5 Things to Consider When Buying a Survival Axe

Whether you’re hoping to cut branches, chop firewood, prepare meals, or protect your family from wildlife, a survival axe can be the solution to all your camping-related woes. Unlike other camping safety devices and market alternatives, an axe is an easy-to-handle, lightweight, and multipurpose tool for campers, ranging from beginners to experts.

As a consumer, you’ll often face the challenge of having to select a solitary product from a crowd of its competitors. While the free-market competition allows you to benefit from lower prices, it doesn’t make the product selection process any easier.

Once you head out in search of a good survival axe, you’ll likely encounter a variety of options in all shapes and sizes. For the best results, only purchase products from reputable outdoor retailers like Self Reliance Outfitters. There are dozens of name brands that can accommodate any budget type. As a camping enthusiast, your primary task is to find the one that best suits your needs at a price you’re willing to pay.

Before you plan your next camping trip, you’ll want to think about the hunting/camping supplies you’ll need. For those interested in saving time whenever possible, here are five things to consider when shopping for a survival axe.

Axe Design

The design of an axe will determine how easy it is to use. For instance, the weight of the ax determines how effortless it is to swing the axe. An axe made aluminum and wood would likely weigh a lot less than an axe made of steel or iron. A lighter model would undoubtedly be easier to use for big jobs, requiring hours of uninterrupted labor.

Another essential factor to consider before finalizing a decision is the shape of the ax head. A more massive head will allow you to cover more of the wood surface as you chop/split it. The axe’s length will also determine how much force you can apply per swing, as longer handles provide more leverage.

Availability of complementary accessories

Typically, an axe owner will need to purchase the three main accessories: a heath (head cover), a utility belt for carrying, and a sharpener.

By definition, a sheath is an accessory designed to protect your survival ax from any cost-incurring damages that may interfere with its functionality. You might have to buy one separately since most axes don’t come with one readily available. Popular sheath materials include vinyl and leather. If you spend a lot of time outdoors exposed to elements like rain and snow, vinyl would be your best option.

For those unfamiliar with axe-related products, a utility belt is an accessory a camper will have to purchase separately. Your choices would include a belt designed explicitly for ax carrying or a multipurpose utility belt that contains slots for other tools and camping equipment.

The best way to care for your survival axe is to make sure it stays razor-sharp for maximum effectiveness and efficiency. At home, you might already have an electric sharpening device for knives and axes. This mechanism will suffice while you’re at home. When you are out in the woods or on the hunt, you’ll need a portable sharpening device. The best option for on-the-go use would be a whetstone – also known as a sharpening stone.

User’s physique

As you contemplate buying a survival ax, you’ll want to factor in the primary user(s) and their build(s). If the intended users are smaller in stature, it would be best to opt for a small axe made of lighter materials. Conversely, a long-handle ax made of heavier materials would be a better fit for a user who’s larger in stature.

Intended use

Survival axes have two primary uses: chopping and splitting of wood. If you’re out camping and want to build a small shelter or chop firewood, your goal should be to tackle the project without straining your arm muscles. In such a situation with a high demand for cut wood, a short handle axe would probably be best suited for chopping small brush.

If you find yourself in a densely wooded area, you might want a long handle ax. This option would be ideal for clearing larger trees. A long handle ax is ideal for splitting larger pieces of brush or wood into smaller pieces.

Price

If your top contenders rank evenly in all other categories, your decision might come down to price. In that case, you should be able to find a survival axe that meets your expectations within any price range. As a rule of thumb, remember that you get what you pay for when you buy a survival axe. Should you choose to invest in a more expensive model, anticipate better shock absorption and cleaner cuts.

Final thoughts

When it comes time to chop firewood for the evening’s festivities, you’ll want a reliable tool that will help you complete the task-at-hand in no time. With its multi-purpose features, a survival axe could be your next camping or hunting trip must-have.