Felling axe: a thin, sharp bit for cutting across the grain
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Quick answer
A felling axe, which Fiskars calls a universal axe, has a thin, sharp bit that cuts deep across the grain. A splitting axe has a wide wedge that pushes wood fibers apart instead. Use a felling axe for felling small trees, limbing and kindling, not for splitting rounds. Council Tool's 3.5 lb Jersey axe on a 36 in hickory handle is a classic full-size example. Fiskars says the handle should match your arm length, and the axe should lift easily with one hand.
Felling axe vs splitting axe
| Type | Blade | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Felling (universal) axe | Thin, sharp bit | Cutting against the grain: felling, limbing, woodwork, kindling |
| Splitting axe | Wide, wedged head | Splitting rounds along the grain |
Fiskars sorts its axes into these two groups and says the thin blade displaces wood for fast, deep chopping. Husqvarna adds that a felling axe cuts through wood fibers while a splitting axe breaks them apart, which is why using a felling axe for firewood is frustrating. See our splitting axe guide for that job.
Head patterns and what they mean
- Jersey pattern: Council Tool describes its Jersey (sometimes called Baltimore Jersey) head as having lugs or ears that add contact area with the handle, with a cutting edge about 5 in long and a square poll.
- Rhine pattern: Husqvarna calls its German Style Universal Axe a Rhine-type axe, ideal for debarking and felling.
- Swedish multi-purpose: Husqvarna lists its Swedish Style Multi-Purpose Axe for small-scale tree felling, limbing, branch trimming and clearing brush.
Whatever the pattern, Fiskars' fit tests for handle length and weight still apply.
Handle length, head weight and steel
- Length: Fiskars' rule is to hold the axe just below the head along your arm; the handle should match your arm's length. Full-size felling axes such as Council Tool's Jersey use a 36 in handle.
- Weight: Fiskars says the right axe lifts easily with one hand; Council Tool's Jersey head is about 3.5 lb.
- Steel hardness: Council Tool notes ANSI standards call for a bit hardness of Rc 45 to 60 at least 1/2 in back from the edge. Its own standard is Rc 48 to 55, targeted 1-1/4 in back, with the poll left unhardened.
- Handle wood: Council Tool dries the eye section of its hickory handles below 10% moisture to limit shrinking and loosening; Husqvarna uses ash on its German axe.
Using a felling axe safely
- Sharpen first: Fiskars says to sharpen before you start; Husqvarna notes its German axe is easy to re-sharpen.
- Protect yourself: Fiskars recommends safety glasses and gloves and a cleared work area.
- Visibility: Husqvarna paints the top of its German axe handle orange for improved visibility.
- Covers: both Husqvarna axes here come with an edge cover; keep a cover on any axe when carrying or storing it.
- Know your limit: felling a standing tree is risky. Trees near buildings, roads or power lines are a job for a professional arborist, not a hand axe.
Which felling axe fits you
- Full-size, American pattern: Council Tool's 3.5 lb Jersey on 36 in hickory, made in the USA.
- Debarking and felling: Husqvarna's German-made Rhine-type universal axe with an ash handle.
- Lighter all-rounder: Husqvarna's Swedish multi-purpose axe for small trees, limbing and brush.
If you mostly split firewood, buy a splitting axe instead; if you mostly make kindling, Fiskars says a smaller universal axe is lighter and easier to handle with one hand.
What to look for when you buy
Full-size classic: Council Tool 3.5 lb Jersey Axe, 36 in curved handle (SU35J36C)
Best for: General felling and limbing with a traditional American pattern
Council Tool lists a forged tool steel Jersey head of about 3.5 lb, a 5 in edge, Rc 48 to 55 bit hardness, a 36 in curved hickory handle and a double-wedge hang, made in the USA.
Watch out: A 36 in handle is long; check it against your arm length as Fiskars suggests.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Rhine-type universal: Husqvarna German Style Universal Axe
Best for: Debarking and felling small trees
Husqvarna lists a forged, hardened steel head that is easy to re-sharpen, an ash handle with an orange-painted top and a textile cover, made in Germany.
Watch out: Husqvarna's page does not list length or weight; check the listing before buying.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Lighter all-rounder: Husqvarna Swedish Style Multi-Purpose Axe
Best for: Small-scale felling, limbing and clearing brush
Husqvarna lists it for small-scale tree felling, limbing, branch trimming and clearing bushes, with a leather edge cover and a head secured by wooden and steel wedges.
Watch out: Built for smaller work than a full-size felling axe.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Questions people ask
- What is a felling axe?
- An axe with a thin, sharp bit for cutting across the grain, which Fiskars calls a universal axe, used for felling, limbing and kindling.
- Can you split wood with a felling axe?
- It works poorly; Husqvarna says a felling axe cuts through fibers rather than splitting them, so use a splitting axe for firewood.
- How long should a felling axe handle be?
- Fiskars says the handle should match your arm length when held just below the head; Council Tool's full-size Jersey uses a 36 in handle.
- How heavy is a felling axe head?
- It varies; Council Tool's full-size Jersey felling axe head is about 3.5 lb.
Sources
- 3.5 lbs. Jersey Axe w/ 36 in. Curved Handle (SU35J36C), Council Tool
- German Style Universal Axe, Husqvarna
- Swedish Style Multi-Purpose Axe, Husqvarna
- How to select an axe, Fiskars
- How to chop firewood, Fiskars
- Best axe for splitting wood, Husqvarna