Whether you’re practicing your axe-throwing skills or you need to cut enough wood to last for an entire winter, buy only the best axes made in the USA. Our list features USA-made axes that are durable and strong, plus they last forever.

About USA-Made Axes

My daughter-in-law attended an axe-throwing party and was immediately hooked on the sport. Believing she wasn’t very good at it, she asked someone to build a practice board for her at home. After buying her first axe and honing her throwing skills, she’s become an axe-throwing machine!

Although axe-throwing venues remain relatively new, axe-throwing competitions are not. Neither is the axe itself.

The axe has been around for literally thousands of years, and it arguably remains a household staple tool. From cutting small tree limbs to chopping wood, making campfire kindling to downing trees and more, look for the best-made axe that caters to the way you’ll be using it.

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What to Look for in The Best American Made Axe

Handle: Look for an American hickory handle. American hickory wood makes the strongest, most durable handles.

Head: The head, where the blade is, should be made from American forged carbon steel.

Weight: For the newcomer, the axe handle should weigh around three pounds, and you can work your way up to heavier weights.

Size: Handles come in two lengths: full-size (also known as the felling handle), and the shorter handle, also known as the “boy’s axe.” Choose shorter handles for more efficient cutting; that means around 31 inches for a long handle and 28 inches for the boy’s axe, based on someone whose height is around six feet.

What to look for in the the best American made Axe via USALoveList.com

Common Types of Axes

Dozens of types of axes are made for a variety of uses, but this article focuses primarily on household uses.

Hatchet: A small hand axe used for throwing. It’s also used for cutting and splitting wood.

Felling Axe: A long-handled axe used for splitting wood. This is one of the most popular axes today.

Forest Axe: A large tool for cutting larger trees into smaller pieces of wood.

Grub Axe: Similar to a mattock, this hand tool is used in gardening.

Hudson Bay Axe: A medium-sized axe used for chopping firewood. It’s also an ideal size for taking on camping trips.

Hunting Axe: A specialty axe used for cutting both wood and meat, including the process of skinning an animal.

Splitting Maul: A heavy, long-handled splitting tool with a sledgehammer on one side of the head and a concave-shaped axe on the other side. It’s used for splitting wood along the grain.

Tactical Axe: A versatile, lightweight axe used in a variety of situations.

Throwing Axe: A small axe with a longer handle that's used in throwing games.

Tomahawk: A general-purpose axe originally made by North America’s indigenous peoples. It’s lighter than a hatchet and also has a more streamlined head.

If we don't feature one of these types in our list below, head on over to the company's website to see whether or not they make it.

Why Buy An Axe Made in the United States

Axes made from mass production are inferior in quality because, by nature, they're not assessed individually. Hand-forged axes, on the other hand, are quality tools that last a lifetime.

The highest quality axe costs more because it's made better and is made with the best materials. Spend a little extra upfront and buy an axe you’ll have forever as opposed to buying an axe that’s going to break.

The best steel is high carbon steel made in the USA. Many of the less expensive versions made overseas have heads made from products made of lesser-quality steel. The steel may have originated from other products, such as vehicles or equipment.

The best-made axes have handles made from hickory wood, whereas big box stores carry plastic handles. The wood’s grain should run parallel to the axe head.

Also, the handles should be plain, not varnished, and cared for by rubbing linseed oil. Varnished and painted handles tend to reduce friction and increase slippage. You don’t want your axe to slip out of your hands!

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How To Care for Your Axe

  • Before using any axe, inspect it for signs of damage.
  • Make sure the handle and head are not loose.
  • Sharpen the blade before using, and use linseed oil on the handle.
  • After using your axe, wipe off dirt, sap, or other moisture.
  • Practice safe chopping, and above all else, store away from children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place.

Do you know of a company that makes axes in the USA but isn't on our list? Be sure to let us know by leaving a comment below. We'll check it out! As always, thank you for buying made in the USA.

Best Axes Made in the USA

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