Axe head types at a glance
Axe heads differ mainly in shape, weight and edge geometry, and each is shaped for a task: felling trees, splitting wood, light camp work or shaping timber. The common types are felling axes, splitting axes and mauls, hatchets and hand axes, and broad axes for hewing.
Parts of an axe head
- Bit (blade): the cutting edge.
- Cheek: the sides of the head behind the edge.
- Poll: the flat back of the head, sometimes used for striking.
- Eye: the hole in which the handle sits.
A thin, narrow profile cuts across wood fibres, while a thick wedge-like profile forces fibres apart.
Felling axe
A felling axe has a relatively thin, sharp bit and typically a longer handle. It is designed to cut across the grain and take bites out of a trunk. Head weights vary by model, so check the specific product.
Splitting axe and maul
A splitting axe has a wedge-shaped head, thicker behind the edge, to push wood apart along the grain. A splitting maul is heavier, with a broader poll that can be struck with a sledge or used with wedges. Mauls rely on weight, so they suit large, tough rounds. If you split a lot, a machine may be easier; see types of log splitters.
Hatchets and hand axes
Hatchets are small, one-handed axes for kindling, camp tasks and light bushcraft. Hand axes and “boy’s axes” sit between a hatchet and a full axe, with a slightly longer handle. They are portable, though less effective for larger trees.
Broad axes and hewing axes
A broad axe has a wide blade, often with a flat or single-bevelled edge, used for hewing logs flat when squaring timber. Carpenter’s axes and some carving axes follow similar ideas at smaller scale. These are specialist tools and not general-purpose.
Other common patterns
Regional patterns, such as the Pulaski, combine an axe blade with a grubbing tool (adze) head, and are used in firefighting and trail work. Double-bit axes have two edges, often with one kept sharper than the other. Names and designs vary by maker and country.
Axe versus hatchet
A hatchet is a small, one-handed axe. An axe is longer, two-handed and heavier, with more power per swing. Hatchets are easier to carry; axes are better for felling and splitting.
Choosing an axe head
| Task | Typical head |
|---|---|
| Felling small trees | Felling axe |
| Splitting firewood | Splitting axe or maul |
| Kindling and camp use | Hatchet |
| Squaring timber | Broad axe |
Use a head that fits the handle and your strength, keep the edge sharp and wear protective footwear and eye protection. For the wider range of tools used on trees, see tree cutting tools and their names.
FAQ
Do they use real axes in axe throwing? Throwing venues commonly use axes or hatchet-style throwing axes designed for the sport; rules differ by venue.
What are the different types of hand axes? Hatchets, camp axes, carpenter’s hatchets and small felling or splitting hand axes.