8 best wood chippers

Despite the increasing number of gasified communities, firewood is in steady demand among Russians. Not all homeowners use them as their primary fuel. But for fireplaces, bathhouses and barbecues, dry wood is an indispensable source of fire and hot coals. When making firewood, the cleaver becomes a reliable helper. It is a kind of axe that features a long handle, high weight and a special blade shape. Impact force is important for splitting a log with a single swing. The tool needs to be robust and strong at the same time. Russian stores offer a wide range of domestic and foreign models. They differ in price, design and quality of materials. Recommendations of our experts will help potential buyers to choose an efficient and durable splitter for firewood.

How to choose a cleaver

Design features. Two designs of cleavers are widely available on the market today.

1. A classic axe consists of a cleaver and a handle. Working with a cleaver involves a powerful swing with a large amplitude, there is a risk of the metal part slipping off the axe. That’s why it’s important to check the connection before working. In the case of wooden handles, it is recommended to put the entire shank in water for a couple of hours to swell the wood.
2. With the all-metal construction the axeblade and the cleaver represent a single element. this version of the cleaver remains safe throughout the life of the tool. But the price of a cast axe is higher than its composite counterpart.

Blade shape. Producers offer one of two shapes of blades for the production of firewood choppers.

1. Straight blade design is optimal for chopping dry wood of 20 to 30 cm in diameter.
2. The rounded shape of the blade is characterized by high cutting performance. This chipper will effectively chop resinous and wet logs.

Axe handle length. The cleavers have a wide range of handle lengths (300-900 mm). Buyers need to find the right balance between power and compactness.

1. If the axe will be used exclusively at home, it is better to choose a model with an axe length of 700-900 mm. High impact force to handle the thickest, knotty logs.
2. The axe often travels in the trunk of the car on trips to summer cottages, fishing or picnics. In this case the 300-600 mm long handle looks preferable. This cleaver can easily handle thinner branches (8-15 cm).

Grip material. Composite axes with handles made of several materials.

1. Wooden hatchet is a classic of the genre. For those who prefer the eco-friendly natural material experts recommend to choose birch or ash wood handles.
2. Axes made of a composite synthetic material fiberglass have become a modern alternative to wood. Such handles can withstand high shock loads, have shock-absorbing features, long service life, and are comfortable in the hand.

We have selected the 8 best wood chopping axes in our review. You can buy these axes in specialized Russian stores. When deciding on the placement, expertology editors relied on the opinion of the expert community, taking into account feedback from Russian consumers.

Best cleavers for chopping firewood

FISKARS X25

Rating: 4.9

The Finnish FISKARS X25 firewood chopping axe helps to get real pleasure from chopping firewood. The manufacturer has thought through the design to reduce the time and effort required to shred logs to an absolute minimum. An axe is the best choice for chopping firewood up to 30 cm thick. Experts note a warranty period of 25 years, which indicates the reliability and durability of the tool. Anti-Friction coating, rubberized handle made of fiberglass, plastic sheathing should be given as an asset of the tool. The cleaver is the winner of our review.

Domestic consumers like the ratio of the handle length (774 mm) and the weight of the cleaver (2.4 kg). tool is convenient to use, can be transported safely. Only the high price is one of the drawbacks.

Advantages

• ingenious design;
• comfortable handle;
• 25-year warranty;
• plastic cover.

Disadvantages

• high price.

GARDENA 1600S (8718-48)

Rating: 4.8

The GARDENA Spud Hoe 1600S (8718-48) is very popular in our country. This conclusion was made after analyzing the statistics of reviews on runet. Experts explain the increased interest in the axe by the high quality of manufacture, the reinforced handle and the increased area of the bead. The manufacturer has successfully distributed the weight (1.6 kg), made an ergonomic handle length of 600 mm. The model has an anti-friction coating that provides long term corrosion resistance. Bracket for attaching the cleaver to the wall is included. The tool can handle logs up to 45 cm in diameter. axe takes second place on the podium.

Among the many positive reviews from Russian consumers, high marks prevail for balance and ergonomics. Owners attribute the slippery handle to the disadvantages.

Advantages

• lightness;
• optimal weight distribution;
• ergonomic handle;
• corrosion resistance.

Disadvantages

• slippery handle.

Kraftool X25

Rating: 4.7

Experts consider the German axe cleaver Kraftool X25 a professional tool. The distinctive feature of the axe is the hardened blade that has been double hardened by high-frequency currents. Thanks to the convex wedge, the chopper is easy to remove from the log. For ease of use, the manufacturer has made the handle of the X-Fiber reinforced nylon. This modern material combines the strength of steel with the lightness of plastic. The cleaver weighs 2.45 kg with a 710 mm long handle. Blade securely connected to the axe block making the tool exceptionally safe. The model wins the bronze of our review.

Users have no objections to the efficiency of the splitter, which can cut firewood in all types of wood. Some owners think that the handle is too thick around the shank.

Advantages

• German quality;
• democratic price;
• the reliable connection between the axe-blade and the hatchet;
• corrosion resistance.

Disadvantages

• Thick handle in the curb area.

ATRIOT PA 711

Rating: 4.6

The American PATRIOT PA 711 cleaver is the perfect combination of quality and price. True, it is made in China, but this fact does not reduce the efficiency and reliability of the tool. The base of the axe is a forged steel shank, to increase the strength, the manufacturer has subjected the blade to double hardening. It cuts through wood like butter, thanks to its fine grinding and perfect angle of sharpening. Fiberglass handle has a rubberized grip to prevent slipping. Experts have praised the unique X-Rigid fixing system that securely connects the axe blades to the butt.

Most users praise the splitter’s lightness and ease of operation. They consider the price to be reasonable. But after chopping, the blade shows small scratches.

Advantages

• good quality;
• affordable price;
• ergonomic handle;
• sharp sharpening.

Disadvantages

• scratches on the blade appear.

MATRIX 21822

Rating: 4.5

The MATRIX stone chisel 21822 is a threat to all chocks. It can be a knotty birch or a thick pine tree. Heavy weight (4,775 kg) and long grip (900 mm) for a powerful chopping action. For production of the cleaver the manufacturer used high quality steel 65G. The hardness of the blade is 50 HRc. The axe is made of fiberglass that does not swell or shrink. There are rubberized inserts to prevent the hands from slipping while working. The model is optimal for sturdy tall men who can handle a carload of firewood in a couple of hours.

Domestic customers are satisfied with the excellent design, efficiency, quality materials. There are some minor drawbacks, for example, the handle is not protected from damage around the shank.

Advantages

• reasonable price;
• high power;
• high-quality materials;
• perfect design.

Disadvantages

• handle is not protected near the buttstock.

Gross 21500

Rating: 4.4

The lightest and most compact chopper Gross 21500 is at the bottom of the top 6 of our review. The tool with handle weighs only 1,148 kg, handle length is limited to 360 mm. Experts note the one-piece construction, which provides safety during work. The model is not only suitable for making firewood, but also for carpentry and joinery work. The German developers took U8A tool steel as a base; protection against corrosion is ensured by a paint-and-lacquer coating. blade has hardness of 45-60 HRc, sharpened at 30° angle. Vents in the three-piece handle are made for comfortable grip.

According to the users, the strong points of the cleaver are lightness, compactness, and a convenient handle. Not all owners are happy with the sharpening angle.

Advantages

• Solid construction;
• lightness and compactness;
• comfortable handle;
• solid blade.

Disadvantages

• unusual sharpening.

VICHR K2700F

Rating: 4.3

Among budget cleavers, the Russian-made VIKHR K2700F is the most noteworthy. With a curb weight of 2.7 kg and a length of the handle of 900 mm, the axe is capable of solving the most difficult problems. Hardness of the blade is 48-52 HRc, high durability is due to forged tool steel. The back side is equipped with anvil, which increases the efficiency and precision of chopping. Axe is made of fiberglass that not only does not swell and not decay, but also dampens impact. Prevents slipping of the hand on the grip rubber ring. Experts note the quality of the assembly and the reliable connection between the shank and the handle.

Russian consumers are flattered by the workmanship, good balance, and ergonomic handle. The disadvantages are the displacement of the ring on the hatchet.

Advantages

• high efficiency;
• solid hard steel;
• ergonomic handle;
• good balance.

Disadvantages

• The ring on the axe moves.

ZUBR 20616-10

Rating: 4.2

The ZUBR 20616-10 axe cleaver stands out against the competition at the lowest cost. The product has a modern appearance and is made from quality materials. Thanks to forging steel 55 manufacturer managed to get a hard blade, sharp sharpening allows you to easily split firewood. The axe combines low weight (1.4 kg) and compact dimensions (430 mm). The two-piece axe is ergonomic, sturdy and lightweight. An anti-friction coating is applied to the steel surface to protect it from corrosion and to reduce friction. The model closes the review of the best firewood choppers.

Domestic consumers love the affordable price, the modern look, the comfortable handle. The disadvantage of the tool is loosening of the axe mount.

Advantages

• Lightness and compactness;
• low price;
• modern design;
• quality materials.

Disadvantages

• axe fixing loosens quickly.