estwing 14″ Camper’s Axe
Pros:
- Easy to handle and well balanced tool
- Quick cutting with hand sharpened blade
- Durable and forged in one piece of steel
- Built-in stake puller (for tents not nails)
- Patented Shock Reduction Grip
- Made in Rockford, IL (USA)
Cons:
- The included sheath seems a bit cheap
- Minor blemishes on the steel
- Weaker splitting vs. Fireside Friend
Description:
This is a great all-around hatchet for camping or odd jobs around the house. What makes it so versatile? We’ve considered a variety of factors.
There are a lot of things you can use a hatchet for, here’s a short-list of examples:
- Splitting kindling / firewood
- Pruning / limbing small branches
- Clearing brush
- Taking camping (for firewood and hammering stakes)
- Carrying on a backpacking trip
- Construction / DIY projects
Some of the hatchets in our 6 top picks are better suited for a specific one of the jobs above. The Fireside Friend is better for kindling/firewood. The Gerber 9 inch hatchet (below), is better for backpacking. But if you could only choose one hatchet for every job, then this one is a solid choice.
This hatchet is well balanced, and though it’s made of solid steel, it’s easy to handle. Similar to the Fireside Friend, this hatchet is forged from one continuous piece of metal, making it extremely durable and long-lasting.
It also has a built-in stake puller. This will probably only help you on camping trips, but you may also be able to use it as a pry-bar for boards or other odd jobs. Don’t confuse this with a nail-puller though, it’s not narrow enough to do that.
As part of the package, you’ll get a sheath for the blade. It’s made from a dense nylon material. It’s a generally passable sheath, but not very high quality.
In summary: if you only want to buy one hatchet, but you want to use it as an all-around tool, then go for the Estwing 14″ Camper’s Axe.
Best hatchet for backpacking
Gerber 9″ Hatchet
Pros:
- Lightweight, under 1.25 lbs with sheath
- Easy to pack at under 9″ in total length
- Sharp blade with a forged steel head
- Durable composite handle
- Made in Finland
Cons:
- Less leverage vs. longer hatchets
- Included sheath is pretty bare-bones
- Requires more frequent sharpening
Description:
What are the distinguishing characteristics of a great backpacking hatchet?
When you’re carrying all your gear on your back, you want tools that are compact without sacrificing performance. This Gerber hatchet (which is actually made by Fiskar’s), has the full functionality of a hatchet in a small and lightweight package.
Does it cut exactly like the Estwing tools above? Nope. But, compared to the Estwing Camper’s Hatchet, this Gerber is about 1 pound lighter and 5 inches shorter. That can make a world of difference when you’re packing it.
Despite it’s small size, it still has the quality indicators of a great hatchet, including a forged steel head and a hardened blade edge. This is an effective cutting tool, which can also be used as a makeshift hammer for tent stakes.
In summary: for big projects at home, go for one of the other hatchets. But for smaller jobs on the trail, the 9″ Gerber hatchet is a great choice.
Best budget hatchet
Coghlan’s 13″ Camp Axe
Pros:
- Unbeatable price
- Rugged tool made of forged steel
- Good grip with rubberized handle
- Good DIY tool with built-in nail puller
Cons:
- Blade edge wil need sharpened
- Metal may chip (wear safety glasses)
- Doesn’t come with a sheath included
- Not very attractive looking
Description:
If you want a decent hatchet for cheap, go for Coghlan’s Camp Axe.
I’ll be honest, there’s not a whole lot to say about this one. It’s a no-frills hatchet, at a super low price.
This 13 inch hatchet has the classic look of a camping hatchet. It has a forged steel head, with a built-in nail puller, which might be handy if you plan to use it for DIY projects. It’s also nice if you’re stacking firewood, and come across an old log with a nail in it. You can clear the nail, and keep stacking.
The handle is rubberized, which is both grippy and provides some anti-vibration cushion. Again, nothing fancy, but very functional.
The downside on this one is the materials. The head and blade edge are not as good as the other hatchets in this list. You’ll need to sharpen the blade to keep this hatchet running smoothly. Plus, the metal on these have been known to chip occasionally, which means you’ll probably want to wear safety glasses when using this for high-impact work.
In summary: if you’re looking to save a few bucks, and still get a decent hatchet, then a Coghlan’s Camp Axe fits the bill.
Best Swedish hatchet
Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet
Pros:
- Long-lasting hand-forged steel head
- Precise cutting with an exceptional blade
- Low maintenance, and holds an edge well
- Strong and replaceable Hickory handle
- Includes an attractive leather sheath
- Gransfors Bruk’s 20-year guarantee
- Beautiful example of Swedish quality
Cons:
- Most expensive hatchet in our list
- Wood handle won’t last as long as steel
Description:
This is our pick for best Swedish hatchet. If you’re not familiar with Swedish axe makers, or their reputation for exceptional quality, check out this post.
Gransfors Bruk makes “heirloom quality” hatchets, which basically means 2 things:
- This hatchet is so well made, that it will probably out live you
- The craftsmanship of the tool is so beautiful, it’s almost a work of art
Okay, I know this might sound a little over the top, but that is the reputation that comes along with this Wildlife Hatchet, and Gransfors Bruk in general.
Say you ordered one of these hatchets, here’s a few things you’d notice when you first hold it in your hands. First, Gransfors Bruk hatchets arrive so sharp that you can almost shave with them.
Second, you’ll see a 2-letter stamp in the side of the head. Those are the initials of the actual human-being who forged the hatchet. Next, you’ll feel the balance of the handle, which is impressively precise.
I know it sounds like I’m gushing, but you simply won’t find a higher quality hatchet than this. The main downside of this hatchet is the price tag. It turns out that hand-made tools are not cheap.
In summary: if you can handle the cost, then you won’t beat the quality of a Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet.
Best hatchet with longer handle
Fiskar’s 17″ X11 Splitting Axe
Pros:
- Easier splitting with longer handle
- Durable hardened forged steel head
- Nearly indestructible composite handle
- Orange handle makes it easier to find
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Included sheath is pretty low quality
- Will need sharpened over time
- Composite handle is less comfortable
Description:
If you’re looking for a bit more leverage behind your swing, then Fiskar’s 17″ X11 Splitting Axe is a good choice.
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t a hatchet with a longer handle, just an axe?
Well, yes. That’s true. But I consider anything under 20 inches to be a hatchet.
In other words, if you can use it with one hand (which you definitely can for the X11), then it’s a hatchet, regardless of the product name.
With that said, a couple extra inches of handle can make a huge difference on the speed and effectiveness of your swing. And if that’s what you want, then the Fiskar’s X11 is a great choice.
The sheath is nothing to call home about, and the composite handle may seem a little weird if you’re used to wooden handles. However, this thing is super durable, and you ought to be able to use it for a long time.
If you don’t know how to sharpen an axe, then you’ll need to learn, because the edge on this thing doesn’t last forever. But that’s a skill you’ll probably need anyway.
In summary: if you want a hatchet with some extra leverage, go for the Fiskar’s X11
How to split kindling with a hatchet
Now that you’ve seen some great hatchet options, let’s go into a little more detail on how to split kindling.
With a hatchet, you can take your fuel wood, and split it into small kindling-sized pieces. See the video below, which demonstrates two methods for splitting kindling.
Alternatively, if you’re on a camping trip, you could split larger logs with your hatchet, or you might be able to find some small sticks that will work well for your kindling.
How to start a fire with kindling
Time for the grand finale: starting a fire!
This is an ancient skill, and in my opinion, something that everyone should learn to do. If you’re new to this, then buckle-up, today you’re going to learn something awesome.
There are countless different structures for building a fire, but probably the three most common are the teepee, log cabin, and lean-to methods. You can learn how to build each of these step-by-step by clicking the links below:
My go-to method is the lean-to fire lay. Check out my video that covers everything you need to know about building a lean-to fire:
Difference between Hatchet vs. Axe
Another common question that people often ask, is “what’s the difference between a hatchet and an axe?”
This can be confusing because even when something clearly looks like a “hatchet”, the product name might call it an axe.
Technically speaking, all hatchets are axes, but not all axes are hatchets. In other words, a hatchet is a sub-category of axes.
In order to determine if something can be accurately called a hatchet, you just have to answer two questions:
- Is it under 20 inches long (including the handle + head)?
- Can it be safely used with one hand?
If the answer to both of these questions is yes, then you’re looking at a hatchet.
Wrap-up
I’ll be honest, I’ve developed a bit of a hatchet obsession. They’re functional, but they’re also just really cool tools.
After reading all this, I only hope that it has ignited (see what I did there?) your own passion for hatchet lore.
If you found this article helpful, then go ahead and share it with someone else who might find it interesting. We love making new friends and serving new readers.
If you’re just now breaking into the world of firewood or homesteading, you might be interested in some of our other top posts:
- 15 Common Types of Firewood: Ranked Best to Worst
- Everything you need to know about Swedish axe makers
- Can I put a longer bar on my chainsaw?
Now go do awesome stuff.