Tree-felling Tools To Cut It Down And Chop It Up!
Fire equals comfort, security and the ability to cook food, but it can’t “live” without fuel!
Firewood is a resource many take for granted when out in a woodland environment. Surrounded by countless trees, saplings, scattered dead branches and logs, one might assume that firewood is ripe for the picking and not something that should be gathered before the need arises.
However, that assumption could prove disastrous. Lack of enough ready firewood can lead to your dinner not being fully cooked, nature’s creepy-crawlies inviting themselves into your camp, or worse, hypothermia. In addition, the peace of mind and comfort a fire brings can improve your mental state when you’re alone in the wilderness.
Simple solutions for gathering food for your fire come in the form of tree-felling and wood-processing gear—much needed when using the forest as your temporary home. From axes to hatchets to hand saws, having the proper tools to convert the silent giants of the woods to life-saving heat will ensure comfortable nights and satisfying meals.
M48 Woodsman Axe With Sheath
Overview
M48 always brings its A-game to any tool, and the Woodman’s Axe is no exception. The razor-sharp camping axe head is ready to take down small trees to clear your campsite, and its solid hammer back end is perfect for pounding stakes or other outdoor construction tasks. Its injection-molded, ridged handle provides a solid grip, ensuring hours of safe and productive work. This axe measures 15.50 inches overall and packs a wallop with every strike!
Specifications
- 3Cr13 cast stainless steel head with black-oxide-coated finish
- 3.25-inch, razor-sharp blade with 0.8-inch textured hammer head
- Injection-molded, nylon-reinforced fiberglass handle
- Included nylon belt sheath protects the axe head when not in use
MSRP
$45.99
URL
BudK.com
Zippo AxeSaw
Overview
This item is a trifecta of usefulness out in the wilderness. It features a solid, durable axe, a powerful handsaw blade and a hefty mallet to pound stakes. You’ll need to store and carry only one tool to perform multiple camp tasks. The 420 stainless steel axe head and polymer handle are a solid blend of toughness and reduced weight, both critical concerns in the field. The AxeSaw’s ingenious design ensures all parts can store away safely when not in use.
Specifications
- 5-inch steel axe is durable under repeated use
- 15-inch, hardened stainless steel saw blade
- Heavy tent stake hammer is integrated into axe head
- Rust and corrosion protection for all-weather use
- Safety features keep blades safe, yet easily accessible
MSRP
$89.95
URL
Zippo.com
Gerber Gear Pack Hatchet
Overview
Great things come in small packages, and the compact Pack Hatchet exemplifies this to the fullest. Sporting a total length of 9.46 inches, this all-around camp tool is ready to shatter saplings, split kindling and make short work of small logs as you prepare the campfire. Its full-tang construction ensures it will hold up to regular use. Finger grooves under the head improve control and comfort for more-detailed and precise tasks—the best of both worlds!
Specifications
- Blade length: 3.50 inches
- Weight: 20.8 ounces
- Durable, stainless steel construction
- Tall grind for optimal sharpness
- Rubber overmolded handle
- Includes belt sheath for easy transport
MSRP
$35
Gerber Gear 23.5-Inch Freescape Axe
Overview
This axe sports a modern look but performs with tried-and-true chopping performance. Designed with a black PTFE coating over the blade, it has no trouble getting through logs without sticking or jamming. In addition, each chop of the Freescape averages nearly three times deeper than other comparable axes, making the chore of chopping wood for the fire quicker and less fatiguing. The tactile grip of the nylon handle improves control as you swing, thereby decreasing your chance of an accident.
Specifications
- Weight: 3 pounds, 6 ounces
- Solid, forged-steel head
- Superior edge retention offers nonstop cutting power
- Durable and lightweight composite handle
- Limited lifetime warranty
MSRP
$59
URL
GerberGear.com
Gerber Gear Freescape Camp Saw
Overview
No longer will the awkward shape of a bow saw clutter your gear bag or tool chest—not when you have the Freescape saw, that is! This amazing 12-inch wood saw quickly transforms from a safely folded, easily stored tool into a solid cutting “monster” in the field. This saw’s green, molded handle makes it easy to locate in your pack or campsite, and its one-piece design ensures no parts are left on the ground or back at the house. This camp saw is ideal for camp, survival or any outdoor use.
Specifications
- Innovative design offers practicality and optimal performance
- Four pivot points to maximize usable cutting area
- Uses standard 12-inch saw blades
- Folds down flat for easy storage and carry
- Rubber overmolded grip allows for stable cutting
MSRP
$55
CRKT Persevere Axe Head
Overview
When storage space and load weight are concerns, this tree-chopping item is the way to go. Carried in the included pouch, this 6.8-ounce axe head is ready and willing to produce a wood pile that’ll keep you warm throughout the night. Just create a handle with any piece of found hardwood, and you’re good to go. The included pins and ties, along with detailed instructions, make creating your “customized” axe easy when it’s time to make camp.
Specifications
- Blade length: 5.42 inches
- Black powder-coated axe head
- Use as a splitting wedge, axe, knife, adze or chisel
- Includes black attachment cord with tie bead
- Included polyester pouch with belt loop holds all parts
MSRP
$34.99
URL
CRKT.com
CRKT Woods Kangee T-Hawk
Overview
With its simple, yet reliable, design, the T-Hawk takes control of building your firewood pile so you’ll be assured of plenty of wood throughout the cold night. Its balanced axe head features a one-piece carbon-steel blade and a multi-purpose back spike that are easily accessible with just a twist of your wrist. The Tennessee hickory hardwood within your grip stays firm, even under harsh outdoor conditions. Want a traditional ’hawk that’ll provide you with years of reliable use? Then, the Kangee has a place in your pack.
Specifications
- Blade length: 4.21 inches
- Total length: 19.13 inches
- Hot-forged 1055 carbon steel
- Back spike offers balance and multiple uses
- Sheath not included
MSRP
$69.99
URL
CRKT.com
UST ParaHatchet FS
Overview
Whether you’re camping, backpacking, hunting, fishing or just preparing for an unexpected emergency, the ParaHatchet FS should be standard issue. This compact, multi-functional tool offers a sharp blade for hacking through saplings and kindling or shaving tinder. It also features a fire starter, a rope cutter, integrated wrenches and 8 feet of valuable cordage that does double duty as your handle grip. Its included sheath protects the blade and secures the hatchet to your belt for easy access and travel. At only 11.4 ounces, you won’t even know you’re carrying it, until you need it!
Specifications
- Compact, black-oxide-coated blade
- Paracord-wrapped handle provides a secure grip
- Rope cutter slashes through cordage and vines
- Includes magnesium fire starter and protective sheath
MSRP
$20.99
Camillus CAMTRAX 3-In-1 Hatchet
Overview
Choose between chopping and sawing with this multi-functional tool. The 3-inch edge on its head makes short work of branches and limbs, thereby keeping your campfire fed. Its integrated, 7-inch saw rips through larger material with ease while reducing user fatigue because of its ergonomic hand grip. Time to set up your tent? No problem—stakes won’t see what’s coming as you pound them into the earth with the hard hammer end. Don’t forget this valuable tool on your next outdoor adventure.
Specifications
- Titanium-treated steel blade reduces weight and improves performance
- Hammer is useful for numerous campsite tasks
- Locking, 7-inch saw folds out of handle
- Reversible, glass-filled nylon sheath with bottle opener
- Multi-position grips for optimal power transfer
MSRP
$47.98
Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet
Overview
The Swedes know how to do axes right, and this little number is no exception. Created by true craftsmen, this 13.5-inch hatchet should find a home in every backwoodsman’s rucksack. Its solid head lops off branches and takes down small-diameter trees in no time flat. The hearty hardwood handle holds up, no matter what Mother Nature is throwing your way. The Gransfors Wildlife Hatchet is a small axe with plenty of power that puts it well in the league of the “big boys”—without sacrificing valuable pack space.
Specifications
- Weight: 1.30 pounds
- Quality Swedish craftsmanship
- Pre-drilled handle hole for hanging or adding a lanyard
- Ideal for splitting logs or felling small trees
- Includes vegetable-tanned leather sheath
MSRP
$153
CRKT Freyr Axe
Overview
With an almost battle-axe style and feel, the Freyr offers surprising heft and weight behind every powerful strike. This axe features a longer-than-average beard that’s ideal for larger hacking tasks and protects its Tennessee hickory handle from mis-strikes. The handle and solid blade work together to achieve an almost perfect balance, allowing every chop to gouge deeply into the wood. It’s designed for modern-day use but incorporates influences from centuries gone by.
Specifications
- Overall length: 16.13 inches
- Weight: 1.79 pounds
- Hot-forged 1055 carbon-steel blade
- Magnesium-phosphate blade coating
- Sheath not included
MSRP
$99.99
URL
CRKT.com
Iunio Survival Off-Roading Tool Kit
Overview
This multi-purpose tool kit offers all you need to handle whatever nature sets in front of you. From chopping down small trees to clearing your camp or splitting logs and splintering kindling, this axe does it all. Use the reverse-side hammer for pounding tent stakes deep into the earth. Best of all, all the pieces unscrew and store easily in its companion tool bag. You can adjust the handle length anytime with simple, screw-on attachments.
Specifications
- Total length: 16.9 inches
- Customizable for various lengths and attachments
- Back of axe head features a hammer for stakes or nails
- Chops through saplings or small logs
- Easily splits wood for kindling
MSRP
$169.99
URL
Iuniores.com
CRKT Birler Axe
Overview
Simple in design but powerful in application, the Birler Axe easily handles most camp chopping-related tasks. From felling small trees for firewood to splitting logs and splintering timber for kindling, this 16-inch-long jack-of-all-trades is a must-have in any woodland environment. Take this “boss of the backwoods” along on all outdoor adventures to be absolutely sure your firewood pile will be full and plentiful for those cold nights.
Specifications
- Blade length: 3.70 inches
- Weight: 1.14 pounds
- Axe head constructed of 1055 carbon steel
- Clear lacquer blade finish offers weather protection
- Tennessee hickory hardwood handle
- Sheath not included
MSRP
$89.99
URL
CRKT.com
Gransfors Bruk Hunter’s Axe
Overview
Traditionally created, the Hunter’s Axe exhibits all the characteristics of age-old style and performance but still produces steady chopping output. It offers a textured handle, so you’ll enjoy nonslip security with each swing. It’s truly a work of art—beautiful, with a curved face, thin head and a rounded poll. Its handle is created from hickory hardwood.
Specifications
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Overall length: 18.5 inches
- Well-balanced axe allows steady strikes
- Includes leather sheath with snap closure
MSRP
$187
Overview
A mountain man’s ideal companion in the woods, the Spike Hawk offers all the style and craftsmanship of times gone by. Perfect for chopping, this well-balanced axe offers reliability for long stays in the outdoors, enabling a firewood pile to grow and battle those frigid nights. The Spike Hawk sports a long hardwood handle that not only offers a solid grip for the user, it can take occasional mis-strikes without excess wear or tear. It’s also suitable for axe-throwing when it’s time to wind down, relax and have some fun!
Specifications
- Total weight: 1.50 pounds
- 3.50-inch-wide head with curved spike
- Traditional design, reminiscent of battle axes of the past
- Durable, hardwood handle
- Choose from 17- or 19-inch handles
MSRP
$87.50
URL
HBForge.com
Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared in the September, 2020 print issue of American Survival Guide.
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